Talking about stammering is good. But is 'disclosing' a stammer the right term to use? At STAMMA's Employment Support Service, we spend lots of time thinking about how employers and organisations can create more comfortable working environments for their staff who stammer. A starting point for many is understanding that some of their staff stammer. But employers are not always very good at encouraging employees to tell them about it. The term 'disclosing' is used a lot in this context. But do we really want to disclose that we stammer? Let's be clear we're focusing on the word 'disclose' here. This isn't a discussion on being open about stammering. A lot of research has been done on the benefits of telling other people that you stammer. Telling others can help make you feel more comfortable, knowing that the listener is aware you stammer. Dr. Courtney Byrd, Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of Texas, found that the act of 'self-disclosing' a stammer can have a positive effect on the way the listener views you1, as she mentions in this brief YouTube clip. The term disclosure is used all over the place. It's especially obvious around the world of work, where we're asked to 'disclose' information at application and interview stages, then for employee data collection, etc. The word makes numerous appearances across STAMMA's website, too, for example our page on Job-hunting & Interviews, and Natasha's Your Voice piece 'Disclosing my disability at work'. Problematic? But the more we think about that term 'disclose', or its sibling 'disclosure', the more we wonder if the word carries a lot of baggage. Especially following our 2020 campaign Find the Right Words, where we challenged the negative descriptions usually used around stammering. Does 'disclosing' something sound like a shameful admission? According to dictionaries, 'disclose' means to reveal something that's hidden. Is that a great fit with stammering? Perhaps it applies superficially if we stammer covertly. Though when our stammering is obvious, telling someone about it isn't exactly revealing a secret. Some might argue that disclosure is a neutral word meaning simply to reveal information that wasn't previously known. But it might also have less positive connotations — like when a politician might be pressured into disclosing fines for tax avoidance, or forced into disclosing former scandals while running for office. Does 'disclosing' something sound like a shameful admission? There's certainly a sense that it is telling others about something big and important. It's also quite a formal, legalistic word. What's the alternative? So, we've been considering and compiling some alternatives. For example: Disclose and alternative phrasesWhat impression does it give? DiscloseFormal. Telling a big, or even shameful, secret TellFactual, low-key, straightforward Make awareDitto, but wordier ShareHas a sense of empathy InformFormal — a bit less formal than 'disclose' Self-advertiseIt's our choice MentionCasual, in passing DeclarePublic announcement, formal Put on recordFormal Let you knowInformal There's no single best choice. If we, as people who stammer, are instigating the conversation, it will depend on the circumstances and what we're trying to convey to the listener. It will also depend on how comfortable we feel talking about stammering, how obvious our stammer might be, and on our mood on the day. It's our choice. We might decide 'disclosure' best fits the occasion. But it's good to have in mind alternatives if it doesn't feel right. And if an employer, university, or any other organisation is making a request, we'd urge them to consider if there's more appropriate language they can use before asking in a knee-jerk way for 'disclosure' of personal information. It might make a big difference to putting people at ease. Going forward, here at STAMMA we're going to think twice before using the word 'disclose' on the website. Our gut reaction is we'll typically opt for 'tell' — it's brief and to the point. After all, it's only about letting someone know we stammer. No big deal. What do you think? We'd love to hear your opinion. If you want to write a Your Voice article on the topic, even better. Email us at editor@stamma.org 1 Byrd C, et al, (2017), The Effects of Self-Disclosure on Male and Female Perceptions of Individual Who Stutter, pubmed.gov

Neurodiversity 101: From “disclosure” to “sharing needs”: shifting language, shifting power... The word disclosure comes from the Latin disclaudere — “to unclose” or “open up what was shut”. It entered English in the 14th century and has long implied revealing something hidden, private, or sensitive. In workplaces we are expecting people to reveal things about ourselves - when sometimes we are not ready, or not know what to say,.. or what to ask for... In medicine, law, and psychology, disclosure became the accepted term for revealing a diagnosis or condition. But in the neurodiversity world, it’s worth pausing to ask: what are we really saying when we use this word? the weight behind the word “Disclosure” can suggest: A power imbalance – where one person must justify or explain themselves - some people feel under pressure to say something but may not be ready to do so. A sense of risk or vulnerability - some people may have had poor past experiences and be concerned about the impact of 'revealing' they are neurodivergent. While sometimes necessary (for example, in requesting reasonable adjustments), the word can unintentionally medicalise identity and labelling something that is far more complex or imply that differences are something to confess. It may actually miss out on crucial information or may mean somebody else make assumptions about our skills!! Neuroinclusive workplaces and communities are starting to shift away from “disclosure” to more person-centred terms.Let’s keep evolving how we speak—because the words we choose signal whether we’re inviting people in, or keeping systems shut.

