Awareness on employment rights for people with epilepsy

According to Valentine Muradzikwa, spokesperson for the Epilepsy South Africa Centre in Geduld, one of the common myths in our society is that people with epilepsy will not be able to work.

“It is very important to have a clear understanding of the types of jobs someone with the neurological condition of epilepsy can do.

“Understanding what one enjoys doing and what one is good at will not only assist in helping to identify the best jobs, but it will also improve the chances of people with the neurological condition to have an opportunity to get employment,” added Muradzikwa.

Also read: Shining a light on the rights of those living with epilepsy 

The South African Constitution prohibits the direct and indirect discrimination of anyone on the grounds of race, gender, sex, pregnancy,

marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.

“It is important that each person should be assessed upon disclosure by their employer to establish the risks to health and safety.

“The suitability of the candidate should determine the chances of one being employment based solely on their capability.

“Every employer should implement the course of reasonable accommodation, which refers to any action, behaviour or modification to job tasks or a working environment done to eliminate a barrier to employment or increase access, participation or advancement of a person with a disability or other categorically disadvantaged groups,” he said.

Also read: Epilepsy in children | Myths vs Facts

The centre, and its Braamfontein branch, offers protective workshops that help people with epilepsy get ready for the workplace.
“These have assisted in improving the standards of life of people with epilepsy,” said Muradzikwa.
For more information, contact 011 811 1590.

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