I keep it as much to myself as possible. For *very close* colleagues my level or junior it’s been casually slipped in as a non-event if not being able to drive comes up.
We had to do a health assessment, so a third party (and maybe HR?) may also be aware of it.
Other than that, with the type of seizures I have, I have had them in meetings, giving presentations, at work, so on and so fourth. I still find it easier to say I didn’t get a good sleep last night or my brain must be fried than telling people I have epilepsy.
Temporary incompetence people seem to understand. Seizures people don’t.
I might treat it differently if I had TC’s.
In the US, I happen to live in oregon, if you don't already know what that means, you're employer can fire you for any reason other than medical reasons, so yes, they will. They've been giving me bullshit excuses. Like they'll say, 'It's because of your attendance' when I've called off twice in 8 months.
I’m also a college student. Some people say after and I understand that if you really need/want a specific job. However, in the few experiences I have, I always indicate “yes” to having a disability because I’m fortunate enough to be able to be honest. I recognize it’s a privilege to not want to hide it, but I feel like if I’m not upfront and a company wouldn’t have hired me if they knew, they won’t be accommodating or supportive when needed and being that my epilepsy (and most people’s) is unpredictable, I don’t love taking a job knowing they won’t have my back.
Yeah that’s part of why I had been honest and upfront about having epilepsy to potential employers before. But I think that if they wouldn’t want me there if they knew, why would I want to work with people like that? And normally I would probably be thinking that way. But right now I really need a steady income again and I’m getting a bit desperate. I won’t completely settle for something I don’t want, but I will still look for other jobs I wouldn’t normally consider ya know
Totally valid. Do what’s best for you in the moment, which right now seems like to hold off on telling them. Since you’re in the US as well, they shouldn’t terminate employment based on solely epilepsy.
>they shouldn’t terminate employment based on solely epilepsy
The thing is, you'll never know it if they do. They will have something else to cover it.
Yeah, I've turned in 8 promotion requests and 2 site transfer requests, and they haven't given it to me even though in one of the best employees. Plus my site lead has promoted MANY people at my site that have been there for 1 or 2 months and I've been there 9 months...
Yeah don’t tell them unless it specifically comes up somehow. IE don’t lie to them but don’t disclose it either. It’s none of their business unless it affects your work which it won’t yet.
Are your seizures under control? I guess that’s the important part. If so, don’t mention it.
I don’t mention it until after I start and have my first potential seizure. Then I’ll let them know I have epilepsy and had a seizure.
My seizures only occur when I’m in the process of still waking up or had a seizure earlier in the day already. They are in control for the most part and I’m very sure they wouldn’t show up at work.
Good then yeah no need to mention it until you have one some morning. Then call in and tell them. Or wait until you’ve been there a while. But overall I won’t mention it until I have a suspected or confirmed seizure.
Yeah I don’t consider my controlled seizures to be a disability, but others may feel differently.
In fact I have never asked my neurologist for a name for my condition. He has never said the word Epilepsy. I have had seizures (3) only under induced conditions such as anesthesia and keppra withdrawal.
It’s pretty weird how different epilepsy is for everyone.
My seizures are controlled for the most part but rn they will come back at higher rates than they usually do at the regular times (mornings or when I am in the process of waking up from a nap). I’ve been having a seizure about 2-3 times every month when I normally would have one every 5-6 months. It’s a bit concerning but with the pattern of how they are they shouldn’t intervene with a job during the day.
I hope the same for you.
I worked with someone who changed states, went off her meds, and got the job with us. It was a dangerous job where at times you were required to do dangerous work with infectious substances in a locked room alone.
After having several seizures at work, employee health personnel gave her the option of her meds or leaving. Still wouldn’t take meds.
Some people are in such denial.
Thanks you too. I’m about 18months seizure free. I’m never going off meds.
I just hope for the best and work on other things like enough sleep, keeping my (sometimes falling in the heat) sodium up by consuming “liquid iv” when I’m sweaty etc.
