Yesterday Robert talked about not
being able to drive because of his uncontrolled epilepsy (well, except for
that one time our dad let him drive but that’ll be our little secret).
Once Robert finished his bedtime routine and got settled
into bed (and agreed to set aside the word search puzzle and Jeopardy for a
couple of minutes), we finished our conversation.
I hope you’re enjoying watching the clips as much as I am
enjoying making them. My camera work isn’t the best (and certainly doesn’t seem
to be improving – apparently, “Spielberg” isn’t my middle name) but I keep
learning more and more about Robert and the impact epilepsy has on his life.
What I learned in this clip is that Robert wanted to work
but was never able to because of his uncontrolled seizures. It is such a natural human need to want to be
productive and a contributing member of society.
When Robert lived at the care facility, he was given certain
chores to do and usually did them enthusiastically. He was in charge of opening
the blinds in the common rooms and taking his dishes into the kitchen after
dinner. Watching him do these chores always
made me a little nervous since the plates were stacked a little too
precariously on the seat of his walker and the blinds were never quite an easy
reach.
Definitely an accident waiting to happen but he enjoyed
doing these chores.
While Robert’s seizures were too frequent to make employment
a viable option, many others with epilepsy are able to work and have successful
careers.
It is important to know that employers cannot discriminate
against a person with epilepsy as it is a protected disorder under the American
Disabilities Act. The ADA prohibits discrimination against employees with
epilepsy (or other qualifying disabilities). The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission answers commonly asked questions about epilepsy in the workplace
on their website.
In this clip, Robert talks about the things he misses
because he has epilepsy. It is probably one of my favorite videos in this
series (if I ignore the shoddy camera-work!). J
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