ACTIVE EPILEPSY AND FINDING A JOB

ACTIVE EPILEPSY AND FINDING A JOB


I could write a book on this subject and still not be able to address the many variables behind a person with epilepsy getting and keeping a job.  There is the question of how active is the persons epilepsy.  By that I mean is the person still having seizures. Are the seizures controllable when they are on the job, how much do they affect that person’s coordination and cognitive abilities?  What is the person’s recovery time after having a seizure that they are able to perform their job?  What type of seizures are they having?  What does the job require them do and can they do it? Some of the most common concerns a potential employer has during the interview process are:

• Does the person have the training, skills, or on-the-job experience needed
• Does the person have adequate transportation
• What is the attitude of other employees towards epilepsy
• Concerns about the liability or missed work.
• A customer seeing someone having a seizure.
• Extra costs of accomadating a person with epilepsy

In a perfect world the only time a potential employee's epilepsy should be relevant to the hiring decision is in a case where seizures on the job would endanger the person’s or the public's well‐being.  However most employers are ignorant about the myths and facts of epilepsy so everything becomes a reason to not to hire the person with epilepsy. Even though many employers know it’s illegal to discriminate against people with epilepsy they still do it.

Some things that may help getting a job are having a friend who owns a business or a business owner that knows you or a family member that will vouch for you.  If possible, network in person, on Facebook, in your local epilepsy group, or at church.  If you live in the country your chances of getting a job is a question that is easily answered unless you can do the job remotely.  Something possible for some people is to build business on the internet, find a good company that has an affiliate program and grow it to a point of it generating an income large enough to support them and their family.  These options will take several months or years to accomplish.   

It’s a terrible feeling to have active epilepsy but when you need to earn a living it can be a horrific and terrifying feeling.  I know that most adults with active epilepsy want to work.  Given the chance they can be productive at full and part-time jobs.   Surveys show that unemployment rates among people with epilepsy are higher than for the general population.  I feel the current number is higher and will continue to grow. President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA of 1990, which listed epilepsy as a protected disability. The ADA applies to government employers or contractors, educational institutions and private businesses with over 15 employees but the fact is that more jobs are available with companies that have 15 or less employees.  Knowing this, should you disclose your epilepsy on a job application? Generally, the answer is still no. In my experience and that of others it’s at that at point the interview is probably over or the decision to not hire the person is made.  It is not legal for an employer to ask about disabilities, medical conditions or what medications you are taking however, they are allowed to ask whether you have any conditions that would prevent you from fulfilling the duties of the job, and if you do, you should answer honestly.  If you do get the job you’ll need to decide whether or not to let your coworkers, supervisor or human resources department know about your seizures.  If you decide to be open and tell them you need to also educate them on what epilepsy is and isn’t and what to do if you should ever have a seizure on the job.   Your attitude will go a long way in putting them at ease.
The ADA says that the company must attempt to make reasonable accommodations for you however that won’t apply to companies that don’t qualify as one that needs to do so.  Some of the accomadiotns that can be made are placing the person in another position in the company that would be less problematic for that person, or that they might be excused from overtime if missing sleep provokes seizures. 

If you have been unfairly treated on the job because of epilepsy, you have at least three levels

of recourse.  The first and best option is to attempt to work the problem out within the company. Second, you can contact your regional Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which you can find by visiting their website at www.eeoc.gov. The EEOC will hear your story and decide whether to pursue it on your behalf at no charge. If they take your case, they may communicate with your employer or pursue legal action. The third option is to hire an employment discrimination attorney. While options 2 and 3 may be successful, it also can be expensive and get you black-balled from the job market.   No employer will admit that their decision to not hire you was based on the fact you took legal action against your last employer for job discrimination.  No matter the job, people with epilepsy must want to work and be able to perform their job. 

Most people with epilepsy are capable of having fulfilling jobs. If you have epilepsy, you may have to make an extra effort to get and keep a good job in spite of some difficulties. However, the chances are good that you can succeed.   

If you’re actively  pursuing employment you need to do a few things to help you accomplish your goal.   First,    honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses. What jobs or careers are you qualified for and able to get to? You might benefit from seeing a vocational counselor who has experience working with people who have epilepsy.  Your city or local public service groups may offer transportation for people who can't drive. Social workers or job counselors may be able to tell you what is available in your area.

If moving is a possibility, you can look for a place to live that's convenient to public transportation—and give priority to jobs that are also close to public transport. Or look for housing and jobs within an easy walk of each other! You may even be able to find a good job you can do at home.

 If you’re out of options go to http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/326/~/apply-for-social-security-disability-benefits   Remember, be honest with yourself on what you can and can’t do.