he Epilepsy Association of Calgary will involve itself during the monthof November in activities aimed to increase public awareness of the Epilepsy Associationof Calgary (EAC) and its services, and to increase public knowledge of epilepsy andseizure first aid. Our special focus will be on careers and employment. Children from thecommunity will deliver the theme of this year’s poster:

This message, we hope, will help encourage those with epilepsy to letneither epilepsy nor attitudes prevent them from reaching their potentials. The posterwill be sent to schools, organizations, and businesses and will invite the recipients todisplay the poster and learn more about the condition of epilepsy. In addition to theposter, keep an eye out for an informational TV ad on "Absence Seizures in theSchool". This 30-second video was produced by the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance, ofwhich the Epilepsy Association of Calgary is a proud member.

As many of you will have heard, Derek Morris was recently traded by the Calgary Flamesand will now be playing for Colorado. EAC was naturally saddened to get this news sinceDerek had been a great support to our organization. The connection was a very personal onesince Derek grew up with epilepsy and knows first hand the challenges and fearsexperienced by a young person living with epilepsy. Obviously, Derek's departure willleave a huge void in Calgary and certainly for epilepsy awareness. Derek was to figureprominently in Epilepsy Education Month in November – in particular, he was to befeatured in our poster along with a group of our children representing their dreams forthe future. The planned message:

The poster will go ahead without Derek. We have a group of eager children who willstill participate, and we know the poster will still be great! We will all miss Derek'sparticipation. We were very excited at the positive impact the poster would have had.However, we still think the message is positive and important. The poster will beavailable shortly and you are welcome to request copies to display in your community.

On the plus side, Derek can still be a very positive force in creating epilepsyawareness from anywhere, and we're certain this is a message he will continue to deliver.As well, we are told that the trade is a positive one for Derek, and one that he is quiteexcited about. Thus, we extend our congratulations and best wishes to him and his familyon this new journey!

The awareness night with the Calgary Flames will go ahead as planned on November 21,2002 thanks to the support of the Calgary Flames. Additionally, the Flames are donating apair of tickets for a raffle on November 22 at the Red Deer Rebels game. It's alsonoteworthy that we were contacted by the Flames before the news of Derek's trade hit themedia – we thought that was a class act! Some of our participants will get tickets tothe November 21 game in Calgary and will be able to cheer our team on in style. PamCampbell, our Public Education Coordinator, will have details shortly, although you arewelcome to call her at 230-2764 if you want to get on the waiting list.

We plan to create a card that we will have at the games, at our upcoming comedy event,and at our office. If you can't get to one of these locations to sign the card, pleasefeel free to send a letter and we'll include it. The deadline is November 25^th.We would like to collect messages from as many of you as possible to thank Derek for hiscontribution in raising epilepsy awareness in Calgary, for the many Flames and Hitman gametickets he provided to families and young people affected by epilepsy, and to wish himwell. Thank you Derek! Good luck in Colorado!

CALLING 1-866-EPILEPSY

If you live outside the Calgary and Red Deer local calling areas, you can nowreach us at no cost to yourself at our toll free number to ensure that support,information, and answers to your questions are just a telephone away.

If you live within the Calgary calling area, please call us at 230-2764.

If you live within the Red Deer calling area, please call us at 358-3358.

Source: Canadian Epilepsy Alliance

Let’s face it. We all need to be productive, to give life meaning, feed ourspirits, and maintain good health. True, we often define "productive" work as"paid" work, and we certainly need an income to live well. However, activitieslike volunteering, parenting, or pursuing a hobby bring meaning and value to our lives,although they do not come with a paycheck. Not only are these activitiessatisfying—they can sometimes lead to employment.

We know that workers with epilepsy can face obstacles: negative and uninformedattitudes, outright discrimination, sometimes unnecessary driving requirements, andunder-utilization of their skills. The unemployment rate of people with epilepsy is doublethat of the general population, and 40% are under-employed. Employers often worry aboutproductivity, absenteeism, liability, job performance, reaction of customers orco-workers, accommodation costs and workplace safety.

Though many with epilepsy still face obstacles in seeking employment, attitudes arechanging, and some people are finding creative alternatives to the traditional 9 to 5 job.If you believe in yourself and pursue your goals, success can be yours.

If you have epilepsy, it is important to know your employment rights. Both the Canadianand provincial/territorial Human Rights Codes prohibit discrimination in employmentbecause of disabilities such as epilepsy. This means that an employer cannot refuse tohire you, nor decide to fire you, simply because you have epilepsy.

What jobs can I not do because of my epilepsy?

People with epilepsy can work in almost any occupation. Restrictions are constantlybeing modified as medications improve the control of seizures. It is a good idea to findout if there are specific restrictions on the work you want to do.

Sometimes, safety concerns may limit the opportunities for people with epilepsy,depending on how well seizures are controlled. Safety maybe of primary concern in publictransportation, trades involving dangerous machinery, police work, the military, or firefighting.

Can an employer ask about epilepsy when I apply for a job?

