If you had a spinal cord injury and were ready to go back to work, would you tell your employer (or go back to work early)?

Simply use the application on line to explain that with accommodations you are able to do the job as required.
As previously stated they cannot discriminate against you due to your disability but this is not something you need to bring up in the interview.
The company is required by law to make accommodations for you in order for you to be able to work. They are minor accommodations, and if the company doesn't make them, you may then Sue based on the Americans with disability act. Don't bring it up in the interview, it's none of their business until youre hired. Then let them know what you need in order to do the job. I would make certain to get a an offer letter from the company and have it signed by the company and yourself prior to starting the job. Please send me a message if you have additional questions. I have a degree in HR management. Once again they cannot discriminate against you, but if you give them reason to, they will not hire you.

CPL Beth Allsop - can background health records effect people years later no matter if under disability or regular worker, also if someone becomes management should that person get their own health coverage . hr degree verse out in apparent normal workforce. just a query for the lady above whom posted.

Emerald S.
I'm not quite sure I fully understand the question.
But here is my best guess at what you're asking. Some companies want you to accept their insurance so much so that if you have another policy, and deny the companies offer, they will fine you. In other cases such as where I work now it is not an issue for me to have insurance under my domestic partner rather than taking the companies insurance I work for because his policy is better.

Bottom line I have been laid off before due to high insurance costs for a company. When the layoff Analysis was distributed throughout the company, we took a look at the ages and the departments of the people being laid off, and could tell that everyone being laid off had a high insurance costs. Such as a person with a car accident, a person with a liver transplant, an individual that had six children, the list went on. So yes eventually a company can decide to "lay you off" for whatever reason they deem necessary.
But you also have to look at the size of the company you're going to work for, whether or not your insurance costs can be absorbed by that company without any major hit to the companies profits etc. there are basically a lot of things that come into play. My phone number is [login to see] . I am available in the evening between 9 PM and 10:30 PM CST, I could probably explain this a whole lot clearer over the phone with the back-and-forth question and answer session. But as I said previously, there is no reason for her to tell that company that she has a disability upfront.
There is also no such thing as a medical background check, they will simply see her costs of insurance based on their policy renewal.

would an employer have to state job requirement ,and then as an employer see if those job requirements fit in with a person with a disability. some buildings have limited access for wheelchair usage which would also limit how one can move around a building thus harder for the employer to revamp their building. if you maybe required by law as noted above then employers may know that too and just not hire or word their job requirements . just trying to consider someone with spinal injury a lot of less compounding approaches to the workplace . thank you both above.

I can do that

Ive not worked in 2 1/2 yrs. When filling out the application, it asks if you are disabled, how, and if you are a protective veteran or do you choose not to respond. Im finishing up my masters degree in may and i am currently looking to go back to work. I have 2 interviews next week. I dont know how to approach the situation or answer the questions. All i know is im ready to go back to work. I do know my limitations and what happens when I over do it. I think they should know because somedays it very obvious and other days it is not

First I want to congratulate you for finishing up your Masters degree. That is a milestone! Also best of luck on your interviews.

This is Raul's opinion. Go to the interview, show them your personality, and win the job. If something happens at work where you can't lift, it is ok to say "unfortunately I can't help you lift because of a back injury" Just an example.

I relate to your situation as I broke my back several times in the Army, went through a medical board, managed to stay in, retired and enter the civilian workforce. Bumpy road I will admit.

Some bosses are really good about taking care of their good employed. My previous boss was awesome and even purchased a standing desk.

I would go to work. If something comes up that may affect your back, then that is the time to have the conversation. Again, my opinion.

SGT Elizabeth Elliott - does the military ask the same , even during recruiting

Emerald S - this possible opinion may cause a ruckus ... does the military recruit disabled or offer work place to those that may unfortunately become into the disability claim/ that is somewhat different than civi jobs / the wording of disability verse some one that then gets injured on that work place eg"civi can be labor intensive and costly with not much outcome even after years of strife within the civi world . it is ugly games and total endurance on top of where one is under the claim of pre disabled or spinal injury from workplace ... if one potential employer is a concern , while job search to other potential employers show similar concern or avoidance ,which may also included a legal aspect to everyone of potential employers ...... gasp' endurance , tolerance , and guts to cope through that. ... civi or not .filed disability or not just spinal injury at workplace... there is so many concerns with the spine and how it effects the body over timelines.. it is still your call of what your available and feel up to styles if work which may be just wonderful for you. that is all yours and your choice .... some stuff is just to long a haul even if a legit legal approach ,, civi or not. live well find a masters approach (or is there a masteress ~ moot point /w e l l ~ that could be funny partly.. HEY EVERYONE ! THIS GAL IS ASKING FOR A JOB ! with a fair minded employer ...S.O.S help her out , i ' m way to far north ~ west nw

It has already happened. Of course they are not going to admit

Ive been recovering for about 2 1/2 yrs from a spinal cord injury sustained while on active duty. My civilian doctor/surgeon/neurologist thinks I could handle a part time job as long as there is not lifting involved. I will have a masters degree may 5 in public administration policy analysis. I think I can handle writing public policy or even being a grant writer. I just want to get my life back to normal as possible. I have been passed up for internships with this degree because I told the employer. Of course they are not going to come out and say that but i was asked the same question numerous times about the injury but worded differently. So I am not sure if I should say something to an anticipated employer or not. I currently receive va benefits only. I have had people say tell them, people say dont tell them, and people say just tell them you can do the job

You have already felt and seen the results of discrimination. But you have also done 'ok' for the past 2 1/2 yrs recovering, going to school, daily life, family, friends, etc so you should be able to know your limits. An administrative type job such as you describe might fit the bill. I am not an 'expert' by any stretch of the imagination and do not want to give you bum scoop advice.

SGT Elizabeth Elliott - Look into jobs where you work at home. If you prove yourself you can move up as just as quickly as your counterparts in the office settings. There are some down sides to work at home one is you don't have interface time with the boss.