Psych5121

I'm applying to clinical psychology PhD programs. When writing about how I will contribute to diversity, I'm tempted to discuss (along with my educational emphasis on neuropsychology and my participation in my current program's diversity counsel) how I overcame academic obstacles with my disability. Also, it first began during undergrad and would also "explain away" my dip in grades at that time. While it's great to be able to emphasize how I am a part of a minority population and can help to fill that quota, I've also been told to never disclose disability status because it tends to be discriminated against. Especially because the nature of my disability is progressive, even though I will soon have a MA, it is very possible that others might assume that I can be a liability and unlikely to be able to keep up with the rigor of graduate work for a PhD. Anyone have experience with this? Any insight?

Would a skirt that hits no higher than right above the knees come across as "less serious" or "too girly"? I am a feminine looking person and always wear appropriate skirts/dresses to work(MA grad student) because I feel most comfortable in them. However, some peers have given me feedback that my feminine appearance can cause others to take me less seriously as an academic professional. Thoughts?

I've read multiple articles that say that reaching out to a professor can come across as annoying if you even so much as as a question that would require them to respond because they're so busy. How do you recommend phrasing an email to a professor you'd like to meet with that doesn't sound pushy/annoying?