At WVU, we strive to produce world-class research, healthcare, economic initiatives and the next generation of educated world citizens. Mountaineers really do go first; however, many of us do so with a disability that impacts our daily lives.
While there may be visual and other sensory cues to some individuals’ disabilities, millions of Americans live with hidden or invisible disabilities that aren’t readily apparent to others. People with hidden disabilities can face disbelief from others and sometimes struggle to receive recognition or acknowledgment of their disability.
If you are a WVU employee with a disability — hidden or otherwise — and need to request accommodation, WVU’s ADA Coordinator Jill Hess is available to help you navigate accommodations and access at the University.
A few examples of hidden or invisible disabilities include:
ADD/ADHD.
chronic fatigue syndrome.
cystic fibrosis.
diabetes.
Lyme disease.
Epilepsy.
HIV/AIDS.
PTSD.
Dyslexia.
traumatic brain injury.
If you are a WVU employee with a hidden disability or other disability and would like to share your “I Count” feature story, the Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action team wants to hear from you. Contact us at EqualOpportunity@mail.wvu.edu.
If you are a WVU employee with a disability, you are also invited to self-identify. Self-identifying is voluntary, confidential, and easy.
Visit www.portal.wvu.edu and log in using your WVU credentials.
Select the “MyHR” tab on the left side of the screen.
Select “Disability Status.”
Enter your information and select “Submit.”