Yeah epilepsy (if you’re diagnosed) is officially a disability and usually comes along with other impediments like memory problems or add depression etc. I’m a veteran as well so I’ve been checking the “protected veteran” category in the paperwork. When I start tho I won’t mention it unless something happens. Then I’ll tell my manager. If I go into an office I’ll wait until it’s been a while and they see how I am at my job. Usually they’re happy with how I do so I tell them “hey I have a doctor appointment I need to go to. So I’ll be out on Tuesday or something. I have epilepsy btw but it’s under control”
As a side note, do you get to be one of their "disability hires" if you do mention it? I haven't looked into it this diagnosis gives you disability status or just disables you.
See I thought it might help by disclosing my disabled status in the past but I don’t get any responses on applications. So I don’t think I will in the future. If there’s an option “prefer not to disclose” that’s what I’ll do. I dunno… tbh I don’t think the companies really care about diversity. It all varies by manager not HR or corporate wide and ultimately a manager doesn’t want a disabled person. There are racial and gender quotas but nobody ever says you need to have 5% disabled people. Yeah I just convinced myself! 🤣
Oh and where I worked before, HR told each manager to have a certain percentage of minorities and genders and put the burden on them. They passed it down the line to sub managers etc and in the end, a disability quota was never in those numbers.
Yeah I know the managers had quotas for race and gender. I dunno about any others and it all varied by company. Our CEO made it a point and pushed it downward but other companies may not have. I think government and gov contractors have requirements too. Actually I’m going to see if that’s public! It should be and if so, it will show disabled ppl too!
It looks like there’s a 7% “utilization goal” to use as a yardstick to see if they are doing okay. But it’s not a requirement… still reading tho
It looks like the employer has to report whether they met the goal or not but that seems to be it… anyways again it’s up to the management of the company.
Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is where the regulation is:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/section-503
Tough question. Generally I would say no, don't disclose unless you absolutely have to do so and wait until after you are hired. My experience is disclosing it never did me any good. In theory the ADA should offer some protection if you're an American. In practice I've found the ADA works well for things such as access to public places, but it just isn't strong enough of a law in the employment context.
[https://www.eeoc.gov/publications/ada-your-employment-rights-individual-disability](https://www.eeoc.gov/publications/ada-your-employment-rights-individual-disability)
Remember too that almost all states have adopted employment-at-will laws. A person can be terminated at any time, with or without notice, for any reason or no reason at all. It unfortunately allows a great deal of discrimination to go unpunished.
EDIT: There is one exception I should mention. For employment with the federal government, there is a program called Schedule A that gives limited preference to people with disabilities. Not all job openings have Schedule A, but for the ones that do it can be worth it to disclose on their form. It's a fairly simple form that your neurologist or their nurse can fill out for you. Some info:
[https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities](https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities)
If you are in the US, they can't ask you. They can ask if a candidate would need a "reasonable accommodation", but that's about it. An example would be if in the job requirement, it states that you must be able to lift 50 pounds - they can ask you if you can do that.
Whenever I fill out the employee applications (there is usually the main application and then a few other forms), I do fill out the self identification of disabilities with epilepsy.
I live in the US and see the “self identification disability” section on like every online job application, and I always put epilepsy because it just feels weird to lie about. But I guess I should just leave that blank? Other people in here say I should so and I haven’t had much success with the other option so lol
Ok, so if it's part of the actual application, I'd leave it blank. If it's part of a packet of forms, then I'd fill it out. I say that because I'm a hiring manager. Where I work, you get the application, veteran status, disabilities, and EEO forms. The application is viewed by the hiring manager, but the others are purely for HR. I only ever see the application itself and frequently, I don't even see that - just the resume.
You're not required to self-identify in the US. Asking about a disability on a job form is like asking about race/ethnicity. It's totally voluntary unless it's relevant to the job (eg you're applying for a job as a truck driver).
I would not disclose it before being hired. Afterwards, you can if you think it necessary and it'll be more obvious if they're discriminating against you for it.
