Is It True, That Those With Epilepsy/or A Seizure Disorder Find It Hard To Get A Job? And Can A Job Place Make Accomodations? | MyEpilepsyTeam

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Is It True, That Those With Epilepsy/or A Seizure Disorder Find It Hard To Get A Job? And Can A Job Place Make Accomodations?
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­

I ask this question because, I have had quite a few people questioning me weather if teaching is actually the right career choice for me because, I have many medical issues in addition to epilepsy. Though according to them Epilepsy is a ''MAJOR'' medical condition. Because, of it I get suggested that It would probably be better If you worked one-on-one with a student like a paraprofessional/aide or you can work in a library you like to read. Why don't you go for architecture your really good at… read more

posted June 9, 2015
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Unfortunately it does happen that employers take a dim view of those with epilepsy. In my 30 years of employment I was dismissed from employment on three occasions. Legally in Canada no one can be dismissed strictly because of a physical disability, but employers do have a way of masking their motives by invoking other reasons such as "corporate downsizing" or "organizational restructuring". I was released from my last job because, as a result of corrective surgery, I have a very limited short-term memory. As an accountant, department heads would require certain records and figures on an on-demand basis by appearing at my office door, making a request, and immediately retreating to their own office or out of the building altogether. By the time I could mentally switch gears I would have forgotten the particulars of their request or that a request had even been made. Needless to say, when they would return to retrieve their information I would often have no recollection that they had even asked me for anything. Of course the problem could have been resolved if they would have handed me a written memo that I would have kept in a file and resolved on a first-come first-served basis but it seemed easier to those in management to simply label me as incompetent and terminate my employment.

Subsequent to my termination whenever a prospective employer would check with my previous employer regarding my work ethic they would be informed of my incompetence. After several months of unsuccessful job search, I decided to apply for a disability pension. Thankfully that was a success.

posted June 10, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I worked as a group leader in a child care centre for a number of years but found out after a change in medication I lost my ability to be calm during stressful situations. I left after this be came to much for me to handle. I will mention that at the time all my seizures were nocturnal My work mates were aware but none of the children or partners were. The things I would consider would be type duration and frequency of seizures and recovery time involved. I hope you are able to fine a career which is rewarding and one you enjoy You also do have the choice to pick and choose till you are happy keep well

posted May 5, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It's not as stressful

posted March 28, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

But in our country they are legally supposed to make a arrangements for disabled people.

posted March 25, 2023 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Please remember although you have Epilepsy you have to do what you feel is right for you. I use to teach Kindergarten with OUSD and 3 grade with a Montessori on the weekends after my first seizure, I didn't have a choice to choose your lucky. I was let go stated I'm a liability to the children at first I was upset, but after seeing my family and friends reaction to my seizures I self determined it might be to traumatic for the children. Now I have a 5 year old of my own and I hear him say mom I thought your were dead and I'd never see you again I think I made the right choice for me.

posted June 11, 2015

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