In the realm of safeguarding and child protection, the term "disclosure" holds profound significance. It refers to the act of a child or vulnerable individual revealing information about abuse, neglect, or exploitation they have experienced or witnessed. The process of disclosure plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing instances of harm, providing avenues for intervention, support, and justice. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted nature of disclosure within the context of safeguarding and child protection, examining its importance, challenges, and implications for effective intervention and prevention strategies. Disclosure represents a critical juncture in the safeguarding process, where victims or witnesses of abuse take the courageous step of sharing their experiences with trusted individuals or authorities. It can occur in various settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, social services, or within familial or community contexts. The act of disclosure often requires overcoming barriers such as fear, shame, guilt, or concerns about retaliation, emphasising the significance of creating safe and supportive environments where individuals feel empowered to speak out. For children and vulnerable individuals, the decision to disclose abuse or neglect can be fraught with uncertainty and vulnerability. They may fear disbelief, blame, or repercussions from perpetrators, complicating the disclosure process. Additionally, cultural, linguistic, or developmental factors may influence how individuals communicate their experiences, highlighting the importance of adopting sensitive and inclusive approaches to facilitate effective disclosure. Professionals working within safeguarding and child protection settings play a crucial role in facilitating disclosure and responding appropriately to reports of abuse or neglect. They must be trained to recognise signs of abuse, create trusting relationships with children and vulnerable individuals, and implement protocols for handling disclosures sensitively and ethically. Effective communication skills, active listening, and empathy are essential components of supporting individuals who disclose abuse or neglect. Professionals must prioritise the well-being and safety of the victim while adhering to legal and ethical obligations regarding confidentiality, reporting, and intervention. By fostering a culture of openness, trust, and non-judgemental support, professionals can encourage disclosures and initiate the necessary steps to safeguard individuals from further harm. Despite its critical importance, the disclosure of abuse or neglect can be fraught with challenges and complexities. Victims may experience hesitancy or reluctance to disclose due to fear of repercussions, distrust of authorities, or cultural norms that discourage speaking out about sensitive issues. Moreover, perpetrators may employ tactics such as intimidation, manipulation, or grooming to prevent disclosure or discredit victims' accounts. Additionally, the process of disclosing abuse or neglect may have significant emotional and psychological ramifications for victims, exacerbating feelings of trauma, anxiety, or distress. Therefore, it is essential to provide comprehensive support services, including counselling, advocacy, and access to medical and legal resources, to address the holistic needs of individuals who disclose abuse or neglect. Furthermore, professionals must navigate ethical dilemmas and legal obligations when responding to disclosures, balancing the rights and safety of the victim with considerations of due process and confidentiality. They must adhere to established safeguarding protocols, reporting requirements, and multidisciplinary collaboration frameworks to ensure a coordinated and effective response to disclosures of abuse or neglect. The process of disclosure serves as a critical catalyst for intervention, enabling authorities to initiate investigations, protect victims from further harm, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Timely and appropriate responses to disclosures can prevent the escalation of abuse, mitigate its impact on victims, and promote healing and recovery. Moreover, effective safeguarding and prevention strategies must go beyond responding reactively to disclosures and focus on creating proactive measures to identify and mitigate risks of abuse or neglect. This includes implementing robust safeguarding policies and procedures, providing comprehensive training for professionals and caregivers, and promoting awareness and education within communities about the signs, impacts, and prevention of abuse. In conclusion, the term "disclosure" holds profound significance within the realm of safeguarding and child protection, representing the courageous act of individuals coming forward to share their experiences of abuse or neglect. Understanding the complexities and challenges inherent in the disclosure process is essential for professionals working within safeguarding settings to facilitate effective responses, support victims, and prevent further harm. By prioritising the creation of safe and supportive environments, implementing comprehensive safeguarding protocols, and promoting awareness and education, society can empower individuals to disclose abuse or neglect, facilitate intervention and support, and work towards preventing future instances of harm.

Put simply, a disclosure happens when: The adult communicates that they have been (or are worried they may be) abused or neglected; or Any other person reveals that they have seen an incident of abuse or neglect, or found evidence that indicates it may be, or is occurring. A disclosure can be verbal, but can also be written (for example a text, email or letter). A disclosure can relate to abuse that is happening now, may happen in the future or has happened in the past (historical).

For the purpose of this guidance, disclosure is defined as any occasion when an adult or child who has experienced or perpetrated domestic violence or abuse informs a health or social care worker or any other third party.