Abstracts

The problematic employment situation for people with epilepsy has been well established. The unemployment rate experienced by people with epilepsy has frequently been shown to be higher than that found in the general population. Numerous efforts at understanding the employment problems faced by persons with epilepsy have revealed a complex interrelationship of causes and explanations, including seizure-related variables, psychosocial factors, negative employer attitudes and discrimination, and fear of stigma and discrimination. In an effort to further clarify the situation and update understanding of changing employer attitudes, this research explored employer attitudes toward epilepsy as compared to other chronic conditions, and the implications of describing one[apos]s epilepsy using different terms (seizure condition, seizure disorder, epilepsy)., In this survey-based research we surveyed 50 human resources professionals and employers in a Southeastern United State. We presented the employers and HR professionals with several descriptions of hypothetical applicants with various chronic conditions (e.g., AIDS, epilepsy, mental retardation, cancer, heart disease) and asked them to rank and rate the applicants based on their willingness to hire a similar individual at their company. The influences of work experience, education, and other demographic variables were controlled. In addition, we varied the use of the terms seizure condition, seizure disorder, and epilepsy in describing the individual with epilepsy. Analysis of variance and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results., Data collection is currently ongoing, and full results will be presented, however results to date are consistent with prior similar research concerning employers[apos] attitudes toward epilepsy and hiring individuals with epilepsy, relative to other conditions. The use of the term epilepsy appears to be less positive from the employers[apos] perspective that the alternatives, however the results are not yet conclusive., The results have important implications for epilepsy professionals engaged in assisting persons with epilepsy in seeking and maintaining employment. The present study highlights, in particular, the ongoing concern about epilepsy-related stigma in the area of employment.,