Employment among young people with epilepsy

The study reports the findings of a follow-up review of 38 trainees who had completed social skills training programmes run by BRAINWAVE The Irish Epilepsy Association and FAS, the state training and employment authority, during the period 1986 to 1990. The social skills programmes were aimed at young, unqualified school leavers. A total of 101 young people completed the programmes, 45 of whom had epilepsy. Of those with epilepsy, 38 were interviewed about their current employment position. On completion of the programmes 58% had found a job or gone on to further training. At the time of interview 39% were in work or training. Fifty-eight per cent were still experiencing seizures (a seizure in the last 12 months). Fifty per cent of those interviewed felt that they were being actively discriminated against because of their epilepsy. Fifty-eight per cent had made contact with the National Rehabilitation Board, the state placement service for people with a disability, but only 36% of these were in training or employment at the time of interview. Sixty-six per cent of those interviewed had found the programmes helpful in terms of increasing their self-confidence and social skills. The study points to the need for more specialized training and job placement programmes for young people with epilepsy.