Human Rights Codes make it illegal in some provinces for an employer to ask medicalquestions on an application form. You can refuse to answer it. In other provinces, thequestion can be asked, but the employer cannot refuse to hire for that reason. During aninterview, the employer is allowed to ask you whether you have any medical condition thatwould interfere with your ability to perform the job. Contact the Human Rights Commissionin your province for specifics.

Can an employer refuse to hire me because I have epilepsy?

Only if it would be dangerous for you to work with certain machinery necessary toperform the essential functions of the job, and this risk cannot be sufficiently reducedthrough a reasonable accommodation.

An employer must, in most cases, make every reasonable effort to adjust the
duties or conditions of work to meet the constraints of the epilepsy—this is called"accommodation". The Canadian Human Rights Code as well as some provincial codesstate that employers must accommodate people with disabilities UNLESS thedisability interferes with performing the essential duties of the job OR suchaccommodation causes the employer "undue hardship".

hile most of us experience depression from time to time throughout our lives, thoseliving with epilepsy may experience symptoms of depression more acutely than others. Thisworkshop will explore what depression is and provide tools and strategies on how to copewith it.

hat time is my appointment? Did I take my medication? When is my report due? I can'tseem to remember! Any of this sound familiar? Many people struggle to remember key dates,times, and activities—often complicated by hectic schedules and multiple demands.Those with epilepsy face additional challenges with memory, such as those caused byseizure activity or effects of medication(s). This session will explore some of thechallenges and provide some tips to overcoming problems with memory that many people withepilepsy experience. You mark the date in your calendars, and I'll remember to bring therefreshments (or will I?).

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known untilit is lost."

Charles Caleb Colton

A patient said to his wife, "I'd like to have a watch that tells me time."The wife said, "Don't you have a watch that tells time?" "No," saidthe patient, "I have to look at it!"

"Doctor, I can't stop behaving like a dog." "How long have you beenacting this way?" "Since I was a puppy."

An honest seven-year-old admitted to her parents that Billy Brown had kissed her afterclass. "How did that happen?" gasped her mother. "It wasn't easy,"admitted the young lady, "but three girls helped me catch him."

A three-year-old went with his dad to see a litter of kittens. On returning home, hebreathlessly informed his mother that there were two boy kittens and two girls kittens."How did you know?" his mother asked. "Daddy picked them up and lookedunderneath," he replied. "I think it's printed on the bottom."

Tickets now on sale for the performance on Sunday, November 17, 2002 at6:30 p.m. at the Blackfoot Inn

Mark your calendars! Our third humor course is now underway and we have a lively andeager group of participants who are dying to enlighten, entertain, and amuse you withtheir newly acquired perspectives on epilepsy and their comedic skills.

Having epilepsy is no joke, but the show will be brimming with them. Join us as weeducate, entertain, amuse, and help "spot" epilepsy in a whole new light.

A ticket order form is included in this newsletter or you may call us at 230-2764 toreserve your ticket(s). Proceeds from this event help support programming at EAC. Whereelse would you have this much fun, enjoy a fabulous dessert buffet, and support a greatcause?

Ticket Sponsors Needed - If you are unable to attend, but would like to donate tickets to someone who would otherwise be unable to, please let us know.

Donated Tickets - If you would like to attend, but cannot afford a ticket, please call us and we'll put your name on a waiting list for tickets. These will be distributed in the order of names on the waiting list as they become available.

This is an event worth sharing and we would love to see every seat in the house full(our performers love the encouragement). For your information our volunteers will bephoning in the last part of October and early November in case you've forgotten topurchase your ticket.

They can take credit card orders by phone. Rest assured, you are under no obligationand we respect your decision either way. However, please know that the callers arevolunteers who are simply promoting this event on behalf of EAC. Any questions or concernscan be directed to our office.

Volunteers will be needed for Epilepsy Education Month activities as well as for the Epilepsy- Out of the Shadows…Into the Spotlight Comedy Show. Please phone Pam at 230-2764for more information.

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

lease support the United Way during their annual campaign. Donations entrusted to theUnited Way are directed back into community-based programs and services to address theneeds at both the community and individual level. It takes countless volunteers,workplaces and donors to support thousands of people when they are most in need. Let'smake United Way's work in the community another success this year.

e would like to extend a huge welcome to Krista Anderson, our new Program Coordinatorat our Central Alberta Office in Red Deer. Krista began her job with us in mid September,and we are certain she will bring a wealth of skill, knowledge and enthusiasm with her. Ifshe hasn't contacted you already, she will be in touch with those who have indicated adesire to be contacted about support groups, information sessions, and other activities.Please phone 358-3358, toll free at 1-866-EPILEPSY, or email epilca@telus.net

We would also like to extend our thanks and best wishes to Sharon Dixon who left us inJuly.

The Epilepsy Association of Calgary

Annual Christmas Party (Calgary Office) will be held on

Wednesday, the 4^th of December.

More details to follow.

STAFF - Calgary Office

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Unknown

NEWSLETTER DISCLAIMER

Material contained in this newsletter concerning epilepsy, research,treatment and patient experiences is solely for information purposes. Each individual'sexperiences of epilepsy are different. Please consult your physician for medical advice.