ON the subject of “Disabled staff cover up condition” (TES, July 18), teachers are only “handicapped” by archaic attitudes and failure to make “reasonable adjustments”, so that they may do their job effectively.
The reason for covering up disabilities is simple: teachers are still marginalised and seen to have limited prospects.
If the judiciary can agree with a headteacher that despite using a stick because of a spinal injury, nobody could have known I was disabled, then what point is there in being upfront with less obvious or hidden disabilities?
Until more disabled students and teachers fight back through the Disability Rights Commission, and the Disability Discrimination Act is enforced, then sadly nothing will change.
D Jansen. 465 Wickham Road. Shirley, Croydon
