Interview epilepsy

[Ohshitakimushrooms]

Hi I was recently diagnosed with uncontrolled epilepsy, not fab but down to seizure every 2 weeks or so before this I could be having up to 4 a week, I have a job interview coming up this week, had 2 previous that went nowhere, have all the qualifications for them, worked really hard for them around bringing up 3 dd, I don’t even no what I’m asking for, I’m just so desperate to get back work and get some income coming in, also have dd prom coming up so that costing a fortune 🤦🏻‍♀️, would you say anything about the epilepsy in the interview or not.

What sort of job are you applying for?
IE is it one that yours or someone else's safety would be at risk if you had an unexpected seizure?

Pp makes a good point, for example it might not be appropriate for you to be sole teacher in charge of 30 pupils if you could be suddenly incapacitated.
Assuming this is not an issue then no I wouldn’t mention it. Employees can fall sick at any time, without warning, that is just part of employing people.

No. You’re protected under the Equality Act and they can’t by law ask until you have a job offer. Disclose it after you have signed the contract - but make sure you do disclose it so you can get adjustments put in place.

I have epilepsy.

I was in child care spent over 15 year training gaining qualifications I don’t feel I could ever work in that industry anymore which I’m absolutely devastated about, this job is work from home but still working for parents and child providers, I very rarely leave the house as I’m so scared I may have a seizure while out, so need a work from home job.

@DarkRipePlum thank you so much, this is all new to me and has taken a massive toll and feel of I’m back doing something it may help

I have epilepsy (controlled) I only state it because, although very rare, I may need some day to have time off sick for seizure recovery, and because (rightly or wrongly) I push it as a plus for the employer as they can say they employ diverse groups of people/support disabilities in the workplace. If there is free text in application, definitely write something like you’d love to contribute to the diversity of their workforce etc

I wouldn’t be disheartened but I’d, no1 get your seizures under control first if you can, because all this stress can’t be helping you x

You are probably best, when you disclose, asking to see occupational health where you can discuss what you need. So a reasonable adjustment, for example, would be adjusting your work times if you have a seizure, to start later/earlier/whatever works for you. The idea is that it levels the playing field. You still do the hours and the work but it allows for your recovery also. If you are unable to do the job that’s a different matter, but seizures shouldn’t prevent you having a job.

I used to disclose at interview because it felt like the honest thing to do. It prevented me getting a job. Read the recent Epilepsy Action work survey - it’s really eye opening how there is so much prejudice around disability. You don’t need to disclose at all prior to starting work. There’s also more info around that on the EA website. Good luck with the interview!

You only need to disclose it if it fundamentally changes what you can do - eg if your job requires driving obviously you can't.

You are protected as long as reasonable adjustments can mean you can do the job fully.

We have two dc with seizure disorders, one severe so I do understand how scary it is

@SisterAgatha thank you I will never knew about it helping the company, the neurologist said it’s uncontrollable and I’ve had my medication changed so many times I’ve lost count, I’m so glad I can discuss with other as its hard to discuss with family, @DarkRipePlum thank you I will definitely have a read, I honestly believe I have no idea what is happening to me I have tried reading some stuff but get so confused by it all, it is greatly appreciated

Are you worried about having a seizure when you go out for interview? If so you could ask for an online interview over Teams instead?

I have epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and I've had a Stroke (and will have more).

No way am I telling people before I have too.

@Crinkle77 yes this is one of my worries, I have come to in an abundance before now, I feel like I’m being an idiot being scared to go out and just need to get on with it and not let it stop me, this is why I’m determined to get back to work.
@SittingOnTheChair I’m so sorry to hear that, hope your are holding up, to be honest the not tell anyone is such a comfort to me to hear

Hope they are flexible and can arrange an online interview for you - in my workplace we would absolutely do this. If not, it is probably reflective of how they are as an employer and you may have had a lucky escape. Good luck OP.

There are lots of accomodations that can be made if you find the right employer.
You should also tick the "I have a disability" box in the recruitment process so get an interview if you meet criteria.
Once in post many workplaces have an employee passport where you can note down anything you need, so a parent carer might need to work flexibly and have time off for appointments and the agreed reasonable adjustments are written in there. That passport then goes with you from online manager to another so you don't have to explain again

@Ohshitakimushrooms it must be very frightening for you. If you haven't already, take a look at Epilepsy Society | Transforming lives through advocacy, research and care Do you also have a dedicated nurse on your medical team who you can contact for support? Some hospital trusts have them and others don't.

Try to be positive about the interview and best of luck.