English
This toolkit will provide training and information on how to support
co-workers, clients and customers
with epilepsy in the workplace.
Table of Contents


Understanding Epilepsy in the Workplace

Headshot of a woman who has a concerned expression In 30 minutes you will be able to answer the question, "How can I help"? This is a course for employees and co-workers working in any workplace environment.

A course for employees and co-workers

Users will be able to gain the knowledge they need to act positively and appropriately towards people with epilepsy whether they are co-workers or customers.

A casually dressed woman and a man in a suit sitting at a table in a working environment
"What would you do if you found out a co-worker had epilepsy?"

Teaching points

  • Epilepsy basics
  • Myths and facts
  • How to discuss epilepsy
  • How to accommodate an employee with epilepsy
  • Creating an inclusive workplace

LAUNCH COURSE
A fully interactive story format with liberal usage
of audio, video and knowledge checks.

Seizure Safety

Headshot of a man who looks concerned about something These unique and original videos will teach the user how to recognize the most common seizure types and how to provide the most appropriate assistance, in various workplace settings.
Man with hands half way up trying to transmit calm

Tonic/clonic seizure simulator

Formerly known as a Grand Mal seizure, this unique video-based seizure simulator gives the user the opportunity to make decisions on how to help a restaurant patron during her convulsive seizure.
LAUNCH SIMULATOR
LAUNCH SIMULATOR
DESCRIBED VIDEO

