It may be, however, that you feel it is not necessary to declare your epilepsy at the onset because your epilepsy is well controlled and will in no way affect your ability to do your job safely and effectively. However, should your seizures become more frequent or severe, and you feel you need a reasonable adjustment to help you, you can change your mind and tell your employer as a later date. Some people with epilepsy have found it best to leave it to the end of the interview. This gives you time to impress the interviewer with your suitability for the job before raising the matter of your epilepsy. It may be useful to take along a doctor s letter with which explains the nature of your epilepsy and how it may affect your employment.
Some employers know very little about epilepsy.
It s up to you to get the facts across in an accurate and matter of fact way. Once you have found a job it s up to you to decide what to tell your workmates. This can be tricky, but we at BEA believe that it is best to be honest. If other people know about your epilepsy and what to expect if you have a seizure there is less likelihood of embarrassment and anxiety all round. Presenting the facts about your epilepsy in a positive way will help dispel any fear and misunderstanding on the part of your employer or workmates.