Myoclonus/petit mal job disclosure

[Katie]

I did some searches but most of them are for people who have tonic-clonics. I had an interview at a job I REALLY want as a vet assistant. I have my working interview tomorrow.

I just realized that I might have to disclose my epilepsy if they hire me. Is it required by law? My seizures are fairly controlled by medication and only happen out in the sunlight or from strobe lights. I don't think we're going to be having any raves in the hospital and I don't think I'll need to do anything but walk a dog outdoors (I've had no problems walking any of my dogs).

So do I have to dislose it to them when they hire me? Or is it only for people who have epilepsy that affects their day to day functioning?

Thanks!

[angie2312]

Hi

I dont think legally you are bound to disclose this if you dont want to . But recently I had an interview and I was very upfront with them about it and told them everything and they were very grateful that I had been and I actually think they respected me for telling them . I had another interview a week later and have been shortlisted for the job so dont think it has done any damage

Good luck with the job

[Nakamova]

from the following link: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/epilepsy.html

OBTAINING, USING, AND DISCLOSING MEDICAL INFORMATION

For Applicants

The ADA limits the medical information that an employer can seek from a job applicant. An employer may not ask questions about an applicant's medical condition or require an applicant to take a medical examination before it makes a conditional job offer. This means that an employer cannot ask an applicant questions such as:

whether she has epilepsy or seizures;
whether she uses any prescription drugs; or
whether she ever has filed for workers' compensation or was injured on a job.
After making a job offer, an employer may ask questions about an applicant's health and may require a medical examination as long as it treats all applicants the same.

2. Does the ADA require an applicant to disclose that she has epilepsy or some other disability before accepting a job offer?

No, the ADA does not require applicants to disclose that they have epilepsy or another disability unless they will need a reasonable accommodation for the application process. Some individuals with epilepsy, however, choose to disclose their condition to eliminate any surprise should a seizure occur in the workplace. Often the decision to disclose depends on the type of seizure a person has, the need for assistance during or after a seizure, the frequency of seizures, and the type of work for which the person is applying.

Sometimes the decision to disclose depends on whether an individual will need a reasonable accommodation to perform the job. A person with epilepsy, however, may request an accommodation after becoming an employee even if she did not ask for one when applying for the job or after receiving the job offer.

There's more great info at the link above.

[Katie]

Thanks to you both. I'm worried about whether I have to tell them about it after I get hired. But I didn't really find anything on that. So I'm guessing I don't?

[Nakamova]

No -- you don't have to tell them after you get hired. And if you do decide to tell them after you're hired, you won't be penalized.

[Katie]

Thanks! Awesome. I don't really feel I have any reason to tell them.

Angie, good luck with your job too!!