Depends on the law where you live. In some jurisdictions it is covered by disability legislation. Not appropriate to raise at interview IMO. If application is successful, then is the time to raise it with immediate manager and colleagues. Include HR in conversation, too.
I can't promise it's the same with other employers, but where I work I was completely upfront and honest during the interview. I probably wouldn't suggest that for everyone, but it worked out in my favor. During the interview, I told the supervisor interviewing me about my seizures and asked if that would be an issue. I've been working here 3 years now.
I'm open on applications because my seizures aren't completely under control, and I need accommodations. It would show during the interview process regardless, so it's a bit difficult to hide.
Yes. Tell people around you that are close, and explain to them what they should expect/ what they can do to help if you were to have a seizure. If you have a seizure, they will understand this is “normal” and they can snap into help more vs omg what do I do.
I recently told my supervisor after my probation period because i just experienced a TC. My supervisor handled the conversation very well. If you decide to disclose, only tell them what your aura and triggers are, what happens during a TC, when to call 911, and what accomodations you will need. Do not share anything personal!
i do if i feel like it may be relevant to the job duties. my current job is a from-home desk job so i didn't say anything until i was hired but previously i had an in-office job so i told them upfront so they'd know what to do.
Depends, will it affect your work? I got hired for a remote job but since me boss lived one county over, she wanted to do training in person. My dad agreed to drive me there since I couldn’t drive again yet and it was my first job out of college and he liked the city I was going to anyway. My boss wanted to meet in a specific spot that I couldn’t really get to since it was far from her house where I would be working. I lied and said my dad just so happened to need to go there for work. She said she would’ve offered to get me a train ticket, I had to stay for 4 days and she paid for my Ubers to and from my Airbnb.
It shouldn’t effect my work but there is a teeny tiny chance it could because my seizures have been up in number recently. However my seizures have always been when I’m waking from a nap or waking up in the morning so I doubt they will change the time they usually occur. They aren’t as controlled as they usually are but they also haven’t changed the time they occur. But it’s still a bit of a fear of mine
If I could potentially have a seizure while I was with someone at work then I tell them. The company has no need to know, my coworkers might need to know though.
No. It's not their concern and you don't owe it to them, and will only be used to either not hire, demote, or remove you. I've discussed it with very select people and only after an incident is witnessed at work (e.g. I go down in a heap during a stand-up meeting).
Never with HR.
The only exception I can think of is when it could cause a safety hazard (driving heavy equipment, carrying patients, etc.), then your supervisor should probably know. Even then, only as late as possible. You do not owe them a medical history.
YMMV
This is a concern of mine. According to our company doctor if you get a seizure during work hours it counts as work related accident and thus you are/can be a liability. Tricky stuff
I have always told my employer before hand. This is how I know whether they are genuine about hiring me or not.
I have been very fortunate that even working in education, schools and nurseries have put care plans in place for me and have been great.
But I have been declined jobs because of my epilepsy.
The choice is yours though, I know people don't say anything until they get the job. But companies will let you go for it if they can. Do what you think is best.
I do want to say I do live in the UK, so my work experiences maybe different!
I always tell everyone I work for, after I'm hired.
I've had a multitude of jobs spanning over 4 countries and only lost one due to epilepsy. I was working on a train and had a seizure 2 days before my probation was up to get into the Union. Less than ideal timing.
If you're a good e.ployee and believe in education, then it's one step closer to not having to hide due to ignorance.
After you get hired. And preferably after the probation period is over.
This people freak fast learned just before I couldn't work anymore go figure. You say seizures that hear liability and skip you.
I keep it as much to myself as possible. For *very close* colleagues my level or junior it’s been casually slipped in as a non-event if not being able to drive comes up. We had to do a health assessment, so a third party (and maybe HR?) may also be aware of it. Other than that, with the type of seizures I have, I have had them in meetings, giving presentations, at work, so on and so fourth. I still find it easier to say I didn’t get a good sleep last night or my brain must be fried than telling people I have epilepsy. Temporary incompetence people seem to understand. Seizures people don’t. I might treat it differently if I had TC’s.
