The Epilepsy Association of Calgary
SUPPORT PROGRAM
Taking Control: Wellness Skills Development
There are many types of seizure disorders; how much seizures can be controlled varies from individual to individual. Everyone, no matter who they are or what type of seizure they have, can learn to control the effects of seizures on their lives.
Who is This Program For?
Taking Control Skills Development is a health promotion approach that considers the entire individual.
What is Involved in Taking Control?
The Taking Control of Your Epilepsy program is a health promotion approach that considers the entire individual - physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The program's twelve guidelines provide a step-by-step approach leading to a better understanding of epilepsy and the many factors that lead to seizures. In addition, participants learn new skills that reflect their individual needs and choices; identifying and using triggers and auras for improved seizure control, and stress reduction and management techniques, including biofeedback. The individual with epilepsy is the most important person in the process of taking control, because it is the individual who will learn how to better cope with the impact epilepsy has on their life. While it may not be possible to totally control all forms of epilepsy, it is possible to reduce the negative effects of living with epilepsy, while enhancing the positive effects of increased self-esteem and overall level of wellness.
How Long Will the Program Last?
The length of time required to complete the program varies with each individual. Participants should be prepared to commit to a minimum of twelve weeks with one and a half hour sessions.
How Can I Enroll in This Program?
To participate in the Taking Control: Wellness Skills Development program, contact the Epilepsy Association of Calgary and ask for Eileen.
History of Taking Control Appproach
The Taking Control: Wellness Skills Development approach is based on the book, Taking Control of Your Epilepsy: A Workbook for Patients and Professionals (1987: Reiter, Andrews, and Janis), as well as the continuing work and research of Donna Andrews and Dr. Joel Reiter in California. In 1989 the Epilepsy Association of Calgary and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology co-hosted a three day workshop where Ms Andrews and Dr. Reiter discussed their work and research in epilepsy. The program was first offered at the Epilepsy Assoxiation of Calgary in 1989 in response to the interest generated by the workshop, and in response to participant identified need for alternative approaches to living with epilepsy.
Reiter, Joel MD, Andrews, Donna M.R.A., and Janis, Charlotte RN, F.N.P. (1987). Taking Control of Your Epilepsy: A Workbook for Patients and Professionals. Santa Rosa California: The Basics Publishing Company.
Support and Information Counselling
Due to the unique nature of the disorder, epilepsy remains one of the most misunderstood chronic conditions. Support and Information Counselling is designed to bridge the medical, psychological, and social components of participation to promote and enhance personal independence and dignity. Participation can be in person or by telephone, with a focus on: providing information of Epilepsy Association of Calgary programs; providing accurate information on issues related to epilepsy; identifying and increasing available options; with an overall goal of maximizing individual capacity through strengthened social resources.
Epilepsy Support Groups
Support groups are formed in response to identified needs of the participants who are parents, adults, teens and children. When possible, day and evening groups are offered to ensure participation opportunities are flexible. Immediate and long range goals of the groups are cooperatively developed. Meetings focus on the following; information, discussion, brainstorming, and skill development. For many individuals the opportunity to give and receive support in a group environment decreases feelings of living with epilepsy in isolation and provides new insights and ideas for coping with epilepsy. In general, the group's aim is to assist participants in becoming more assertive, and increase confidence and self worth which is often lacking in those who have epilepsy.
See upcoming events for current support group schedules.
Advocacy and Referral
Advocacy and referral can be provided as required to support individual needs. Opportunities to maximize pro-active advocacy and referral are on-going through other programs, and/or in partnership with other organizations in areas such as employment, driving and accessing needed services.
If you are in need of further information, contact Eileen at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary.
Topical Courses and Seminars
Courses and seminars are offered throughout the year and are open to all interested persons. Course topics are selected to facilitate participant interest and/or need, and are designed to promote the holism of body and mind. Each course utilizes the most current information possible and makes use of various formats, such as guest speakers, panel presentations, and workshops, and are supplemented by films, videos, printed information, discussion, and questions.
