27 - Work issues and epilepsy

Summary

Jim Troxell was formerly a member of the senior staff at the Epilepsy Foundation, where, among other things, he directed employment programs. Mr Troxell has been a strong supporter of the rights of people with epilepsy to be in the work force and has advocated for government-sponsored occupational training programs for people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation is now involved in a trial program with the Department of Labor to train people with epilepsy in new information technology. These skills enable people to have well-paid jobs from home – ideal for individuals without driver's licenses. Twenty-five percent of people with epilepsy are unemployed in a nation where the overall unemployment rate is 5%. Half say that their unemployment is directly related to seizures. I have heard stories of jobs lost in the executive office, in the classroom, in the shop, and from the assembly line because people were afraid of seizures. Certainly, any progress in employment nationwide requires education about epilepsy so that decisions about who can or cannot do the job are not made from ignorance. Each of us can do our small part by making certain that we provide accurate information about epilepsy to those around us and that we stand up against workplace discrimination whenever we see it.

MJM