Helpful guide: How to talk to your employer about your National Assistance Card

Disclosing your disability to your employer is a personal choice. Some people choose to share that information to help make sure their needs at work are understood and supported.

It can feel difficult to talk about disability in the workplace, especially if your disability isn’t visible to others.

This is where tools like the National Assistance Card can help, making these conversations easier by clearly and respectfully explaining your support needs.

One of the benefits of the Card is that it's there to support cardholders when they need it – whether you’re starting a new job, returning to work, or simply want to make your current workplace more inclusive. We've compiled a few practical tips for introducing your National Assistance Card to your employer with confidence. These include:

• find the right time and setting
• let the Card help speak for you
• talk about what support in the workplace looks like
• discuss privacy and boundaries
• keep the conversation going

Find the right time and setting for conversation

While everyone's needs are different, looking for a quiet, private moment – perhaps during a scheduled check-in, performance review, or over a coffee break – is a great start.

This should be a time and place where you feel comfortable and the setting allows for an open, respectful discussion.

You also don’t have to go into all the details.

Let your employer know you’d like to share something that can help them better support you at work.

Helpful Tip: You could start the conversation with: “I’d like to share something that helps explain my support needs. It’s called the National Assistance Card.”

Let the Card help speak for you

The National Assistance Card is designed to help with communication, whether that's in a big or small way.

You can choose what information about your disability to print on the card. In a personal profile linked to the QR code, you can explain what the impacts mean for you and how you would like to be assisted – in writing or by making a short video.

The Card can take the pressure off explaining everything verbally and repeatedly, especially if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about how much to share.

Talk about what support looks like for you

Before starting the conversation, it can help to think about what support means for you at work.

Your National Assistance Card might include examples like needing extra time to process verbal instructions, preferring written communication, or working best in a quieter environment.

Helpful Tip: Keep the conversation focused on what helps you work at your best. For example, you might say, “I find it really helpful to receive instructions in writing – this keeps me focused and helps me manage my time effectively.”

Discuss privacy and boundaries

It’s also important to remember that it is completely up to you how much you share – and with whom.

You can let your employer know if you’d prefer the information to remain confidential or if you’re comfortable with relevant team members being aware of your support needs.

Setting these boundaries early can help you feel more in control of your work environment and reduce anxiety about disclosure.

Keep the conversation going

Your needs might change over time, especially if your role evolves or if new challenges come up.

It’s okay to revisit the conversation. In fact, doing so shows that you’re proactive and committed to maintaining a productive work environment.

Let your employer know that you’re open to regular check-ins or updates as needed. This helps keep the support relevant and useful.

Remember that information on your National Assistance Card and the personal profile linked to the QR code can also be updated.

Helpful Tip: Try saying, “Would it be okay if we have a follow-up chat in a few weeks to see how things are going?”

In conclusion...

Talking about your disability and support needs in the workplace may feel daunting at first, but tools like the National Assistance Card can make it a little easier.

By providing clear, personalised information, the Card helps you advocate for yourself in a professional and respectful way.

Using the Card can open the door to more inclusive communication, better understanding, and stronger support from your employer.

Over time, it can also contribute to a more accessible and informed workplace culture – not just for you, but for others too.

What Is the National Assistance Card?

The National Assistance Card is a personalised card that helps people with disability or health conditions quickly and clearly explain the support they need. The Card can be used in everyday situations, at work, or in an emergency.

1. Pick the Right Time

Find a quiet moment – during a check-in, a performance review, or even a casual chat – where you feel safe and heard.

2. Use the Card to Support Your Voice

You choose what to include on your Card, in your own words. It’s there to help you explain your support needs.

3. Be Clear About What Helps

Talk about practical supports that help you thrive at work – like written instructions or quieter spaces.

4. Set Privacy Boundaries

It’s your choice how much to share and with whom. Be clear about what you’re comfortable with.

5. Keep the Conversation Open

Support needs can change. Suggest regular check-ins to make sure everything still works for you.

Tips & Ideas

• Start simply:
  “I’d like to share something that helps explain my support needs. It’s called the National Assistance Card.”
  
• Let the card lead:
  “This Card explains how to best support me in the workplace.”
  
• Offer examples:
  “I work best when I receive instructions in writing.”
  
• Set boundaries:
  “I’d prefer this information stays between us unless there’s a need to involve others.”
  
• Follow up:
  “Can we check in again in a few weeks to see how things are going?”