Epilepsy Talk
Epilepsy and Your Job | February 13, 2010
Below is a fascinating article about epilepsy and employment, written by the Robert S. Fisher, M.D., Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief of epilepsy.com.
Basically, what he says is: ”Most people with epilepsy can and do work, but having epilepsy doesn’t make it any easier, especially in the current economic climate. What do you need to disclose when you apply for a job? What are your rights if you are let go because of seizures or your employer’s fear of you having a seizure? Are there some jobs that you cannot do?”
For the answers, click on http://my.epilepsy.com/node/987840 I think you’ll find them quite enlightening…
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About the author
Many people with epilepsy can work. I cannot because of the severity of my seizures. When I was around 30 years old, I tried to work and was employed. My employer knew I had epilepsy. That was not a problem for her.
I was able to work one day, then I had seizures the next day. I had to call in sick. This pattern continued for 2 weeks. I quit, she told me I was welcome to work there and to come in when I can. I never went back.
Ruth
Comment by Ruth Brown — February 14, 2010 @ 9:15 AMFeb -04:00Feb
I must confess, when I got my first big job as a writer, I lied. Fortunately, those were in the days when there were real offices — with four walls and a door — not like these little cubicles today.
So whenever I felt a seizure coming on, I’d close the door and hit the floor.
Well, one day when I was out cold on the floor, the copy machine next to my office went on fire. They evacuated the whole building — except for me — because I was still out cold on the floor.
Later, when I emerged to make a copy, I asked where the copy machine was. Everybody looked at me as if I was from Mars!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — February 14, 2010 @ 9:15 AMFeb -04:00Feb
I am really surprised that they did not see you, since it was the copy machine next door. I guess you were so quiet, they did not think anyone was in your room.
I imagine that they were yelling very loudly. You must have been really out.
Back then, everyone had to lie to get a job. I did not and accidentally found an employer who did not mind that I had epilepsy. Ruth
Comment by Ruth Brown — February 14, 2010 @ 9:15 AMFeb -04:00Feb
I don’t think they even knew I was in there! And yes, I was out cold. So I was VERY quiet!!!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — February 15, 2010 @ 9:15 AMFeb -04:00Feb
Hi Phylis,
I am glad that you were not hurt by the fire.
Ruth
Comment by Ruth Brown — February 15, 2010 @ 9:15 AMFeb -04:00Feb