ABOUT

Education & Employment

Epilepsy can affect learning in subtle and frustrating ways. You might have days when medication side effects make you drowsy, or moments in class you miss because of an absence seizure. Common challenges include difficulty concentrating or remembering information, fatigue, and occasionally missing school for medical appointments. It’s important to acknowledge these hurdles – they are real, and they are not your fault. At the same time, remember that most children and young adults with epilepsy can attend school and participate in everyday activities, especially with the right support. You have every right to learn and to receive help when you need it.

Navigating College with Epilepsy

Entering college with epilepsy brings new challenges, but also a new chance to advocate for yourself. Here are some key strategies for thriving in college life:

Register with the disability office early. As soon as you’ve enrolled, reach out to your college’s accessibility or disability services center. Thanks to the ADA, colleges must offer reasonable accommodations to students with health conditions. Getting set up early means you won’t have to scramble if an issue comes up. The process is usually straightforward: you provide medical documentation (like a letter from your neurologist), meet with a disability coordinator, and discuss what accommodations would help. This might include things like a notetaker, flexible exam scheduling, or even transportation services if, for example, you can’t drive due to your seizures. Starting this process before classes begin (or as soon as symptoms become a problem) can save you a lot of stress down the line.
Communicate and self-advocate. In college, you are your own best advocate. This means communicating your needs to the right people. If you feel comfortable, let your professors know about your epilepsy at the start of the term. You can do this by email or in person after class: a simple explanation that you have epilepsy and might need flexibility with attendance or deadlines if a seizure occurs can go a long way. Most professors appreciate the heads-up and will be understanding (especially if you’ve registered with the disability office, since they may receive an official notice of your accommodations as well). By informing them early, you won’t have to explain everything during an emergency.

Don’t stop at professors: it helps to tell a few trusted friends and your roommate about your epilepsy. Telling your roommate is especially important if you have seizures that could occur while you’re together. Explain in simple terms what a seizure might look like for you and how they can help. It might feel awkward at first, but most people will respond with support or honest questions. By educating friends, you’re creating a safety net for yourself – and you’re also normalizing epilepsy, which makes it less scary for everyone.

Manage medications and health routines on your own. College may be the first time you’re handling your medical schedule without parental help. It’s a big responsibility, but you can do it. Set up systems to ensure you never miss a dose of your anti-seizure medication – for example, use phone alarms or a medication reminder app. Many students find pill organizers helpful to track if they’ve taken each dose. Refill prescriptions before they run out and locate a nearby pharmacy or use the campus health center for refills.

Also, college life can tempt anyone to slack off on sleep or eat pizza at 2 AM, but sticking to a healthy routine is extra important when you have epilepsy. Lack of sleep, lots of stress, or partying hard with alcohol are common seizure triggers. While you don’t have to be a saint, try to prioritize regular sleep and stress management.

Plan for independence, but know your supports. Living independently doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Make sure you have a plan and support system in case you do have a seizure or other issue at college. Simple steps can boost your confidence: carry a medical ID or wallet card that says you have epilepsy, save an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact in your phone, and maybe show a close friend how to use that contact if needed.

Additionally, connect with others who understand. You might find other students with epilepsy through campus disability groups or even online communities. Sharing experiences with peers can make you feel less alone and you can swap tips. Your college years are an exciting time of growth – epilepsy is just one part of your life, and with self-advocacy and smart planning, you can absolutely enjoy college and achieve your academic goals.

Workplace rights & accomodations

Stepping into the working world brings a new set of questions: Should I tell my boss about my epilepsy? What if I have a seizure at work? What accommodations am I entitled to? The good news is that there are strong laws in place to protect you. You also have agency in deciding how to navigate your condition at work. Let’s break down the essentials in plain language.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – your shield against discrimination: The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits job discrimination against people with disabilities, including epilepsy. In short, if you are capable of doing a job, an employer cannot refuse to hire you or fire you just because you have epilepsy. This protection applies to private employers with 15 or more employees (and virtually all government employers). It covers all aspects of employment – hiring, training, promotions, and so on. Under the ADA, you also have the right to “reasonable accommodations” at work, which means adjustments or supports to help you perform your job’s essential functions.

For example, a reasonable accommodation might be adjusting your work schedule (maybe a later start time if your medications make early mornings tough), providing a quiet/private space to recover after a seizure, modifying certain job duties that trigger seizures (like excusing you from working at heights if you have uncontrolled seizures), or allowing remote work or flexible hours if fatigue is an issue. Employers must provide these accommodations unless it causes “undue hardship” (an extremely difficult or expensive request for the company), and the vast majority of accommodations are low-cost or even free for employers.

How to request accommodations: If you need an accommodation, you typically have to disclose your condition to someone in order to get it – usually to your Human Resources (HR) department or a manager/supervisor. You don’t have to tell every detail of your medical history; you just need to say that you have a medical condition (you can name epilepsy specifically or provide a doctor’s note) and explain what support you need. It’s often helpful to come prepared with a suggestion.

