Epilepsy Ontario :: -Disclosure-

Disclosure

Disclosure is an issue which causes a great deal of anxiety for many people with epilepsy. However, if you have the facts and approach the issue logically, the outcome is usually positive, providing you with peace of mind.

Thinking about disclosure includes four main questions.

1. Should I tell my employer/potential employer about my epilepsy?
2. When should I disclose that I have epilepsy?
3. Whom should I tell?
4. How and what should I tell my employer and/or co-workers?

It is essential that you go through all these questions carefully to determine a suitable course of action.

Should I Tell my (Potential) Employer about my Epilepsy?

Many people are not adequately informed about epilepsy. This is not because epilepsy is an uncommon disorder, but rather, because it is often well-hidden. Many times, you may be unaware of a person's epilepsy until you see them having a seizure. But that may never occur.

Epilepsy is also well-hidden in another sense. People with epilepsy, particularly job seekers and employees, often hide the fact that they have epilepsy because they fear the discrimination which may result. It is not easy to decide whether to tell your employer or your co-workers that you have epilepsy.

Your decision to disclose depends on:

the type of seizures you have
your need for assistance during/after a seizure
the frequency of your seizures
the type of work you do

Ask yourself:

Will my epilepsy affect my ability to carry out my work?
Is my employer likely to find out, whether I disclose or not?
Do my colleagues need to know in case I have a seizure at work?
Will I need reasonable accommodation?

If your seizures or your medication could affect your abilities or the safety of yourself or other employees, your epilepsy should be disclosed. If your seizures are so infrequent that they won't interfere with your work, you may decide that your employer does not need to know.

General Rule about Disclosure according to the Ontario Human Rights Commission

Accommodation must be considered when deciding whether or not to disclose. If you think that you will need to be accommodated in the workplace, you should tell your employer. Employers cannot accommodate a disability if they are unaware of it. Generally, it is the responsibility of the employee or potential employee to tell the employer that an accommodation is required.
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When to Disclose

If you resolve to tell your employer about your epilepsy, you must decide when to disclose. Sometimes, timing is everything. The following information may help you to weigh the advantages of disclosure at various times.

Disclosure on an Application Form
Advantages	If you get the job, you will probably have no epilepsy related problems.
Disdvantages	It might disqualify you with no opportunity to present yourself.
Considerations	It is illegal in Ontario to ask about medical problems on an employment application form. Unfortunately, some employers continue to include these questions. This is a violation of the law. No one is not required to respond to such questions.

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Disclosure during an Interview
Advantages	honesty and peace of mind opportunity to respond briefly and positively in person to specific epilepsy related issues
Disdvantages	Too much emphasis on epilepsy might preclude you from evaluation based on your abilities.
Considerations	You must determine how comfortable you are discussing your epilepsy. Are you too preoccupied with it?

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Disclosure after Being Hired, before You Start Working
Advantages	honesty and peace of mind opportunity to discuss job accommodation opportunity to provide relevant information If disclosure changes the hiring decision and you are sure your seizure disorder will not interfere with your work, there might be legal recourse. See Wrongful Dismissal.
Disdvantages	The employer might feel you should have disclosed earlier, which may result in distrust.
Considerations	You must evaluate your seizure disorder honestly, in light of the prospective job. You must be able to explain to your employer how your epilepsy will not interfere with your ability to do the job. This includes discussing job safety.

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Disclosure after You Start Working
Advantages	You have a chance to prove yourself on the job. You have an opportunity to provide relevant information. You can respond to epilepsy-related questions. If disclosure affects your employment status and the condition does not affect ability to perform the essential duties of the job, you might be protected by the law.
Disdvantages	fear of having a seizure on the job could change your interaction with peers fear of discrimination possibility of seizure before co-workers know how to respond
Considerations	The longer you wait to disclose, the more difficult it becomes. It might be difficult to decide who to tell and how to tell them.

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Disclosure after having a Seizure on the Job
Advantages	chance to prove yourself on the job before disclosure. opportunity to educate others The law may protect you if disclosure affects your employment status and your condition doesn't affect your ability to perform your job.
Disdvantages	possibility that co-workers will not know how to respond to your seizures can generate myths and misunderstandings about epilepsy Co-workers might not know what safety precautions to take when a seizure occurs.
Considerations	It may be difficult to re-establish trust with co-workers if they feel you have been untruthful with them.

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Never Disclosing
Advantages	Employer cannot discriminate as long as a seizure does not occur.
Disdvantages	You might feel nervous about having a seizure on the job. You may be hurt by inappropriate first aid or safety precautions on the job. It can generate myths and misunderstandings if a seizure does occur Studies show that people who don't disclose have a higher chance of having a seizure on the job.
Considerations	If you have not had a seizure in a long time, the issue of disclosure may not be so critical.

Whom Should I Tell?

Once you have decided when to disclose, you will have to determine whom you are going to tell. In most situations, especially if you need the provision of reasonable accommodation, your first priority would be to disclose to your employer. Even if you do not need any accommodation and you can perform the essential duties of the job, if you decide to tell your co-workers word will usually reach your employer. You will have to decide whether or not to tell your supervisor, co-workers in your immediate area, or your whole department. It is up to you to decide if you will approach your co-workers on a one-to-one basis or decide to disclose in a group situation. It may be to your advantage to find out who already knows something about seizures, and who does not know a thing.

