EMPLOYEES WITH EPILEPSY tell their stories
Michelle Buckland
Over the 18 years since I was diagnosed, I have dealt with the impact and challenges of epilepsy using PERSERVERANCE, DETERMINATION and TENACITY. I have earned two degrees - one in Information Technology and the other in Training and Development. I have worked as a consultant and am currently employed as a technical curriculum writer with Celestica, working on the development and production of high-quality technical training materials and the analysis/assessment of training measurements.
When I joined Celestica, I believed it was my responsibility to "come out of the shadows" so my coworkers were aware of my disability and how to deal with it. With Celestica's encouragement, I developed and delivered an epilepsy awareness presentation to my department. Their interest, patience and level of understanding are well appreciated and valued.
Thanks to my parents, I've always believed "You can do anything you put your mind to!" Rather than allowing epilepsy to be a barrier, I take it as a challenge and an opportunity to strive towards excellence and discovery by going to new heights.
Pat Andrews, self-employed
Pat began learning the dying art of caning chairs in 1988, under the tutelage of a mentor. When his mentor retired, he urged Pat to take over his business. Reluctant at first, Pat finally decided to go for it. "Why stay depressed, or feel lost with nothing to do?"
Pat is able to adjust his workload according to how well he's feeling. He still relies on his Disability Benefits, with his business as an income supplement.
In previous jobs, Pat says that as soon as his epilepsy was revealed, he'd be dismissed. Being self-employed is a great advantage - "I'm not going to fire myself", he quips.
Pat rents a studio space, where his landlord knows he has epilepsy. "It's not a problem," he says. "People with epilepsy are just as capable of being productive as anyone else".