See upcoming events for current course and seminar schedules.
Return to top
COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Community Education provides information to the community about epilepsy, such as first aid for seizures and key issues which surround epilepsy. Since epilepsy has historically been shrouded by fear and misunderstanding, public education seeks to replace misinformation with the facts. Education is available to any individuals, organizations, and groups where epilepsy is, or may be a concern. Information can be obtained as follows:
Printed Information
A range of epilepsy related pamphlets, brochures, and printed material is available through the Epilepsy Association of Calgary. These cover a wide variety of topics. In addition, numerous articles can be obtained from our resource library files. It is possible to provide information that is fairly general in content, or specific to one's interest and needs. Information can also be obtained through our office, in person, by telephone, or by e-mail requests. It can be provided on its own, or in conjunction with other services. As our web page develops, we hope to include information that is frequently requested, and other material of interest that can be easily obtained via the Internet. Our main page links with the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance providing access to information from over 20 Canadian Epilepsy organizations.
To request printed information, contact Jill at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary.
Audio/Visual Material Loans
A range of educational films and videos are available for short term loan from the Epilepsy Association of Calgary. In addition, two videos, "Teens And Epilepsy" and "Epilepsy and Employment" are available for purchase.
For further information, or to book a video, contact Jill at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary.
Educational Program for Youth (aged 12-15)
The Adventures of Crashman is an "edutaining", humorous, and memorable one man play about the real life perceptions and experiences of Bill, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as a young boy. Bill eventually became an actor and decided to use his talents to tell his story as a way of reaching out to, and inspiring other young people - especially those who also struggle with a seizure disorder. The play is suitable for youth aged 12 to 15 years of age. The time required is approximately 1 hour.
Click here to download a printable promotional brochure.
There is no charge (donations are welcome but not mandatory).
For information contact Jill at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary at 230-2764.
The Epilepsy School Kit
The epilepsy school kit is a new resource produced by the Epilepsy Association of Calgary. The booklet and DVD contain information on epilepsy, seizure first aid, second aid, and other valuable information for teachers dealing with epilepsy in the classroom. We also offer in-person education for teachers based on the information contained in the kit – a great way to enhance understanding and support students affected by a seizure disorder.
To request an education session and *obtain a copy of this valuable resource please contact:
EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION OF CALGARY:
|
Calgary Office: 4112 - 4th Street N.W. Calgary, Alberta T2K 1A2 Jill Smith, Public Education Coordinator (403) 230-2764 |
Central Alberta Office: #303, 4822 - 50th Street Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1X4 Krista Anderson, Program Coordinator (403) 358– 3358 |
| 1-866-EPILEPSY | |
We extend our sincere thanks to the following donors, who made the production of the Epilepsy School Kit possible:
|
|
Volunteer Opportunities
For more information on Volunteer Training Opportunities, contact Jill at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary.
Resource Library
In addition to pamphlets and brochures, the Epilepsy Association of Calgary has a Resource Library which contains a number of books on epilepsy and related topics. Individuals are welcome to come in and browse through these resources. In order to ensure the continued availability of these material, the Resource Library is a non-lending library.
For more information on the Resource Library, contact the Epilepsy Association of Calgary Office.
Public Education Presentations
Public education presentations are available to groups who are interested in, or concerned in any way with epilepsy. These can be custom designed to meet the needs of the group. Presentations generally cover information on epilepsy, seizure types, and seizure first aid. Time permitting, an appropriate video or film, as well as printed material are used to supplement the presentation. A public educaton presentation prepares individual group members to recognize and assist with a seizure should the need arise. It enhances one's understanding about epilepsy, and one's ability to be supportive and accepting of a person with epilepsy.
For more information on Public Education Presentations, or to book a presentation for your group, contact Jill at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary.
