Do I have to disclose my epilepsy to my employer?

Do I have to disclose my epilepsy to my employer?

No. The ADA does not require applicants to voluntarily disclose that they have epilepsy or another disability unless they will need a reasonable accommodation for the application process (for example, permission to bring a service animal to an interview).

What benefits can I claim if I have epilepsy?

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and you can’t work and you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security disability benefits can provide money that you need to pay for things like housing, bills, food, and other expenses.

Can I get fired for having epilepsy?

You cannot be fired for having epilepsy. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the employment of a qualified individual with a disability who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

What are reasonable adjustments for epilepsy?

Adjustments that may be helpful to consider for someone with epilepsy include: making their workspace safer in case they have a seizure. avoiding lone working, so that someone else can help if they have a seizure. exchanging some tasks of the job with another employee’s tasks.

What jobs can you not do if you have epilepsy?

People with epilepsy are successfully employed in a variety of jobs that might be considered high-risk: police officer, firefighter, welder, butcher, construction worker, etc. Epilepsy is a highly variable disorder and it is difficult to generalize about safety issues.

How do I tell my boss I have epilepsy?

Tips For Disclosing Epilepsy To An Employer Be honest, straightforward 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. Use your best judgement in educating employers.

What is the mission of the Epilepsy Foundation?

The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.

What can we do to help people with epilepsy?

If you need someone to talk to, referrals to services, or facts about epilepsy and seizures, we can help. We improve and save lives through our community services, public education, access to care campaign, research initiatives, and new therapies funding.

Do you have to notify the DMV if you have epilepsy?

When someone who already holds a driver’s license is diagnosed with epilepsy, that person must notify the DMV. Seizures are unpredictable, and even a small one at the wrong time can lead to an injury or death.

Where can I find out if I have epilepsy?

You can visit the website of your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) to find out the requirements where you live. The Epilepsy Foundation also has a searchable database of state regulations on its website.

What should you do if your employee has epilepsy?

As an employer, you are in an excellent position to develop more positive attitudes towards epilepsy amongst your staff. If you hire a person with epilepsy, or an employee discovers epilepsy at some later time, you should discuss with supervisors the possibility of a seizure occurring and the procedure to follow.

When to ask for reasonable accommodation for epilepsy?

A request for reasonable accommodation also can come from a family member, friend, health professional, or other representative on behalf of a person with epilepsy. Example 11: A teacher tells her principal that she recently has been diagnosed with epilepsy and needs three weeks off to find out whether medication will control her seizures.

Can a person with epilepsy be included in a group insurance plan?

At times, insurance companies may be reluctant to include the employee with epilepsy in a group insurance plan. If this is the case, include in the person’s salary the amount of money that would have been the company’s contribution to the Group Policy Plan. This allows the employee to investigate optional plans on their own.

Where can I get legal help for epilepsy?

If you are a person with epilepsy, family or friend, attorney, or advocate, get legal help and information here at the Jeanne A. Carpenter Epilepsy Legal Defense Fund. To increase access to legal services through a system of managed referrals to a network of attorneys