Employment
Being meaningfully
employed is important to many people. Mostly,
people with epilepsy are able to work in the
type of job their choice and many people out
there who have successful careers.
Unfortunately, when seizures
are not controlled, the unpredictable nature
of epilepsy means that some occupations will
not be suitable.
When thinking
about employment options it helps to consider:
- The type of seizures
you have?
- How often they occur?
- Is the epilepsy controlled
by medication?
- What is the likelihood
of having a seizure in the workplace and what
are the risks?
Sometimes it is difficult
to know what you want to do, or what you are
suited to. Some great sites for job and career
advice include:
The
Source
My
Future
Job
Juice for youth
Job
Guide
Job
Rejection
An employer cannot refuse to employ you because
you have epilepsy. They need a valid reason,
such as lack of qualifications, for not hiring
you.
Bear in mind that you
may not be hired for every job you apply for
- the employer may have simply hired somebody
more suitable. Rejection is common when applying
for jobs but you are entitled to know the reason
why you weren't employed, which can help with
improving future job applications and interviews.
If you feel you have been unfairly
discriminated against, it is a good idea to contact your state
Human Rights and Equal
Opportunities Commission
When
seizures aren't controlled
If someone has uncontrolled epilepsy, the type
of employment may depend on what sort of seizures
occur, when and how often.
It is a good idea to
find out if there are any specific restrictions
on the type of work you want to do before pursuing
it.
What
can't I do?
Certain jobs involve considerable risk if a
seizure occurs. This includes working
- At heights
- Near or in water
- With or around heavy
and unguarded machinery
- In a job that involves
the use of firearms
- Or any job that requires
driving
Occupations such as airline pilots
or the armed forces are not permitted to employ people with
epilepsy because of major safety concerns. If you develop
epilepsy whilst employed in one of these occupations, you
role may be changed, you may be moved into a safer working
environment and in some cases, dismissed. This will vary with
different organisations.
Diagnosed
whilst employed
If someone develops epilepsy or their seizures
are likely to impede their work, an employer
is expected to make reasonable adjustments so
that employment can continue. This may include
changes such as; transferring the person into
an alternative position within the organisation
while their epilepsy is reviewed or changing
working hours.
If you are worried about losing
your job because of your epilepsy you can talk with your employer,
human resource manager or union representative.
For people whose seizures
are triggered by persistent tiredness or sleep
disturbance, shift work may be difficult. Similarly,
people with nocturnal seizures may be vulnerable
if they do shift work.
Disclosure
of Epilepsy to an Employer:
Disclosure of epilepsy to an employer is something
that may concern many people with epilepsy.
See our table below for the advantages and disadvantages
of the time you disclose your epilepsy.
Remember - For an employer
to be able to fulfil their obligations under
the Occupational Health and Safety Act, they
need to be aware of any condition that may require
them to make changes to their working practice
or environment to make it safer. This would
also mean making reasonable adjustments to keep
a person employed if they have seizures. If
the employer is not aware of any medical conditions,
they cannot be held responsible for failing
to make any necessary adjustments that having
this condition may require.
Issues to consider
about disclosure
- Attitude of employer
- Attitude of colleagues
- Legal responsibility
- Will they find out
from someone else?
- Am I likely to have
a seizure at work?
When
is it best to disclose that I have epilepsy when applying
for a job?
This is a very personal decision. Some people
prefer not to mention their epilepsy on the
application form. During the interview, as well
as selling themselves, their skills and their
experience, the individual can confidently discuss
their epilepsy face-to-face with the potential
employer.
Some find it helpful
to send a covering letter with the job application,
or include a letter from the neurologist or
GP giving up-to-date information about their
condition.
Others feel that the
best time to mention epilepsy is just before
accepting a job offer or at a final interview.
Again, a doctor’s letter might be useful.
It can be helpful not
to over-emphasise the epilepsy and not to assume
that having epilepsy is the reason why someone
is unsuccessful in job applications.
Questions to
keep in mind about disclosure are:
- Will my condition
put other employees or me at risk? If not
do I need to disclose?
- If I have a seizure
at work and have not disclosed, can I be personally
liable for the consequences of a seizure?
- Is there someone to
speak to regarding my obligations such as
a union representative or industrial relations
personnel?
- What are my options
if I'm unfairly treated?
Application forms usually
include a medical form. Whether or not to disclose
epilepsy on a medical form is up to the individual,
although it is worth bearing in mind the possible
repercussions if the declaration on the form
is signed and then later found to be inaccurate.
In good practice, the
medical form is detached from the rest of the
job application, so the individual’s medical
history is not available to, and should not
influence the people who are selecting applicants
and conducting interviews.
Gaining
more skills
There are number of ways to increase your strengths
and gain more skills for employment. Some suggestions:
- Local colleges like
TAFE offer Adult Education and often have
a wide range of courses
- Centrelink can assist
in job education and training.
- Contact your local
volunteering agency or Australian Volunteers
International because doing volunteer work
can be a positive and rewarding way to gain
valuable new skills, and may lead to employment
opportunities.
- Your local library
may have details about what is available in
your area.
Specific
Employment Agencies
There are now employment agencies that have
been set up to address the specific needs of
people with disabilities.
- You can use Centrelink
132850. For youth and student services number
is 132490.
- Check your local telephone
book because there are many local employment
services that specifically work for people
with disabilities.
Who can help
if I think I’ve been discriminated against
because I have epilepsy?
Misconceptions
about epilepsy
While many people and employers are sympathetic,
a number of people still have outdated ideas
about epilepsy. Most problems you will deal
with are more likely to be because of ignorance
rather than predjuce.
For further information,
view the:
Human
Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission
Department
of Employment and Workplace Relations
JobAble
Has this information helped you? Then why not
help us Make
a Difference.
1300 EPILEPSY
(1300 37 45 37)
Australia wide Priority Call
|
Understand Epilepsy
