Abstracts

Rationale: For decades, persons with epilepsy have been characterized by higher levels of unemployment and underemployment than are seen among the general population. This has been found to be the case in the US and around the world. In the last two decades there has been significant activity internationally in the development of legislation aimed at equalizing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. There has, in the same period, been concurrent growth in research aimed at understanding employer attitudes toward persons with epilepsy, and the employment situation of persons with epilepsy internationally. For the most part, research in these areas has been limited to single countries or regions within countries. There has been, as yet, a comprehensive international review of the employment situation for persons with epilepsy. Such a project will require the understanding of a number of basic issues. This presentation describes one such issue: the current state of employment discrimination legislation internationally for persons with disabilities, and in particular, the nature of the impact and application of these for people with epilepsy. The purpose of this project was to identify the prevalence, common features, and relevance to persons with epilepsy of legislation related to employment and epilepsy internationally.Methods: A comprehensive review of employment and anti-discrimination law internationally was undertaken, exploring the form of anti-discrimination and employment legislation for persons with disabilities. The methodology included ensuring that nations on each continent were included, as were representative forms and structures of legislation. The scope and definitions, bodies or agencies responsible for enforcement, and related information were reviewed. In addition, the epilepsy literature was reviewed to identify the perspective of the impact of relevant legislation for persons with epilepsy. Results: Since 1990, employment and anti-discrimination laws directed at enhancing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities have been developed in numerous countries, and multi-national groups have developed policies or guidelines relevant to this issue. We present an overview of the forms, scope, and definitions of legislation internationally, as well as important differences and similarities, and discuss the implications for persons with epilepsy.Conclusions: This project represents one foundation for an international understanding of the employment situation for persons with epilepsy. A comprehensive understanding and knowledge base will require several additional pieces and the cooperation and knowledge of international partners. However, this project contributes to the process by significantly enhancing understanding of the legislative component of employment for persons with epilepsy internationally.