ABOUT EPILEPSY - WORKING WITH EPILEPSY

What occupations are not appropriate for people with Epilepsy?

Given that they are trained with appropriate sets of skills and/or education, the vast majority of people with Epilepsy are capable of performing any job. Some exceptions to the rule are: occupations in the military, commercial airlines, and fire brigade as the lives of others may be endangered should a seizure occur. Consideration should be give to the type of seizures and how well they are controlled by medication.

Can people with Epilepsy fly a plane?

Persons with Epilepsy may not be able to fly a plane. There are strict standards that must be met by anyone wanting to get their pilot's license. Each person is individually assessed and must meet a regime of standards set up by the Civil Aviation Medical Centre.

Is there a problem with job safety?

Employers hiring someone with Epilepsy are often concerned that job safety will be compromised in the event of an injury caused by a seizure in the workplace. One study revealed that the accident rate of workers with Epilepsy was lower than those employees without disabilities. Liability is not a factor as long as the employee has been placed in an appropriate job and reasonable accommodation is provided as necessary.

Can an employer ask about Epilepsy on a job application?

It is illegal for an employer to ask about medical problems on the application form. A person with Epilepsy (or any other health problem) is not required to respond to any medical related question.

Can an employer ask about Epilepsy during a job interview?

Nothing precludes the interviewer from asking questions about your health status, however it MUST relate to your ability to perform the essential duties of the job. They may ask "Do you have any medical problems that would make you unable to do the job?", but they MAY NOT ask "Do you have any medical problems?"

Can I be fired because I have Epilepsy?

The ADA does not permit employers to fire an employee because they had a seizure at work, or have Epilepsy. Before a person is dismissed, the employer must show that "reasonable accommodation" has been made to help the person keep their job. Accommodations are determined by doing a physical demands analysis, which is a breakdown of the exact physical requirements necessary to perform the job.

Can people with Epilepsy get social assistance?

A person who has Epilepsy may qualify for assistance to prepare for and to obtain employment under the SSI. Assistance may take the form of vocational assessment, counseling, academic, or technical training or job placement.

A person who is severely disabled by seizures, and unable to compete in the work force, may apply for assistance under SSI.

Two other kinds of financial assistance are available, depending on a person's income: Medicare and Mdicaid. Special Assistance is for a person who is employed, but has extraordinary needs such as a high prescription drug costs. Application for each of these assistance programs should be made through the municipal social service department.