Epilepsy and Employment Resource Central
Created by the AES Epilepsy & Employment Task Force
Posted June 2009
The unemployment rate for people with epilepsy is two to three times that of the general population (Hauser & Hesdorffer, 1990). For those with active seizure disorders, it may be as high as 50%. Furthermore, people with epilepsy who manage to gain employment, tend to earn less than people who do not have epilepsy (Wiebe et al., 1999: Lindsten et al., 2002). Physicians are in a unique position of being able to advocate for appropriate employment opportunities for their patients with epilepsy. The following information may be used in formulating a response to patients and employers.
Profile of Epilepsy as a Disability
by Elson L. So, M.D.
Considerations in Work Site Safety and Epilepsy
by Robert T. Fraser, Ph.D., CRC
Resources on Workplace Accommodation
by Malachy L. Bishop, Ph.D., CRC & Erica K. Johnson, Ph.D.
Resources on Hiring Qualified Workers with Epilepsy
by Kevin Jordan, MPA
Physician's Guide to Responding to Work Site Safety Issues
Including Examples of Medical Response Templates
by Paul A. Garcia, M.D.