"E" and School - Epilepsy Message Board

CH11 · 08-30-2003, 01:30 AM

Hey guys,
I was diagnosed with epilepsy less than a year ago. Since then I've had to put up with my university saying I'm not qualified to take my chemistry labs because I am a danger to other students. I'm a molecular genetics major and I'm pre-medicine. I've tried my hardest not to let the epilepsy get in the way of my goals but I start organic chemistry in the fall and I doubt the university will let me finish the course once they find out about my epilepsy. How do you guys not let this interfere with your job or your education. I don't know what to do....

~Dodi · 08-30-2003, 09:09 AM

Have you spoken with a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor? There should be one on your campus. There may be some sort of method that could be arranged that would allow you to take the course with the help of Voc. Rehab. I can see where this can be a major concern for you. You NEED the course for your career.

Please seek all approaches to take this course. You probably are not the first student who has had this problem, and you will not be the last.

Good Luck to you, Dodi

bleubird · 08-30-2003, 08:42 PM

I would talk to someone about that I am also in College and am taking Chem. right now. They were not allowed to ask me about any disabilty, and they couldn't stop me from taking that class. Atleast my college couldn't because then they would fall in with the discrimination ..... and they do know I am epileptic .... Good luck

mandiyew · 09-01-2003, 05:48 PM

THAT IS NOT ALLOWED!!!!!! ADA ensures that no school can take away your rights for taking the classes. I am a paramedic major with GRAND MAL SEIZURES!!! I was allowed to take the class. Had a sz in class- my prof knew I was epileptic, so he just always kinda looked out for me. I was required to take the class as well. I was granted my national registry as an EMT-P and now work for a service despite the fact that I continue to have sz. My partner is aware that I have them, and is very discreet about things. I have been fortunate and never had one at work, but I try very hard to keep my schedule regular so that I do not. But I have had several in class. My teachers just clear things away and let me finish. If you really want to pursue this, don't let them stop you. Get EFA involved and if they continue to say no, then pursue getting a lawyer and fight with ADA (many times they do pro bono or ADA covers cost). Don't let Epilepsy or them stop you! Best wishes

CH11 · 09-01-2003, 07:37 PM

Thanks for the responses everyone,
It's good to hear from people who actually understand what I've been dealing with. Last year, while I was in my inorganic chem. class I eventually did go to the university's ADA coordinator, but was told that due to my condition I could not participate in lab and therefore could not finish the last of my inorganic chem. classes. Following this, I got a lawyer, and after weeks of debate I had to withdraw from the class with two weeks left in the course. I was awarded examination credit after the university set up a separate exam for me to take. I didn't get the A I deserved but I did get credit so that I can move on to organic chem. I leave for school Sept. 16th and have a meeting with the disability office when I get there to discuss my options for organic chemistry. To be honest, I'm terrified, but hopefully things will work out for the best.
Thanks again for the advice!
-Cat-