Helpful Resources

Icon of a hammer and a wrench crossed in x form Here's the home of all of the just-in-time Helpful Resources for HR professionals, managers and supervisors, recruiters, occupational health and safety specialists.
  • NOTHING FOUND
  • Format type is Video
    A Field Guide for Law Enforcement
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    A Field Guide for Law Enforcement
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Video
    A Guide to Seizure Management for Emergency Medical Responders
    VIDEO | First Aid
    A Guide to Seizure Management for Emergency Medical Responders
    video
    First Aid
  • Format type is Document
    Alternative Therapies
    Fact sheet outlining epilepsy and the usefulness of alternative therapies such as acupuncture, ch...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation
    Alternative Therapies
    doc
    Accomodation
    25646_410467815271_491494_n.jpg
    Fact sheet outlining epilepsy and the usefulness of alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, aromatherapy, yoga, therapeutic touch, homeopathy, diet, etc.
  • Format type is Video
    Approach to Epilepsy Medication
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Approach to Epilepsy Medication
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Document
    Avoiding a Medical Emergency
    Brochure describes First Aid response for convulsive and non-convulsive seizures.  Good note...
    DOCUMENT | First Aid
    Avoiding a Medical Emergency
    doc
    First Aid
    Screen Shot 2014-07-09 at 2.26.23 PM.png
    Brochure describes First Aid response for convulsive and non-convulsive seizures.  Good notes on what constitutes a medical emergency and what does not.
  • Format type is Document
    Avoiding a Medical Emergency-French
    French language brochure describes First Aid response for convulsive and non-convulsive seizures...
    DOCUMENT | First Aid
    Avoiding a Medical Emergency-French
    doc
    First Aid
    French language brochure describes First Aid response for convulsive and non-convulsive seizures. Good notes on what constitutes a medical emergency and what does not.
  • Format type is Document
    Can Someone Die from a Seizure?
    Fact sheet outlining when someone with epilepsy is at risk of death
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information | First Aid
    Can Someone Die from a Seizure?
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information | First Aid
    Fact sheet outlining when someone with epilepsy is at risk of death
  • Format type is Document
    Considering Your Thoughts - Co-Worker Reflection Questionnaire
    This questionnaire will give coworkers a chance to document and evaluate their thinking and behav...
    DOCUMENT | Workplace Documents
    Considering Your Thoughts - Co-Worker Reflection Questionnaire
    doc
    Workplace Documents
    This questionnaire will give coworkers a chance to document and evaluate their thinking and behaviors around epilepsy and where necessary, challenge those that may be causing stress or reducing productivity.
  • Format type is Document
    Customer Accommodation List
    This document can be used in a place of business to ensure that a customer/client/visitor is trea...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation | Workplace Documents
    Customer Accommodation List
    doc
    Accomodation | Workplace Documents
    This document can be used in a place of business to ensure that a customer/client/visitor is treated with dignity and respect.
  • Format type is Document
    Disclosure Chart
    A handy disclosure reference chart, suitable for any disability type.  When to disclose, alo...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation | For the Job Seeker | Return to Work | Workplace Documents
    Disclosure Chart
    doc
    Accomodation | For the Job Seeker | Return to Work | Workplace Documents
    A handy disclosure reference chart, suitable for any disability type.  When to disclose, along with benefits and risks.
  • External Link
    E-Action Info (an app for iPad iPhone iPod)
    LINK | Basic Epilepsy Information
    E-Action Info (an app for iPad iPhone iPod)
    link
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Document
    Emotional First Aid
    Like anything in life, some people cope well with adversity and some do not.  Some people co...
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Emotional First Aid
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    Like anything in life, some people cope well with adversity and some do not.  Some people cope well with epilepsy and some...not so well.  Your understanding and support can make a world of difference.
  • Format type is Video
    Epilepsy and Driving
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Epilepsy and Driving
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Document
    Epilepsy and Driving - British Columbia
    Guidelines and legislation for drivers with epilepsy vary a bit from province to province.  ...
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Epilepsy and Driving - British Columbia
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    Guidelines and legislation for drivers with epilepsy vary a bit from province to province.  This is a fact sheet issued by the province of British Columbia.
  • Format type is Document
    Epilepsy and Driving - Ontario
    The rules governing epilepsy and driving vary somewhat from province to province; this document i...
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Epilepsy and Driving - Ontario
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    The rules governing epilepsy and driving vary somewhat from province to province; this document is specific to Ontario.  As this document shows, having epilepsy does not mean a person cannot drive.  Most provinces now follow these CCMTA guidelines.
  • External Link
    Epilepsy and Employment - Canadian Epilepsy Alliance FAQs
    LINK | For the Job Seeker | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Return to Work
    Epilepsy and Employment - Canadian Epilepsy Alliance FAQs
    link
    For the Job Seeker | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Return to Work
  • Format type is Video
    Epilepsy Through the Ages
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Epilepsy Through the Ages
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Document
    Field Accommodation Checklist
    Self-assessment.  Accommodations for outside of the office/plant/store.
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation
    Field Accommodation Checklist