You do not have to inform others that you have epilepsy on your first day of work — unless you feel that a seizure could occur at any time. Disclosure can occur over a period of time. It might be restricted to one or two individuals. Co-workers who have been told about the epilepsy and what to do in the event of a seizure are usually less fearful and surprised if a seizure does happen. The most reassuring thing people discover about epilepsy is that they really do not have to do very much. Disclosure may also prevent your from getting hurt by inappropriate first aid.

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How and What Should I Tell my Employer and/or Co-workers?

Knowledge about epilepsy varies a great deal from one person to another. Some employers know very little about epilepsy. They may make assumptions about your condition, such as that you might not be able to use a computer because of photosensitivity (abnormal sensitivity to flickering light), even though photosensitive epilepsy is relatively rare. Be prepared to provide information about epilepsy and, more specifically, about your condition. However, it may be difficult to decide what type of information to provide. You must consider many factors. The amount you disclose will depend on your individual circumstances.

When you decide to disclose, be prepared. Think carefully about questions that you might be asked. Most employers' concerns deal with your ability to do the job correctly and safely. For example, if disclosing during an interview, you must show that you are a capable individual: focus on your qualifications. After you have presented yourself in a professional manner, approach the subject of your epilepsy. It will obviously be advantageous if you come across as a positive, self-accepting individual who is always expecting the best.

You should inform your employer/co-workers of:

the type of epilepsy you have and how it affects you
how often and when you have seizures
whether you have a warning or an aura before having a seizure
how long your seizures normally last
what first aid should be performed if you have a seizure
any side-effects from your medication
how long it usually takes you to recover from your seizures.
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Stress the fact that recent studies have shown that employees with epilepsy have better safety records than workers without epilepsy. Explain how you would prevent your seizures from interfering with your performance on the job. Mention that there are thousands of people with epilepsy in almost any type of occupation. Explain that by having epilepsy, employees perform better because they are highly motivated to prove themselves on the job.

References are always a great asset. References should come from people who know you well and can confirm your qualifications and skills. In some situations, a doctor's letter may put your (potential) employer at ease. Tell your doctor what kind of job you are looking for and how your epilepsy may affect your performance. If the doctor thinks you will not have any problems, s/he can write a reassuring letter to your employer. Your doctor is probably the most effective person to reassure a potential employer that you can do the job safely and well.

What you decide to tell your co-workers will depend on the type of work you do, your condition, and how comfortable you are discussing your condition. With the individual(s) to whom you do decide to disclose your condition, go over a plan with which you are both comfortable. Discuss what might happen if you were to have a seizure. Bring up any situation that may be dangerous. Explain appropriate first aid procedures calmly. Ensure that they are not frightened or anxious about what to do if you have a seizure. Consider whether printed information would be helpful. Epilepsy information brochures and first aid cards may help co-workers feel less fearful about your condition. It may put them at ease and make them feel more confident about what to do if you have a seizure on the job. Remember: laughter helps in any tense situation, so try to keep your sense of humour.

If you do have a seizure in the workplace, ask your co-workers what happened. Address any concerns they might have. Be sure to thank anyone who helped you during your seizure. If they provided first aid that was unnecessary or inappropriate, be sure to thank them anyway, and explain what they should do the next time you have a seizure.

Tips about Disclosure

Be honest, straightforward and factual. Be prepared to talk openly. Explain your condition thoroughly rather than simply stating that you have epilepsy. By understanding and addressing the employer's concerns, you can give yourself a better chance of obtaining gainful employment.
If you are confident that you may be discriminated against, then disclose your condition only if it affects the job. Don't worry about disclosure if your seizures do not affect job abilities or the safety of yourself or other employees.
Many employers do not know much about epilepsy. Do your research before you disclose. Be prepared to give employer(s) relevant and useful information, and let them know where they can get more.
Be aware of any special accommodations you will need to do the job. Although it is the employer's responsibility to provide you with reasonable accommodation, they cannot provide it if they do not know what is needed. It is your responsibility to find out what provisions are necessary.
Give the employer an opportunity to understand your situation. It is important to keep your epilepsy in perspective.
Although it is important to be honest and informative about your condition, don't dwell on epilepsy. Try not to build it into a major point of discussion.
Be knowledgeable about the type of epilepsy you have. Inform employers about your level of seizure control, medications, auras, first aid, recovery and seizure precipitants.
Your attitude is important. Many people with epilepsy lose confidence due to previous rejection by employers. Be enthusiastic and assertive in emphasizing your skills, abilities, ideas and assets.
Talk with assurance.
Know your rights as a person with a disability. Remember, the Ontario and Canadian Human Rights Codes contain laws which protect employees with epilepsy. It is illegal for employers to dismiss workers because of epilepsy if that employee is able to perform the essential duties of the job.
Be positive, honest and specific. Presenting the facts about your epilepsy in a positive way will help dispel your employer's and co-workers' fears and misunderstandings.
Relate your disclosure comments to the job and your performance. Be realistic about how epilepsy may affect your work.
Give your employer references to contact. Relate positive work experience and performance. Inform the employer if your physician has made any job restrictions or recommendations about what type of work to avoid.
At times, concealment of epilepsy can cause more anxiety than disclosure, which in turn may increase the frequency of seizures.
At the end of your disclosure, ask if there is anything else they need or want to know.
Thank everyone for their time and attention.
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