In recognition of National Epilepsy Awareness Month this November, Discovery Educationand the Epilepsy Foundation have partnered to launch Understanding Epilepsy. Understanding Epilepsy helps broaden understanding about seizure disorders by providing access to classroom resources and training materials, so that all school personnel know how to respond when someone has a seizure.
Tthe Epilepsy Foundation has developed free materials, including lesson plans, first aid guides, seizure training for school personnel, and online training for school nurses focused on managing students with seizures. Videos featuring teens with epilepsy leading fulfilled and active lives erase the stigma associated with seizure disorders.
Visitors also will find information debunking a variety of seizure disorder myths, such as the truth about the possibility of someone swallowing his or her tongue during a seizure, what impact flashing lights and video games have on someone with or predisposed to epilepsy, and general facts about the different types of seizures.
"Epilepsy is not only the leading neurological disorder experienced by children, it is a condition where the primary non-medical problem confronting children with the condition is discrimination, stigma and social acceptance," said Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "For this reason, we must empower our schools with facts about epilepsy, and ensure that people can respond to a student having a seizure in a timely and appropriate fashion."
