By Deron Hamel
The story of how Epilepsy Ontario has been able to help a high-school student living with epilepsy underscores the value donations to the organization bring to people who have a seizure disorder.
Thirteen-year-old Ryan is living with epilepsy; he is one of the 30 per cent of people living with the condition who suffers from uncontrolled seizures. His condition has resulted in Ryan having special learning needs.
One month into the school year, Ryan’s resource learning teacher called his mother, Emily, to say the school could not accommodate Ryan’s needs.
Emily contacted Epilepsy Ontario’s director of information and client services, Suzanne Nurse, for help. Suzanne listened to Emily tell Ryan’s story. She informed Emily that she had the right to participate in the decision-making process for Ryan’s education and gave her the tools to help Emily explain epilepsy and Ryan’s specific learning needs to the school.
Each year Suzanne helps hundreds of people living with epilepsy and their families navigate systems to find information and supports they need. It is through funding that Epilepsy Ontario can provide services to people like Emily and Ryan.
“Thanks to the generosity of people who donate to Epilepsy Ontario, Emily is now encouraged with hope,” says Epilepsy Ontario executive director Paul Raymond.
“We can only continue helping people like Emily and Ryan through the generous support of donations.”
Donations Epilepsy Ontario receives help provide information about epilepsy as well as supports to people living with the condition and their families.
Donations also provide funding for advocacy. Epilepsy Ontario is working with all levels of government to improve support services and employment equity for people with epilepsy.
Click here to make a donation to support Epilepsy Ontario.
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