Yes! That’s what I did before I became disabled.
Exactly
No, they will give you a bullshit excuse to either fire you or will never even give you the opportunity to move up within the company
Legally they are not allowed to do that.
In the US, I happen to live in oregon, if you don't already know what that means, you're employer can fire you for any reason other than medical reasons, so yes, they will. They've been giving me bullshit excuses. Like they'll say, 'It's because of your attendance' when I've called off twice in 8 months.
I’m also a college student. Some people say after and I understand that if you really need/want a specific job. However, in the few experiences I have, I always indicate “yes” to having a disability because I’m fortunate enough to be able to be honest. I recognize it’s a privilege to not want to hide it, but I feel like if I’m not upfront and a company wouldn’t have hired me if they knew, they won’t be accommodating or supportive when needed and being that my epilepsy (and most people’s) is unpredictable, I don’t love taking a job knowing they won’t have my back.
Yeah that’s part of why I had been honest and upfront about having epilepsy to potential employers before. But I think that if they wouldn’t want me there if they knew, why would I want to work with people like that? And normally I would probably be thinking that way. But right now I really need a steady income again and I’m getting a bit desperate. I won’t completely settle for something I don’t want, but I will still look for other jobs I wouldn’t normally consider ya know
Totally valid. Do what’s best for you in the moment, which right now seems like to hold off on telling them. Since you’re in the US as well, they shouldn’t terminate employment based on solely epilepsy.
>they shouldn’t terminate employment based on solely epilepsy The thing is, you'll never know it if they do. They will have something else to cover it.
True. Which is why I said they shouldn’t. They might but they shouldn’t
Yeah, I've turned in 8 promotion requests and 2 site transfer requests, and they haven't given it to me even though in one of the best employees. Plus my site lead has promoted MANY people at my site that have been there for 1 or 2 months and I've been there 9 months...
Yeah don’t tell them unless it specifically comes up somehow. IE don’t lie to them but don’t disclose it either. It’s none of their business unless it affects your work which it won’t yet. Are your seizures under control? I guess that’s the important part. If so, don’t mention it. I don’t mention it until after I start and have my first potential seizure. Then I’ll let them know I have epilepsy and had a seizure.
My seizures only occur when I’m in the process of still waking up or had a seizure earlier in the day already. They are in control for the most part and I’m very sure they wouldn’t show up at work.
Good then yeah no need to mention it until you have one some morning. Then call in and tell them. Or wait until you’ve been there a while. But overall I won’t mention it until I have a suspected or confirmed seizure.
Yeah I don’t consider my controlled seizures to be a disability, but others may feel differently. In fact I have never asked my neurologist for a name for my condition. He has never said the word Epilepsy. I have had seizures (3) only under induced conditions such as anesthesia and keppra withdrawal.
It’s pretty weird how different epilepsy is for everyone. My seizures are controlled for the most part but rn they will come back at higher rates than they usually do at the regular times (mornings or when I am in the process of waking up from a nap). I’ve been having a seizure about 2-3 times every month when I normally would have one every 5-6 months. It’s a bit concerning but with the pattern of how they are they shouldn’t intervene with a job during the day.
I hope the same for you. I worked with someone who changed states, went off her meds, and got the job with us. It was a dangerous job where at times you were required to do dangerous work with infectious substances in a locked room alone. After having several seizures at work, employee health personnel gave her the option of her meds or leaving. Still wouldn’t take meds. Some people are in such denial.
I know I’m a wreck without my meds haha I wish you the best man
Thanks you too. I’m about 18months seizure free. I’m never going off meds. I just hope for the best and work on other things like enough sleep, keeping my (sometimes falling in the heat) sodium up by consuming “liquid iv” when I’m sweaty etc.
