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Newly diagnosed, 16 yrs old and Fired from job! Help!

Sun, 01/09/2005 - 13:17
My daugther has been employed at our local quick shop for six months. I have been approached on numerous occasions, by people in our community, with compliments on my daughters exceptional work abilities! Recently after two seizure episodes, her boss (the owner) told her that her co-workers were uncomfortable working with her as a result of her seizures. She has permanently been removed off of the work schedule. Is this not illegal? Is this not discrimination? Does the ADA of 1972 protect teen agers? She has been working to buy a car.....postponed, she has been working to pay off an expensive class ring (she is  a junior in high school).....postponed. Talk about putting your life on hold! She has been taking seizure medication, and has not had any recurrence...... The seizures are difficult enough, a clear set back for a 16 yr old. Her brother has epilepsy.  This seems to be cruel.  I am sick and angry as their mother..... Do people have no consideration, compassion, or concern? This is the only place in town that can provide employment for a 16 yr old.  I am raging, if anyone has any advice I could sure use it!!  Thank you in advance.

Comments

RE: RE: RE: Newly diagnosed, 16 yrs old and Fired from job! Help

Submitted by jerryskidx2 on Sun, 2005-01-09 - 09:24

Hi Shelly
I hope you are getting some answers to your questions!  You are right, it is illegal! Unfortunately, employers still get away with it because epilepsy isn't necessarilly considered a disability according to the courts...What I did when I was fired after having a seizure at work, is I went to my local Human Rights office.  If you have one available they helped my review my case and file my complaint against my employer which, get this, was a hospital.  It takes time like everything else but, it's worth it just to stand up to the jerks!!! They ruled in my favor, however, my employer decided they didn't want to negotiate.  From there I was encouraged to send everything to state office which is EEOC.  They too have ruled in my favor. This is all the legal stuff you do without having to get an attorney first.  There are time limits so act fast.  you have 180 days to file.  All the info you need can be found online log onto the links provided by epilepsy community above I bet they gave you the info there. if not search for employment discrimination.

Good luck!!!

Hi Shelly
I hope you are getting some answers to your questions!  You are right, it is illegal! Unfortunately, employers still get away with it because epilepsy isn't necessarilly considered a disability according to the courts...What I did when I was fired after having a seizure at work, is I went to my local Human Rights office.  If you have one available they helped my review my case and file my complaint against my employer which, get this, was a hospital.  It takes time like everything else but, it's worth it just to stand up to the jerks!!! They ruled in my favor, however, my employer decided they didn't want to negotiate.  From there I was encouraged to send everything to state office which is EEOC.  They too have ruled in my favor. This is all the legal stuff you do without having to get an attorney first.  There are time limits so act fast.  you have 180 days to file.  All the info you need can be found online log onto the links provided by epilepsy community above I bet they gave you the info there. if not search for employment discrimination.

Good luck!!!

RE: Newly diagnosed, 16 yrs old and Fired from job! Help!

Submitted by batman on Sun, 2005-01-09 - 13:17

Shelley,

You should have a very strong chance with the ADA supporting your daughter's right to keep her job, but the only possiblity may be with the total amount of people are employed at where she worked.

I will difiently say this though. Because of my knowledge and personal experience, the ADA does not include the right to attend churches. Shortly after I finally had a complex partial seizure [cps] in the church I was forced out. Their three reasons why were unfair/unequal, a downright lie, and a made up excuse. Being an overall amount of disability discrimination.

Follow through with what other people on here have mentioned as for helpful sources.

Remember this and say the same thing to both of your kids with E. DON'T GIVE UP on anything, especially on yourself. Having E or being a family member of someone who has E can become very frustating, but by learning more about it will help to understand, relax and 'stand up' for each and everyone.

Good luck.

Bruce J

Shelley,

You should have a very strong chance with the ADA supporting your daughter's right to keep her job, but the only possiblity may be with the total amount of people are employed at where she worked.

I will difiently say this though. Because of my knowledge and personal experience, the ADA does not include the right to attend churches. Shortly after I finally had a complex partial seizure [cps] in the church I was forced out. Their three reasons why were unfair/unequal, a downright lie, and a made up excuse. Being an overall amount of disability discrimination.

Follow through with what other people on here have mentioned as for helpful sources.

Remember this and say the same thing to both of your kids with E. DON'T GIVE UP on anything, especially on yourself. Having E or being a family member of someone who has E can become very frustating, but by learning more about it will help to understand, relax and 'stand up' for each and everyone.

Good luck.

Bruce J

RE: Newly diagnosed, 16 yrs old and Fired from job! Help!

Submitted by rhosgirl on Thu, 2005-02-24 - 18:53
As others have stated before me, your daughter is being discriminated agaiunst and she has a good case. I had a seizure at work and I work at a pool. I was in the pool at the time as well. Thankfully my boss understood and he obviously knew better than to fire someone who does their job but may have a condition that might prevent them sometimes from doing their best. I'm sorry that your daughter's boss was so pig-headed and didn't see that your daughter is a great employee. 

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