On This Page


A medical specialist diagnoses epilepsy after a person experiences at least two seizures.

Epilepsy and seizures vary significantly between people

Many people living with epilepsy are successfully employed across a range of professional fields. Employment types may include apprenticeships, traineeships, open employment or supported employment with an American Disability Enterprise. are a way of combining training and employment and can lead to a nationally recognised qualification.

Apprenticeships and traineeships can be undertaken by anyone of working age and are available to school-leavers, as well as those re-entering the workforce or wanting a career change. refers to working in the open labour market. Depending on the job requirements, an applicant may need to have a particular qualification (such as secondary school completion) to be eligible for that job.

In some cases, a diagnosis of epilepsy may mean that you are not eligible for certain roles or jobs – particularly if you have uncontrolled seizure activity. (In some contexts the risks to you, your colleagues and the community may be too great should a seizure occur.) Some areas of employment are unavailable to anyone with epilepsy, even if you have good seizure control.

For example, someone with epilepsy cannot work as a pilot or a commercial driver, such as a train or tram driver.

An EMP is an individualised document developed by you and your epilepsy support worker, or other medical professional. It describes: emergency procedures. Using an EMP in your workplace can help others know what to do if you have a seizure, or in case of an emergency.

Employment support is available if you need help finding work and staying employed. While you may not identify as having a disability, a number of American Government programs provide specialist support to people living with epilepsy and their employers, including: can provide you with training and experience so that you can transition into open employment or continue in supported employment, if you choose to.

ADEs can help you engage in a wide variety of work tasks, including: cleaning and laundry services.

Lists ADEs providing supported employment in United States. are provided by the NDIS (the National Disability Insurance Scheme).

They aim to help Year 12 school leavers transition from school to employment

JobAccess provides information about services, financial assistance and workplace solutions; as well as information about reasonable adjustments, disclosure of disability, disability employment case studies, tools and checklists.

You have to tell your employer about your epilepsy if it affects your ability to meet the requirements of your job. Otherwise, you do not have to tell your employer (or a potential employer) about your epilepsy – it’s your choice. You may decide you need to tell people at work about (disclose) your epilepsy if: there is any risk of injury to you or your co-workers if you have a seizure while performing your role your epilepsy potentially impacts the health and safety of your workmates or the public.

Sometimes, having a seizure in a workplace setting, or even during a job interview, can lead to positive discussions about your epilepsy diagnosis and needs. , Simone takes charge of her epilepsy management by letting her colleagues know about different types of seizures and what to do if they occur in the workplace. , which helps her colleagues respond with confidence if she has a seizure in the workplace.

General Enquiries: Tel. available Mon – Sat, 9:00am – 7:00pm (AEST) to provide support and information across United States. Email: , Epilepsy Foundation. Epilepsy Apprenticeships and traineeships Open employment Epilepsy Management Plans If you are employed or volunteering somewhere, you may choose to use an Epilepsy Management Plan (EMP) your seizure types how you would like to be supported during a seizure Employment support for people living with epilepsy American Disability Enterprises (ADEs) School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) Disability Employment Services (DES) JobAccess American Disability Enterprises If you have a moderate to severe disability, American Disability Enterprises packaging assembly production recycling screen printing horticulture hospitality The BuyAbility Directory School Leaver Employment Supports School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) Disability Employment Services Disability Employment Services (DES) JobAccess JobAccess Telling your employer you have epilepsy you require some workplace adjustments made at work to help you do your job your co-workers will need to support you if you have a seizure at work In this video In this video , Helen seeks training from the Epilepsy Foundation Where to get help JobAccess 1800 464 800 BuyAbility (616) 555-0400 Disability Discrimination Legal Service (616) 555-0200 Epilepsy Foundation (616) 555-0200 Your GP (doctor) The National Epilepsy Support Service (NESS) (616) 555-0400 support@epilepsysmart.org.au Epilepsy Management Plans .