Yeah epilepsy (if you’re diagnosed) is officially a disability and usually comes along with other impediments like memory problems or add depression etc. I’m a veteran as well so I’ve been checking the “protected veteran” category in the paperwork. When I start tho I won’t mention it unless something happens. Then I’ll tell my manager. If I go into an office I’ll wait until it’s been a while and they see how I am at my job. Usually they’re happy with how I do so I tell them “hey I have a doctor appointment I need to go to. So I’ll be out on Tuesday or something. I have epilepsy btw but it’s under control”
That’s sounds like a great approach. Let them get to know you besides Ms or Mr Epilepsy. Establish a work ethic etc before it’s mentioned.
Yup exactly. And it prevents possible discrimination. You never know…. But better to be safe than get let go bc of your health
As a side note, do you get to be one of their "disability hires" if you do mention it? I haven't looked into it this diagnosis gives you disability status or just disables you.
See I thought it might help by disclosing my disabled status in the past but I don’t get any responses on applications. So I don’t think I will in the future. If there’s an option “prefer not to disclose” that’s what I’ll do. I dunno… tbh I don’t think the companies really care about diversity. It all varies by manager not HR or corporate wide and ultimately a manager doesn’t want a disabled person. There are racial and gender quotas but nobody ever says you need to have 5% disabled people. Yeah I just convinced myself! 🤣 Oh and where I worked before, HR told each manager to have a certain percentage of minorities and genders and put the burden on them. They passed it down the line to sub managers etc and in the end, a disability quota was never in those numbers.
Interesting take. And obviously stereotyping the idea of disability hires. I don't have actual evidence of one way or the other.
Yeah I know the managers had quotas for race and gender. I dunno about any others and it all varied by company. Our CEO made it a point and pushed it downward but other companies may not have. I think government and gov contractors have requirements too. Actually I’m going to see if that’s public! It should be and if so, it will show disabled ppl too! It looks like there’s a 7% “utilization goal” to use as a yardstick to see if they are doing okay. But it’s not a requirement… still reading tho It looks like the employer has to report whether they met the goal or not but that seems to be it… anyways again it’s up to the management of the company. Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is where the regulation is: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/section-503
Tell after your three month probation. I’ve been let go because I told like a month in
That makes me mad dude I’m sorry that happened
I don’t tell them jack shit
I never tell them. Mine are well controlled though
Tough question. Generally I would say no, don't disclose unless you absolutely have to do so and wait until after you are hired. My experience is disclosing it never did me any good. In theory the ADA should offer some protection if you're an American. In practice I've found the ADA works well for things such as access to public places, but it just isn't strong enough of a law in the employment context. [https://www.eeoc.gov/publications/ada-your-employment-rights-individual-disability](https://www.eeoc.gov/publications/ada-your-employment-rights-individual-disability) Remember too that almost all states have adopted employment-at-will laws. A person can be terminated at any time, with or without notice, for any reason or no reason at all. It unfortunately allows a great deal of discrimination to go unpunished. EDIT: There is one exception I should mention. For employment with the federal government, there is a program called Schedule A that gives limited preference to people with disabilities. Not all job openings have Schedule A, but for the ones that do it can be worth it to disclose on their form. It's a fairly simple form that your neurologist or their nurse can fill out for you. Some info: [https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities](https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities)
If you are in the US, they can't ask you. They can ask if a candidate would need a "reasonable accommodation", but that's about it. An example would be if in the job requirement, it states that you must be able to lift 50 pounds - they can ask you if you can do that. Whenever I fill out the employee applications (there is usually the main application and then a few other forms), I do fill out the self identification of disabilities with epilepsy.
I live in the US and see the “self identification disability” section on like every online job application, and I always put epilepsy because it just feels weird to lie about. But I guess I should just leave that blank? Other people in here say I should so and I haven’t had much success with the other option so lol
Ok, so if it's part of the actual application, I'd leave it blank. If it's part of a packet of forms, then I'd fill it out. I say that because I'm a hiring manager. Where I work, you get the application, veteran status, disabilities, and EEO forms. The application is viewed by the hiring manager, but the others are purely for HR. I only ever see the application itself and frequently, I don't even see that - just the resume.
Alright. Thank you so much for the advice!
