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a qsn about employment
Thu, 01/20/2005 - 09:19Hi Everyone,
I've only been here since Nov. '04 when my infant son was diagnosed with epilepsy. I went through a grieving process where I really had to "let go" of so many of my assuptions and expectations for his life.
One of the things that I thought would be ok for him was employment. I was being hopeful that he could become an engineer (software, civil, or mechanical) like his dad or an architect or even a statistician (like me). But I've seen a couple of posts recently where people have mentioned living with epilepsy for decades and suffering with not being employable.
I know this might be a dumb question, so forgive my ignorance if you can. I'm just starting out on this journey and I'm trying to understand what my son will be facing.
qsn: what is the issue about employability? Is it discrimination that keeps a person from working or is the epilepsy disabiling in some instances?
When I check the SS website, it said that if the epilepsy isn't controlled within certain parameters by medications, then the seizure disorder is considered a disability and my son would qualify for benefits. Did I misinterpret this guideline?
Any information you could offer would be so appreciated.
Thank you.
Comments
RE: a qsn about employment
Submitted by stella on Sat, 2005-01-08 - 12:51
Hi!
Very good question. Don't give up all your dreams for him yet, people can and do live with epilepsy. Hell I taught preschool for seven years and Ive got lupus to go along with epilepsy. Not to say that it doesn't cause problems. However after the disabilities act an employer cannot fire you for the disability. It's illegal. They can recommend that you take a leave of absence to get your health back in order though. I found this out after being fired due to my illness. If his seizures are having difficulty getting under control look into the Vegal Nerve Stimulator. Its an interesting option. I just got it, but I can't really give an opinion on how well it works yet, Im still testing.
There are disability benefits for available to your son. Im on disability now, I didn't think I would get it but I got 100 percent. I only plan on staying on it till Im back in control of my health, but all you have to do is apply. Even you are elegible for social security disability benefits because you are taking care of an underage child with a disability. He won't be elegible till he is of age.
If you have any more questions give me a shout.
Tiffany- tiffanyjohnston_1@hotmail.com
Hi!
Very good question. Don't give up all your dreams for him yet, people can and do live with epilepsy. Hell I taught preschool for seven years and Ive got lupus to go along with epilepsy. Not to say that it doesn't cause problems. However after the disabilities act an employer cannot fire you for the disability. It's illegal. They can recommend that you take a leave of absence to get your health back in order though. I found this out after being fired due to my illness. If his seizures are having difficulty getting under control look into the Vegal Nerve Stimulator. Its an interesting option. I just got it, but I can't really give an opinion on how well it works yet, Im still testing.
There are disability benefits for available to your son. Im on disability now, I didn't think I would get it but I got 100 percent. I only plan on staying on it till Im back in control of my health, but all you have to do is apply. Even you are elegible for social security disability benefits because you are taking care of an underage child with a disability. He won't be elegible till he is of age.
If you have any more questions give me a shout.
Tiffany- tiffanyjohnston_1@hotmail.com
RE: a qsn about employment
Submitted by masterdelve on Sun, 2005-01-02 - 15:15
dear mom.I was born a blue baby and I had a death certifecit till I was 7.partly becaus the doc. wanted to go fishing. they said I wouldent live! Almost 32 years later im still fighting the fight! so i hope thathelps some. P.S. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT MASTERDELVE