Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Job discrimination...where do I start??
Fri, 04/17/2009 - 14:43Topic: Advocate for Epilepsy
I have a friend in Roanoke that has epilepsy that is having problems in her workplace. I also do and know this is covered by the ADA law. She is being harassed at work about having epilepsy. Who should she contact? Is there a local office there? I've called the department of labor and they referred me to JAN http://www.jan.wvu.edu. I'm not sure how to help her!! I'm She's angry (as am I) and hurt that her superviser won't listen even after she showed him information on the ADA act. There seem to be so many places to call and I keep getting bounced around!! Please help!
Re: Job discrimination...where do I start??
Submitted by irvkay on Wed, 2009-04-22 - 12:59
Hi,
Job discrimination is one of the most problematical parts of employment that people with epilepsy face. I know, because not only did I work with it during my tenure, but also served on the Employment Committee of The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to teach employers how to deal with the disabled employee's of our country, "under The Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, after it was signed into law."
The first item I would concern myself with "is understanding where I stand." In other words "as the ADA specifies, "do I have the necessary qualifications for the job amidst the other applicants hired by the employer for it?"
Secondly, is my employer and medical staff aware of my condition and that "I know what to do, as well as have advised them of any necessary action that should or shouldn't be taken; should I have a seizure." That dialogue is one of the most important factors we with epilepsy have before us. It's like saying "we have to come out of our shell and not only accept our lot, but prove our abilities among the many myths or misunderstandings people have relative to those with disabilities."
Thirdly, if you can face the first two items and harassment by other employee's happens, as you are proving your ability to do and fulfill your job responsibilities, "your peers might be in need of a little education about the abilities of people with disabilities. Especially with the validity of proven better attendanc, less tardiness, and more integrity toward the job, than the average employee." That could necessitate an undertaking by your Human Resource Department, Supervisor, and even Medical Staff helping you to get through to others that "you are trying to do your job as fully as possible."
Recognize however that under The ADA, your employer still holds the right, "not to allow you to work in dangerous area's, like machines, etc. in case you do have a seizure." On the other hand, they do have a responsibility to try and find a comperable job in a safe area; should you possess the qualifications for it.
It's one of the hardest things for us to face, but others often come to learn and accept us, "by our perseverance and integrity to succeed--just as they do, in the attainment of our goals in life."
Good luck, stand firm, honest and strong, even though it may hurt at times. You'll succeed.
If I can help you any further in your needs, I can be reached at irvingkay1@comcast.net.
Sincerely, Kay Kramer
Hi,
Job discrimination is one of the most problematical parts of employment that people with epilepsy face. I know, because not only did I work with it during my tenure, but also served on the Employment Committee of The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to teach employers how to deal with the disabled employee's of our country, "under The Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, after it was signed into law."
The first item I would concern myself with "is understanding where I stand." In other words "as the ADA specifies, "do I have the necessary qualifications for the job amidst the other applicants hired by the employer for it?"
Secondly, is my employer and medical staff aware of my condition and that "I know what to do, as well as have advised them of any necessary action that should or shouldn't be taken; should I have a seizure." That dialogue is one of the most important factors we with epilepsy have before us. It's like saying "we have to come out of our shell and not only accept our lot, but prove our abilities among the many myths or misunderstandings people have relative to those with disabilities."
Thirdly, if you can face the first two items and harassment by other employee's happens, as you are proving your ability to do and fulfill your job responsibilities, "your peers might be in need of a little education about the abilities of people with disabilities. Especially with the validity of proven better attendanc, less tardiness, and more integrity toward the job, than the average employee." That could necessitate an undertaking by your Human Resource Department, Supervisor, and even Medical Staff helping you to get through to others that "you are trying to do your job as fully as possible."
Recognize however that under The ADA, your employer still holds the right, "not to allow you to work in dangerous area's, like machines, etc. in case you do have a seizure." On the other hand, they do have a responsibility to try and find a comperable job in a safe area; should you possess the qualifications for it.
It's one of the hardest things for us to face, but others often come to learn and accept us, "by our perseverance and integrity to succeed--just as they do, in the attainment of our goals in life."
Good luck, stand firm, honest and strong, even though it may hurt at times. You'll succeed.
If I can help you any further in your needs, I can be reached at irvingkay1@comcast.net.
Sincerely, Kay Kramer