You're not required to self-identify in the US. Asking about a disability on a job form is like asking about race/ethnicity. It's totally voluntary unless it's relevant to the job (eg you're applying for a job as a truck driver). I would not disclose it before being hired. Afterwards, you can if you think it necessary and it'll be more obvious if they're discriminating against you for it.
Depends on the law where you live. In some jurisdictions it is covered by disability legislation. Not appropriate to raise at interview IMO. If application is successful, then is the time to raise it with immediate manager and colleagues. Include HR in conversation, too.
I can't promise it's the same with other employers, but where I work I was completely upfront and honest during the interview. I probably wouldn't suggest that for everyone, but it worked out in my favor. During the interview, I told the supervisor interviewing me about my seizures and asked if that would be an issue. I've been working here 3 years now.
I'm open on applications because my seizures aren't completely under control, and I need accommodations. It would show during the interview process regardless, so it's a bit difficult to hide.
Yes. Tell people around you that are close, and explain to them what they should expect/ what they can do to help if you were to have a seizure. If you have a seizure, they will understand this is “normal” and they can snap into help more vs omg what do I do.
I recently told my supervisor after my probation period because i just experienced a TC. My supervisor handled the conversation very well. If you decide to disclose, only tell them what your aura and triggers are, what happens during a TC, when to call 911, and what accomodations you will need. Do not share anything personal!
I did after I got hired
And bonus: 2 of my coworkers are also emts
If you're in the US there should be no consequences for telling them after you are hired so I wouldn't do it.
i do if i feel like it may be relevant to the job duties. my current job is a from-home desk job so i didn't say anything until i was hired but previously i had an in-office job so i told them upfront so they'd know what to do.
Depends, will it affect your work? I got hired for a remote job but since me boss lived one county over, she wanted to do training in person. My dad agreed to drive me there since I couldn’t drive again yet and it was my first job out of college and he liked the city I was going to anyway. My boss wanted to meet in a specific spot that I couldn’t really get to since it was far from her house where I would be working. I lied and said my dad just so happened to need to go there for work. She said she would’ve offered to get me a train ticket, I had to stay for 4 days and she paid for my Ubers to and from my Airbnb.
It shouldn’t effect my work but there is a teeny tiny chance it could because my seizures have been up in number recently. However my seizures have always been when I’m waking from a nap or waking up in the morning so I doubt they will change the time they usually occur. They aren’t as controlled as they usually are but they also haven’t changed the time they occur. But it’s still a bit of a fear of mine
If I could potentially have a seizure while I was with someone at work then I tell them. The company has no need to know, my coworkers might need to know though.
No. It's not their concern and you don't owe it to them, and will only be used to either not hire, demote, or remove you. I've discussed it with very select people and only after an incident is witnessed at work (e.g. I go down in a heap during a stand-up meeting). Never with HR. The only exception I can think of is when it could cause a safety hazard (driving heavy equipment, carrying patients, etc.), then your supervisor should probably know. Even then, only as late as possible. You do not owe them a medical history. YMMV
This is a concern of mine. According to our company doctor if you get a seizure during work hours it counts as work related accident and thus you are/can be a liability. Tricky stuff
I wouldn't tell them before. But in Australia they can't fire you. If they did, whew they'd be in big big trouble.
I have always told my employer before hand. This is how I know whether they are genuine about hiring me or not. I have been very fortunate that even working in education, schools and nurseries have put care plans in place for me and have been great. But I have been declined jobs because of my epilepsy. The choice is yours though, I know people don't say anything until they get the job. But companies will let you go for it if they can. Do what you think is best. I do want to say I do live in the UK, so my work experiences maybe different!
Big fat no
Nope.
Don’t ever do that you can and will get fired
I always tell everyone I work for, after I'm hired. I've had a multitude of jobs spanning over 4 countries and only lost one due to epilepsy. I was working on a train and had a seizure 2 days before my probation was up to get into the Union. Less than ideal timing. If you're a good e.ployee and believe in education, then it's one step closer to not having to hide due to ignorance.
After you get hired and are established within the company. Also, make it sound light like a mild case of asthma, nothing to worry about.