If you are concerned about your epilepsy and employment, there are some things that you should know. There is two times an increase in unemployment rates among those with epilepsy, but it does not need to be that way. A person with epilepsy can be productive at a lot of different jobs. Many people with epilepsy who want to work are confronted with employers who are afraid of the potential effects of a seizure on the job. The potential employer can be worried about liability, missed work, or a customer witnessing a seizure. While the potential of one of these things happening is there, it is not a reason for an employer to not hire the person.
Employers who hire for specific jobs such as pilots, bus drivers, fire fighters, roofers, and tree cutters have a valid reason for not hiring a person with epilepsy. These jobs could put the employee or others around them in danger. If you are a person with epilepsy, you should also avoid jobs that involve driving, working under water or other dangerous places, spending long periods of time near fire, dangerous machinery, or chemicals. Jobs can be done well by people with epilepsy 90% of the time.
It is Illegal to Discriminate Against People with Epilepsy
In 1990, President Bush, Sr. signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which listed epilepsy as a protected disability. The bill was championed by Congressman Tony Coelho, a man with epilepsy himself, who is now the honorary lifetime chair of The Epilepsy Foundation of America. The ADA applies to government employers or contractors, educational institutions, or private businesses with over 15 employees.
Knowing this, should you disclose your condition to potential employers on an application for employment? Generally speaking, the answer is no. It is not legal for an employer to ask about disabilities, medical conditions, or what medications you are taking. They are allowed to ask if you have any condition that would prevent you from fulfilling the duties of the job, and if you do you should always answer honestly. Once you have a job it is up to you to decide if you should tell the human resources department, co-workers, or your supervisor that you have seizures.
If you were to have a seizure on the job and it caused a problem, the ADA is there to protect you. The company is required to make reasonable accommodations to keep you working there. It may mean you need to change jobs or move to another department. You can also be excused from overtime if missing sleep causes you to have seizures.
If you feel that you have been treated unfairly on the job because of your epilepsy, you have three levels of recourse to take. First, you can attempt to work it out within the company. Second, you can contact your regional Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at www.eeoc.gov. The EEOC will listen to your complaint and decide if they can help you and pursue it on your behalf at no charge. If they take your case they can try and work it out with your employer or they may decide to pursue legal action. Finally, you can hire an employment discrimination lawyer, although this can be very costly. A person with epilepsy can gain employment like any other person if they want to work and are qualified for the job. Keep in mind there are options, opportunities, and legal rights for people with epilepsy.
PDF 
