Higher education

Higher education

Many students with epilepsy continue their education at colleges and universities. Studying for a Higher Diploma, Honours Degree or similar will enable students with epilepsy to pursue a range of professions and careers. Deciding which course and where to do it are very important decisions for any student, but a student with epilepsy may need expert guidance from a careers advisor or Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (telephone number 0800 328 5050)

• more information about higher education

Choosing a course

The subject(s) a student wishes to study will reflect their interests and their chosen career. With good seizure control, the right approach, qualifications and skills, epilepsy is not a major barrier to employment. If your student with epilepsy needs advice, a careers office or or Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (telephone number 0800 328 5050)

• more information about higher education

Choosing a college

There will be many choices of college available to your student with epilepsy. Their final choice will probably reflect their hobbies and interest and future career plans. Additionally, some students may need support and adjustment to accommodate their epilepsy, their choice of college will need to reflect their needs. Skill or the Student Support Services at their chosen college may be able to offer useful advice.

• more information about higher education

Employment for people with epilepsy

In the UK the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) means that there can be no blanket restrictions preventing people with epilepsy for applying for any job (except for the armed services.) As with any other students, people with epilepsy must have their job application considered on an individual basis. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, health and safety must be taken into consideration. However, with the right support and, in some cases, reasonable adjustment, people with epilepsy can be found in most occupations and professions.

• more information about the DDA
• more information about employing people with epilepsy

Employing people with epilepsy

If a person is not seizure free, it is important to have as much information about their epilepsy as possible. Even if a person is not seizure free, their epilepsy is not necessarily going to have an impact on their ability to do their job. This is because the symptoms of seizures can be so varied, ranging from mild interruptions in normal thought, to complete loss of consciousness. By assessing each person on an individual basis, an employer can ensure that the person with epilepsy is not treated any less favourably that any else and that the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and Health and Safety regulations are complied with.

• more information about the DDA
• more information about employing people with epilepsy

May 2006