Epilepsy is well known but is not often well understood. Around
350,000 people may have epilepsy in Canada; Epilepsy is a recurring
disruption of brain function that results in seizures, or ‘fits'.
These fits range from absence seizures (which can be mistaken for
daydreaming) to seizures involving loss of consciousness (Grand mal)
convulsions, abdominal pains, periodic vomiting, frothing at the
mouth, respiratory arrest, also the physical
exhaustion and sleep, which can be followed by more severe seizures,
and then a loss of recent memories… this is my life, and I live it
from "black out" to "black out".

Unlike the "dark ages", today the neurological disease is widely known
and in some cases can be treated with drugs, or surgery. (Although I
am still prevented from being a productive member of society) Due to
the severity of the "attacks" the people of an earlier era's would
have labelled me with having a demoniacal personality, and I would
have been killed to protect the people of that time, or they would
"Drill" into my skull to release the demons.
Today there is a more "humane" way of handling those with my condition
(I personally think the attitude of society changed due to the "shame,
guilt, and the "skeletons in the closet" were cast into the light of
being) there are the drugs, that have a certain amount of side
affects, and there is sterilizations for those who request it, (in the
mid 1960's they wouldn't ask, they would just do it after placing a
person in a mental hospital for the rest of their lives, not to
mention the daily fear of "shock Therapy" ) also the  removal of brain
tissue is still being "practiced" today, I was told that it would
leave me in a "vegetative state" for the remainder of my life, due to
fact that it is not localized, but the whole brain is affected.

When someone with epilepsy endures periods of intense emotional
distress they can react by
Having a seizure, and this can often impair his/her role as a student,
worker and a member of society. This has produced psychological
frustrations, conflicts, and the complications of
Serious limitations of education, for how can they be taught if they
can forget that easily?
(Or in some cases… why should they?)--(I have heard that one before!)
I believe we as a society are far from resolving the
misunderstandings, and the dispelling of ignorance's and fears that so
often complicate the proper management of this disease, such as
employment, and other matters in life that a "normal" person takes for
granted, but to me they are privileges that I can never experience
Employment presents several special problems, such as limitations on
driving, the handling

Of machinery, and climbing on to high places, therefore this often
limits the work activities

Available to me. A far greater still is the unwillingness of most
employers to hire Epileptics,

Considering the past attitude's in society this is not at all
surprising.

A major factor is the liability insurance coverage used by most
employers, even though the

Employer may be sympathetic he/she is hesitant because of the fear
that the employment would adversely affect their "workmen's
compensation insurance" ratings and premiums
They feel that not only am I " a danger to myself, but a danger to
others" (I have also heard that before)
So how exactly am I suppose to find a job if it's illegal for me to
hold licence to drive, or get a job without lying about my medical
history, which I have done in the past just to "feel normal"… if just
for a little while.
And to think today that we call ourselves an "ADVANCED NATION".