    doc
    Accomodation
    Self-assessment.  Accommodations for outside of the office/plant/store.
  • Format type is Document
    Five Reasons Why Managers Should Use the epilepsy@work Website
    DOCUMENT | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Workplace Documents
    Five Reasons Why Managers Should Use the epilepsy@work Website
    doc
    Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Workplace Documents
  • Format type is Document
    Guide to Creating a seizure First Aid Plan
    Some tips on how to create a First Aid Plan for an employee.
    DOCUMENT | First Aid | Return to Work | Workplace Documents
    Guide to Creating a seizure First Aid Plan
    doc
    First Aid | Return to Work | Workplace Documents
    Some tips on how to create a First Aid Plan for an employee.
  • Format type is Document
    Guidelines for Speaking About Epilepsy
    A basic lexicon.
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Guidelines for Speaking About Epilepsy
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    A basic lexicon.
  • Format type is Document
    Helping You Meet the Requirements of Government Equity Programs
    There are many good reasons for hiring persons with epilepsy including meeting diversity objectiv...
    DOCUMENT | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Legislation
    Helping You Meet the Requirements of Government Equity Programs
    doc
    Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Legislation
    There are many good reasons for hiring persons with epilepsy including meeting diversity objectives and legislated requirements.
  • Format type is Document
    How Prevalent is Epilepsy?
    Some very basic Canadian statistical information.
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    How Prevalent is Epilepsy?
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    Some very basic Canadian statistical information.
  • External Link
    Interactive Map of Brain and its Functions
    LINK | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Interactive Map of Brain and its Functions
    link
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Document
    Interview Accommodation
    A job interview can be challenging and stressful for the interviewer and the candidate with ...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation | For the Job Seeker | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy
    Interview Accommodation
    doc
    Accomodation | For the Job Seeker | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy
    A job interview can be challenging and stressful for the interviewer and the candidate with epilepsy.  Here are some pointers on how to make the interview process go better, ultimately leading to the selection of the best candidate.
  • Format type is Document
    Learning Strategies
    For those that do have issues with learning new material, strategies that assist with memory, att...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation | Basic Epilepsy Information | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy
    Learning Strategies
    doc
    Accomodation | Basic Epilepsy Information | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy
    For those that do have issues with learning new material, strategies that assist with memory, attention, organization and stress management can be used to improve workplace accuracy and productivity.
  • Format type is Document
    Legal FAQ - Medical Information/Accommodation/Safety
    This U.S. sourced document is largely applicable in Canada where similar legislation exists. &nbs...
    DOCUMENT | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Legislation
    Legal FAQ - Medical Information/Accommodation/Safety
    doc
    Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Legislation
    This U.S. sourced document is largely applicable in Canada where similar legislation exists.  For specific legal advice, connection with a lawyer specializing in provincial disability/employment law, is recommended.
  • Format type is Document
    Legal Issues at Work - Epilepsy Conference 2013
    A PowerPoint presentation by Andrea Wobick, lawyer, that addresses from both the employer an...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation | For the Job Seeker | Legislation | Return to Work
    Legal Issues at Work - Epilepsy Conference 2013
    doc
    Accomodation | For the Job Seeker | Legislation | Return to Work
    A PowerPoint presentation by Andrea Wobick, lawyer, that addresses from both the employer and employee perspectives in Canada, workplace rights, obligations, legislation and duty to accommodate.  Very clear and precise.
  • Format type is Document
    Managing Epilepsy
    Common therapies used to reduce or eliminate seizures.
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Managing Epilepsy
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    Common therapies used to reduce or eliminate seizures.
  • Format type is Document
    Medic Alert Jewelry and Emergency Identification
    Jewelry and Emergency Identification can speak for a person when they are unable to.
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information | First Aid
    Medic Alert Jewelry and Emergency Identification
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information | First Aid
    Jewelry and Emergency Identification can speak for a person when they are unable to.
  • Format type is Video
    Moods and Behaviour
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Moods and Behaviour
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Document
    Office Accommodation Checklist
    An extensive list that can serve as a good basis for discussion and the creation of a Workplace A...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation | Workplace Documents
    Office Accommodation Checklist
    doc
    Accomodation | Workplace Documents
    An extensive list that can serve as a good basis for discussion and the creation of a Workplace Accommodation Plan.
  • External Link
    Ontario Human Rights
    LINK | Legislation
    Ontario Human Rights
    link
    Legislation
  • Format type is Document
    Pre & Post-ictal Behaviour
    Behaviours and sensations that may be experienced before and after a seizure.
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Pre & Post-ictal Behaviour
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    Behaviours and sensations that may be experienced before and after a seizure.
  • Format type is Document
    Questions to Ask Your Employee with Epilepsy
