Stigma attached to EP

I've had EP for 25 years and wanted to make this comment;

"If a qualified person is not hired or is terminated from employment as a result of a seizure condition, it is considered a form of descrimination and a violation of your Human Rights" resulting in a hefty fine or  jail time to the employer as per the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The employer must provide adequate work accommodations and/or special needs required to do the job.

My bosses thought that I was putting it on so I wouldn't have to do certain things.

Through my employer (Government of Canada) they finally sent me to a "neuro/psyc" to examine me and DOCUMENT what I can/can't do.

I don't know where you're from but I'm from Canada and we have the right to request this type of exam, in MY case it was my employer that requested it.

As a result of it being documented, my employer sent the results to "Health Canada" and since the job was being illiminated, the report showed that "as a result of the long term use of the meds, I could not learn new tasks "and requested that I go on DISABILITY and then medical retirement.

That proved to my employer that I was telling the truth all along  and NOT FAKING IT.

Randy (Ontario, Canada)

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I am sorry to hear this also. I hear it way to often. I wish people were more accepting.  It is so very good that you know all of your rights.

In the past year since my dx, I couldn't have been more fortunate of the people around me. Everyone loves me at work so much. After we established that I was an excellent worker then I let them know. Even classmates and my teacher were not phased. People mostly want to know what to do for me in the case that I do have a seizure. But I have only been dx'ed a year ago and I normally do not have seizures during the day. I feel for you.
Take care

Hi,

I don't have Epilepsy, but as a Human Resources professional, I just want to make sure you all know that in the US, due to the Americans with Disabilities act, an employer can't fail to hire you or terminate you because you have Epilepsy. As long as you can perform what are called the "essential functions" of the job, they can't discriminate against you. "Essential Functions" are basically the duties and roles listed in the job description. If you can perform the essential functions, but need an accommodation for your disease/disability, the employer must make the accommodation unless it would constitute an "unreasonable hardship" (usually meaning too much money). 

Hope that helps!