The Epilepsy Association of Calgary

Who Do You Tell?

Tips to People with Epilepsy on How to Disclose

Disclosure of Epilepsy to an Employer

Additional Resources

Whether or not to tell your employer, or co-workers, that you have epilepsy is a common concern. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to this question.

The decision whether or not to disclose will depend on factors such as the type of seizures you have and the need for assistance, the frequency of your seizures, and the type of work you do. If your seizures, or your medication, could affect your abilities, or the safety of yourself or other employees, then the epilepsy should be disclosed.

A general rule with respect to disclosure, according to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, is:

1) If the disability or condition is going to affect job performance, it should be disclosed (i.e. to allow for reasonable accommodation).

2) If the disability or condition does NOT affect job performance, it does not have to be disclosed.

Informing others that you have epilepsy does not have to happen on your first day of work - unless you feel a seizure could occur at any time. The disclosure could occur over a period of time, or be restricted to one or two individuals. If co-workers have been told about the epilepsy, and what to do in the event of a seizure, they will probably be less afraid and surprised if a seizure does happen.

Knowledge about epilepsy varies a great deal from one person to the next. Be prepared to provide information about epilepsy and more specifically, about your condition.

• Contact the Canadian or Provincial Human Rights Commission in your area for further information about your rights and obligations as an employee/employer in employing someone with a condition such as epilepsy.
• The Epilepsy Association of Calgary can provide in-person or printed material to any work-place if desired.

1. Be honest, straight forward and factual. Disclose epilepsy if it affects the job; don't worry about disclosing it if it does not affect job abilities or the safety of yourself or other employees.

2. Use your best judgement in educating employers. Some employers are knowledgeable about epilepsy, but many are not. Be prepared to give employers information about epilepsy, or let them know where they can find out more.

3. Be aware of any special accommodations you will need to do the job.

4. Be brief - don't dwell on epilepsy. Try not to build it into a major point of discussion.

5. Be knowledgeable about your epilepsy. Inform employers about your level of seizure control, medications, auras, first aid, recovery and seizure precipitants.

6. Be enthusiastic and assertive in emphasizing your skills, abilities, ideas and assets.

7. Talk with assurance.

8. Know your rights as a person with a disability.

9. Be positive, honest and specific.

10.Relate your disclosure comments to the job and your performance. Be realistic about how epilepsy may affect your work.

11. If possible, relate positive work experience and performance.

12. Inform the employer if your physician has made any job restrictions, or recommendations on what type of work to avoid.

13. At the end of the interview, ask if there is anything else they need to know.

If you are in need of any additional information about epilepsy in the workplace there are a number of resources available. Your local Epilepsy Association can provide detailed information, and may provide worksite education on a variety of employment related concerns including first aid procedures. In addition, the following agencies can also be utilized:

• Canadian Human Rights Commission
• Alberta Human Rights & Citizenship Commisssion
• Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
  Phone 1-866-227-9527.
• Workers Compensation Board
• Provincial Occupational Health and Safety office

Consult your local listings for the offices nearest you.