Jobseekers with a disability are often asked to declare it, but more firms are moving away from just ‘ticking the box’

For Leanne Del Toso, being hired for her skill set rather than her disability made her feel empowered.

But in the past, she said ticking that box “made her feel insignificant as a human being” and her disability became “the highlight of who I am”.

“I am not ashamed of being a disabled woman, in fact I am very proud,” she said.

But she said she was careful how she answered questions when applying for jobs, as people could have preconceived ideas about what disability means, looks and feels like to others.

A corporate social responsibility administrator at a major health insurer, the Paralympian silver medal winner said she only ticked the disability box if it was part of the criteria for actually doing the job.

It is an experience faced by…