Approach the conversation as a problem-solving discussion. Emphasize that with the requested accommodation, you can perform the job effectively. Most employers will try to work with you – after all, companies are used to accommodating various employee needs, from wheelchair access to modified schedules for parents.

If you’re nervous, you can reach out to the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a free service that provides ideas and guidance on workplace accommodations for any disability. JAN even has information specific to epilepsy and can suggest solutions that have worked for others. Remember, requesting an accommodation is a professional and normal part of employment when you have a health condition – it’s not complaining or asking for special treatment. It’s ensuring you have what you need to be a great employee.

Deciding whether to disclose epilepsy at work: This is a very personal decision. You have the legal right not to disclose your epilepsy to an employer if you don’t need any accommodation. In fact, during job interviews, you do not have to reveal your medical condition, and employers are not allowed to ask about health conditions before making a job offer. So, if you don’t feel comfortable discussing it initially, you can absolutely keep it private through the hiring process.

On the other hand, being open about it can sometimes make work life easier, especially if there’s any safety aspect. For example, if there’s a chance you might have a noticeable seizure at work, you may want at least a trusted coworker or your immediate supervisor to know what to do. Telling your employer can enable those helpful accommodations we discussed, and it can foster understanding. Under the ADA, employers cannot retaliate against you or fire you for disclosing a disability – that would be illegal discrimination.

Still, we know bias can exist, and many young professionals worry about stigma. Consider factors like your seizure frequency, how visible your seizures are, and the workplace culture. If you have rare seizures that are well-controlled by medication, you might decide there’s no need to mention it. If you do disclose, you can frame it positively: focus on the fact that your condition is manageable and you have a plan for handling it.

Know your support resources: If you ever encounter discrimination at work because of your epilepsy (for instance, if you’re being unfairly passed over for a promotion due to your condition, or if you were let go right after disclosing), remember that legal help is available. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces ADA rights. You can file a complaint with the EEOC if you suspect discrimination. The Epilepsy Foundation’s Jeanne A. Carpenter Legal Defense Fund also offers guidance and may help you find an attorney or resources if you face epilepsy-related legal issues at work.
However, we hope you never need to go down that road. The key takeaway is: you have rights and you deserve a safe, fair workplace. Epilepsy may mean you need a few adjustments on the job, but it does not change your ability or dedication as a worker.

ABOUT

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Higher education can be expensive, and dealing with medical bills at the same time can make it even tougher. The good news is there are resources to help lighten the load. If you have epilepsy, you may be eligible for scholarships specifically for students with epilepsy or disabilities. Every year, charitable organizations, companies, and local epilepsy foundations offer scholarship funds to young people with epilepsy to help pay for college. It’s money set aside just for you – you just have to apply.

Epilepsy-specific scholarships: One example is the UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program, funded by a pharmaceutical company. This national program has been around for over 20 years and has awarded more than $3 million to over 600 students with epilepsy and their family members. Each year, UCB awards dozens of scholarships (around 30 scholarships of up to $5,000 each, plus a few larger awards up to $10,000) to people living with epilepsy who are pursuing college or graduate school. Imagine getting $5,000 or more to put toward tuition – it can make a big difference! There are also scholarships offered by state or regional epilepsy organizations. Many Epilepsy Foundation state chapters run their own scholarship programs for residents of their state. Other epilepsy nonprofits or trusts set up in honor of individuals may also have awards (these can often be smaller, like $500 or $1000, but every bit helps with books and supplies).

Disability and chronic illness scholarships: In addition to epilepsy-specific ones, broaden your search to include scholarships for any disability or chronic illness. Many scholarship programs don’t limit themselves to one condition. They might say “for students with disabilities who have shown courage in overcoming their medical challenges,” etc., which of course includes epilepsy. Check general scholarship databases and use keywords like “disability,” “chronic illness,” and “medical challenge.” Some big organizations (beyond epilepsy-focused groups) offer scholarships if you write an essay about your health journey. The competition for these can be wide, but it’s worth trying. Remember, there are many scholarships and financial aid opportunities out there – the trick is to cast a wide net and apply. It might take time to find them, but free money for school is worth the effort!

Tips for managing college costs: Besides scholarships, don’t forget about standard financial aid. When you fill out FAFSA (if in the U.S.) or other aid forms, include documentation of your family’s medical expenses if applicable – sometimes high out-of-pocket medical costs can be taken into account and can increase need-based aid. If your epilepsy has impacted your income or your parents’ ability to pay, let the financial aid office know. You can ask for a “professional judgment” review where they consider special circumstances like medical bills. Additionally, talk to your college’s financial aid counselors about options: there might be work-study programs that accommodate your schedule, or emergency grants for students with health crises.

