The UK’s largest bank, HSBC, has partnered with Epilepsy Action to launch a new research report today, offering best practice insights for businesses and organisations to create safe physical and digital spaces for employees with photosensitive epilepsy.
As well as working to advance workplace accessibility for people with photosensitive epilepsy across businesses more broadly, HSBC has also booked e-learning modules and virtual training from Epilepsy Action for its first aiders.
Head of digital experience and accessibility at HSBC, Mali Fernando MBE, said he is proud of this work and being able to share it with other organisations.
“I hope this research, which we have created with our partners from Epilepsy Action, helps other organisations, particularly those who may not have been aware of the risks and impact of multimedia, print and other collateral when created without considering the needs of people with photosensitive epilepsy.”
The report
The Photosensitive Epilepsy Research Report captures lived experiences from people with photosensitive epilepsy, to understand the biggest challenges for this group and how workplaces can adapt to be more inclusive.
Epilepsy Action chief executive, Rebekah Smith, said: “Whilst only affecting 3-5% of people with epilepsy, photosensitive epilepsy can be an extremely difficult condition to manage, as it can make everyday activities, such as going to the shops or on a walk, very tricky.
“There are a wide range of triggers for people with photosensitive epilepsy, which is why we have provided a range of guidance to help businesses and organisations create safer and more inclusive working environments.”
Some of the key recommendations around photosensitive epilepsy included:
- Avoiding potential triggers, such as flashing lights, and providing clear warnings when these may be present
- Considering entire environments when assessing triggers and maintenance upkeep, for example replacing broken lightbulbs that are flickering
Rebekah added: “While it is not possible for any single set of guidance to address every potential trigger or individual circumstance, given the highly personal nature of epilepsy, we encourage employers to consider these recommendations carefully and take proactive steps to support the safety and wellbeing of employees with epilepsy in the workplace.”
“I worry about her all the time”
Emma Haslam, senior digital governance manager at HSBC, (pictured (left) with her daughter Ruby (right)), who led on the project said she is extremely passionate about the collaboration with Epilepsy Action, not only as part of her job but also because she has a close connection to the condition.
“My daughter, Ruby, has lived with epilepsy since she was 17. Now 21, over the past three and a half years, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that epilepsy can have on a person and their family.
“I was on facetime to Ruby during her first seizure. She suddenly went off camera, and I rushed upstairs to go and find her. My husband was already there, as he had heard a bang.
“After that, we had a bit of an ‘unknown’ phase. Was it a one-off or something else? Ruby was diagnosed with epilepsy pretty quickly, and, in some way, we were relieved, as at least we knew what it was and she could start medication.
“I think what I’m most gutted for, for Ruby, is that it developed at such a significant age – none of us knew epilepsy could develop randomly until our experience. Ruby was 17 and had just started learning to drive and was getting her first sense of freedom.
“As her mum, of course I worry about her all the time and still do. Sometimes she gets irritated by me, her stepdad or brother shouting up to her if we hear a bang in the house.
“However, Ruby hasn’t let her epilepsy define her or stop her from doing anything. I want her to take epilepsy seriously, but I also want her to live her life to the fullest, which she is absolutely doing.”
“Feel fully supported”
Emma explained that outside her personal connection, accessibility is a priority for her team and the whole organisation.
She said: “As a team, we support the bank to ensure the digital platforms and products we deliver to customers and colleagues are accessible, reinforcing HSBC’s ambition to be the most trusted bank globally by putting customers at the heart of everything we do, and supporting our aim to be the world’s most digitally accessible bank.
“This year, we’ve delivered three key pieces of work: increasing epilepsy awareness (including clear dos and don’ts for supporting someone having a seizure), strengthening our first-aid response, and carrying out user research to validate that our guidance reflects real, lived experiences.”
However, she added that the importance of this work goes even further for her. “As a parent to someone with epilepsy, I know that if I was confident every member of the public knew what to do if someone has a seizure in front of them, I would be much more relaxed.
“Establishing training across the bank will ensure that people with epilepsy amongst our staff, and even members of the public coming into our branches, can feel fully supported and trust that there are people there to help them.”
You can access the report from the Epilepsy Action website.
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