    Well thought out questions related to disability can lead to a more inclusive, productive and saf...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation | For the Job Seeker | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Legislation
    Questions to Ask Your Employee with Epilepsy
    doc
    Accomodation | For the Job Seeker | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy | Legislation
    Well thought out questions related to disability can lead to a more inclusive, productive and safer work environment.  This document suggests which questions can be asked and when.
  • Format type is Document
    Report of Workplace Seizure Incident
    This document can be used to document facts relevant to a workplace seizure before, during and af...
    DOCUMENT | Workplace Documents
    Report of Workplace Seizure Incident
    doc
    Workplace Documents
    This document can be used to document facts relevant to a workplace seizure before, during and after the fact.  This reference information could be useful to the employer and the person who had the seizure, at some point in the future.
  • Format type is Document
    Rethinking Disability in the Private Sector
    Report highlights from the Government of Canada funded panel, assigned the task of determining be...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation
    Rethinking Disability in the Private Sector
    doc
    Accomodation
    Report highlights from the Government of Canada funded panel, assigned the task of determining best practices for hiring people with disabilities, the barriers and how to overcome them.
  • Format type is Document
    Returning to Work: What to Say to Your Coworkers
    Whether recently diagnosed or your seizures have changed, returning to work after an absence can ...
    DOCUMENT | Return to Work
    Returning to Work: What to Say to Your Coworkers
    doc
    Return to Work
    Whether recently diagnosed or your seizures have changed, returning to work after an absence can be difficult.  This document will offer some pointers on how to make the transition easier.
  • Format type is Document
    Seizure Stages - Pre and Post-ictal Behaviours
    Many seizure types have a pre, mid and post (ictal) stage.  This document describes the symp...
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Seizure Stages - Pre and Post-ictal Behaviours
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    Many seizure types have a pre, mid and post (ictal) stage.  This document describes the symptoms for each including an aura or warning that a seizure is about to occur.
  • Format type is Document
    Seizure, Mental Illness or Intoxication?
    Can you tell the difference between someone having a seizure and someone who is intoxicated or wi...
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Seizure, Mental Illness or Intoxication?
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information
    Can you tell the difference between someone having a seizure and someone who is intoxicated or with a mental illness?  This document will help.
  • External Link
    Sleep Problems and Epilepsy - The Vicious Cycle
    LINK | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Sleep Problems and Epilepsy - The Vicious Cycle
    link
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • External Link
    Talk About It!
    LINK | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Talk About It!
    link
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Video
    Ten Truths about Epilepsy
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Ten Truths about Epilepsy
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Document
    The Business Case for Actively Recruiting and Retaining People with Episodic Disabilities
    Direct and indirect benefits of including persons with episodic disabilities in your workplace. &...
    DOCUMENT | For the Job Seeker | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy
    The Business Case for Actively Recruiting and Retaining People with Episodic Disabilities
    doc
    For the Job Seeker | Hiring and Assisting Employees with Epilepsy
    Direct and indirect benefits of including persons with episodic disabilities in your workplace.  A report from the Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation.
  • Format type is Video
    Understanding Epilepsy
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Understanding Epilepsy
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Video
    Understanding Partial Seizures
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    Understanding Partial Seizures
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Video
    What Causes Epilepsy?
    VIDEO | Basic Epilepsy Information
    What Causes Epilepsy?
    video
    Basic Epilepsy Information
  • Format type is Document
    What to Do if Helen has a Seizure at Work
    As part of a First Aid Plan, this document lays out the procedure for coworkers to follow, should...
    DOCUMENT | Accomodation | First Aid | Return to Work | Workplace Documents
    What to Do if Helen has a Seizure at Work
    doc
    Accomodation | First Aid | Return to Work | Workplace Documents
    As part of a First Aid Plan, this document lays out the procedure for coworkers to follow, should Helen have a seizure in their workplace.
  • Format type is Document
    What to Say to Your Coworkers
    Returning to work after a new diagnosis?  An exacerbation of your existing seizures? An exte...
    DOCUMENT | Return to Work
    What to Say to Your Coworkers
    doc
    Return to Work
    Returning to work after a new diagnosis?  An exacerbation of your existing seizures? An extended leave for surgery?  There are pointers here that will help you decide what to say to whom and when.
  • Format type is Document
    When to Call an Ambulance
    Generally a seizure does not constitute a medical emergency.  However, there are some circum...
    DOCUMENT | Basic Epilepsy Information | First Aid
    When to Call an Ambulance
    doc
    Basic Epilepsy Information | First Aid
    Generally a seizure does not constitute a medical emergency.  However, there are some circumstances where a 911 call is indicated.
  • Format type is Document
    Why Hire a Person with Epilepsy?
    Hire a person with epilepsy because they are a good fit for the job.  This document list oth...
    DOCUMENT | Workplace Documents
    Why Hire a Person with Epilepsy?
    doc
    Workplace Documents
    Hire a person with epilepsy because they are a good fit for the job.  This document list other reasons as well.
  • Format type is Video
    You Can Do This
    VIDEO | First Aid
    You Can Do This
    video
    First Aid