Having epilepsy should not prevent you from having an independent working life: that's the message from the organisers of a new training course being run at the Institute of Technology in Sligo.
"Training for Success" is a one-year pre-employment programme designed to help people with epilepsy gain the confidence to get a job. Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association, says it is an important development as it is the first such programme to be run in a mainstream third-level college.
Ms Marion Wilkinson, the director of research and development at Brainwave, says 80 per cent of people with epilepsy lead normal lives and never require the assistance of her organisation. However, for the remaining 20 per cent the condition can cause psycho-social problems.
"For the people we work with self-esteem and confidence are big issues, and many have left school without reaching their full potential. They have not been able to make decisions about choosing a career."
The course is being run in conjunction with the National Rehabilitation Board and the North Western Health Board, and is funded through the European Social Fund. Participants do not have to pay fees and have access to all the institute's facilities.
There are already 11 people from Cos Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim and Mayo enrolled but Brainwave wants to recruit another 11 as soon as possible.
Ms Wilkinson says participants can be sure of a supportive environment and the course aims to meet individual needs. It covers areas from literacy skills, computers and CV writing to assertiveness and interpersonal skills. There is also an emphasis on health, fitness and stress management.
The course takes a holistic approach, aiming to address physical, social and psychological needs. Drama and role play are used and there is an emphasis on individual experiences.
It grew out of a pilot project run by Brainwave in different venues in the State two years ago. A "dire need" for such a training programme emerged in the north-west.
"There was a lack of awareness about epilepsy, even among people who had it. Some people are not even aware of their entitlements to disability allowance or that they are entitled to free medication," says Ms Wilkinson. This was particularly true in the case of people living in isolated, rural areas.
Anybody who would like information on the course should contact Ms Brid Keavney at 071 55303.