Another angle is vocational rehabilitation services. If your seizures significantly affect your ability to work while studying, you might qualify for state vocational rehab programs that provide financial assistance for education or training for individuals with disabilities (the idea being to help you eventually become employed). For example, a state agency might pay for some of your tuition or provide a stipend if you’re pursuing a career and have a documented disability. This varies by state/country, but it’s something to look into through your government’s disability services.

Balancing medical costs and school: Juggling tuition with medical expenses (neurologist visits, EEGs, medications) is hard. Make sure you take advantage of student health insurance plans if you don’t already have coverage through a parent or employer. Many colleges offer affordable insurance for students, which can lower your out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Also, be honest with your doctors – if paying for medication is interfering with paying for school, they might help you find patient assistance programs for meds, or adjust to a more affordable treatment plan. There are programs and even pharmaceutical companies that offer free or discounted medication for those in need – sometimes being a student with no or low income qualifies.

Lastly, don’t be shy about using crowdsourcing of knowledge: ask in epilepsy support groups or forums if anyone knows of scholarships or grants. Often people will share leads (“Oh, have you heard of the ABC Epilepsy Scholarship? Check out XYZ Foundation…”) that you might not find on your own. The epilepsy community is very supportive – we lift each other up.
Applying for scholarships does take effort – you might need to write essays or get recommendation letters – but you are worth it. Your story of living with epilepsy and still pursuing your dreams is powerful and inspiring. Use that in your applications. Many scholarship committees are moved by candidates who have shown resilience in the face of health challenges. Even if you don’t win every one, you might win some. Every dollar less you have to worry about means more focus for your studies and well-being.

ABOUT

Career Planning

Epilepsy might feel like an unwelcome passenger on your journey to your dream career, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Young adults with epilepsy are thriving in every field – from education to engineering, from art to law. In fact, people with epilepsy successfully work in some jobs that were once considered “off-limits,” like firefighting, policing, and construction. There are doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, chefs, musicians – you name it – living with epilepsy. So dream as big as you want! The key is planning and support to help you reach those goals.

Explore your interests and don’t self-limit. If you love a subject or a type of work, pursue it. Epilepsy by itself usually doesn’t disqualify you from any career except a very small handful (for example, commercial airline pilots and active military combat roles have strict seizure-free requirements). But outside of a few regulated roles, employers must consider you on a case-by-case basis. What matters is your specific situation – how well-controlled your seizures are, what the job tasks are, and if accommodations can make it safe – rather than blanket bans.

So, if you aspire to be, say, a nurse or a software developer or an electrician, don’t assume epilepsy shuts that door. Talk to mentors in that field, discuss concerns with your doctor, and figure out what strategies could help. Perhaps an electrician with epilepsy uses special safety gear and has a partner nearby when working on live circuits, or a teacher with epilepsy ensures another staff member knows basic seizure first aid. There are creative solutions for many situations.

Use career resources and mentors. Almost every college has a career services office – use it! They can help with career counseling, résumé polishing, interview practice, and sometimes they have connections to disability-friendly employers. Let’s say you’re nervous about how to handle talking about your epilepsy in an interview; a career counselor can role-play that with you. Or if you’re unsure what jobs might suit your strengths (maybe your seizure activity makes very irregular night shifts a bad idea, so you want a career with stable hours), a counselor can help pinpoint fields that fit that criteria.

If you’re already out of school, look for community resources: workforce development centers or nonprofits that help people with disabilities find jobs (often called supported employment services). Some organizations, including the Epilepsy Foundation in some regions, host career workshops or mentorship programs.

Speaking of mentors – finding a mentor who understands what you’re going through can be incredibly motivating. This could be a formal mentorship through a program or an informal connection. Perhaps through a young adult epilepsy support network, you meet someone a few years older who’s working in your desired field. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions or seek advice. Many people are happy to share what they’ve learned. If you don’t know where to find a mentor, ask at your Epilepsy Foundation chapter or even ask your neurologist – sometimes doctors know of patients who are willing to talk with others. There are also online communities (like forums, social media groups, or LinkedIn groups) for professionals with epilepsy or chronic illnesses, where folks exchange advice.

Plan for success (and bumps) thoughtfully. As you map out your career path, incorporate epilepsy into your plans the way you would factor in any significant life element. This might mean:
Ensuring your chosen field has roles that can accommodate you if your health fluctuates.

Keeping up with treatment and staying as healthy as possible so that you can reliably pursue your ambitions.

Setting both short-term and long-term goals.

Be prepared that life might not unfold in a straight line – and that’s true for everyone, not just those with a health condition. You might hit a detour if your seizures act up or a certain job doesn’t work out. But detours can still lead to great destinations. If you need to pivot, it’s not a failure – it’s adaptation.

Sources

Epilepsy Foundation – School and Youth Resources

U.S. Department of Education – Section 504 and IDEA Information

U.S. Department of Justice – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Epilepsy Accommodation Ideas

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Disability Discrimination

National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD)

Epilepsy Foundation – Scholarships & Financial Aid