Employment


Employment is perhaps one of the largest challenges people with epilepsy face. When should I tell my employer about my epilepsy? What if I have a seizure at work? What if I feel I have been refused a job because of my epilepsy? The Epilepsy Support Centre realizes the potential stresses that employment can cause. If you have epilepsy and are looking for employment please visit one of the local employment agencies listed below.

Employment with Epilepsy

The majority of people with epilepsy find their seizures do not prevent them from having fulfilling jobs and promising careers. Unfortunately some have a much harder time gaining seizure control and face many more challenges in the workplace.

What are some of the problems faced?

For people who find it difficult to gain seizure control, finding and keeping a job can be one of the largest challenges they face. Having a job is important not only for financial independence but also for raising self-esteem and supporting a family. Unfortunately up to 50% of people experience difficulty finding and keeping a job and of those who find a job, 30% are under-employed or unemployed. These statistics show that under / unemployment is far higher among those with epilepsy. Below are listed some of the common reasons:

  • Lack of training, skills, or experience
  • Lack of transportation
  • Negative attitudes of employers towards people with epilepsy
  • Negative attitudes of co-workers in the workplace
  • Safety concerns within the workplace


Inadequate work skills

If you have never been able to gain seizure control, you may have found it very difficult to complete enough education to attain many higher powered jobs. In addition to seizures, anti-epileptic drugs often cause side effects such as drowsiness or memory difficulties that can inhibit further learning. Because of discontinued education and lack of work experience, you may not be able to qualify for the job you really want. The good news is, there are many community-based agencies that provide assistance building skills and finding employment for those who experience barriers to employment.

Lack of transportation

If you cannot drive because of seizures, lack of transportation may keep you from being employed at all, or may make it impossible to work in a place where your training and skills are fully put to use. In cities, public transportation provides services for those without cars, but public transit can be a barrier for those living in rural areas.

Negative Attitudes from Employers / Co-workers

The number one reason given by employers not hiring people with epilepsy is the fear of the person having a seizure at work. This is an attitude perpetuated through stigma and is something the Epilepsy Support Centre works hard to break down. Perhaps one of the best ways to alleviate this fear is to hand the employer one of our brochures or explain to the employer or employees what to do if you have a seizure while at work. Just talking about the issue goes a long way to putting them at ease. If you are not comfortable talking about your epilepsy with your employer or co-workers, the Epilepsy Support Centre offers workplace educational programs to inform and dispel myths. Please contact our office to arrange a presentation.

Your Legal Rights

In 1993, Bill 79, the Provincial Employment Equity Act, was passed. This act was created to protect the rights and provide equal employment opportunities for those with disabilities. The document covers all areas of the workplace including recruitment, selection, retention, treatment and promotion.

According to the Employment Equity Act, a person with a disability is

  • A person who has a persistent physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory or learning impairment and who considers him/herself to be disadvantaged in employment because of that impairment, or...
  • Someone who believes that an employer is likely to consider them to be disadvantaged because of that impairment.


To view the act in detail please click here. All people, including those with disabilities have a right to equal treatment in the workplace without barriers whether they be systemic or deliberate. Many people with epilepsy who bring strong assets or skills to the workforce may feel they are often denied job opportunities simply because they have epilepsy.

If you feel you have experienced employment discrimination please click here or call the Ontario Human Rights Commission at 1-800-387-9080.







What is Epilepsy

Living with Epilepsy