what would you have done

joey · #1 12-11-2008, 05:26 PM

today at work we were getting trained for an inbound calling project on computers and we click on a part of the program and the beganing always flickers when it starts and the trainer says if you have epilepsy dont look cuz you might have a seizure, then laughs i say nothing but was angry just wondering what you would have done

Tilei · #2 12-11-2008, 05:42 PM

I would have waited until a break and quietly & professionally approached the trainer. Keeping in mind that yes, we may have E, but the trainer may have just a nervous laugh in front of large groups.

I do lots of training and sometimes there is a nervous chuckle that slips out. I've never been "called" on it, but I am well aware it exists. It is also a hint to the group it may not be a topic I am as conversant about as I would like to be. The trainer may be giving the warning, but not fully understanding the reason.

Polite & Professional. All my co-workers know I have E, so for me to approach the subject would be a non-issue.

joey · #3 12-11-2008, 05:50 PM

well she was not giving a warning she was just trying to be funny. i thought about approaching her but she really is a nice person and i just did not want to here her apologizing and feeling bad

KellyD · #4 12-11-2008, 06:01 PM

I actually would have responded a little differently to Tilei and asked why he thought that was funny. It may not have been the best approach but I don't think I would have been able to stop myself either!

**BuckeyeFan** · #5 12-11-2008, 06:49 PM

I would probably have spoke to her later or possibly e-mailed her. Not as much for me at the time, but for others in the future and for the trainer. She could get into trouble if it was taken the wrong way. It sounds like you were very reasonable about it.

I said probably because I am certain there are days when I would not have spoke up at all.

You're a good stick for not getting mad at her for that one mistake.

Lil 1 · #6 12-11-2008, 06:55 PM

I would have just blurted out "I DO" - not angrily, but loud enough so everyone does and then just watch what everyone does.

**epileric** · #7 12-11-2008, 06:58 PM

I think you should mention to her how what she said might have had a bad effect.

If you have the attitude that you're telling her to prevent her from getting in (or creating) trouble (which I believe you would be since you're not angry) she would likely appreciate your input.

dfwtexas · #8 12-11-2008, 07:04 PM

I think I would go along with sending her an informative email about it.

seizures4ever · #9 12-11-2008, 07:09 PM

Hey Joey-

I wasn't there, and today I'm not Keppraging...so I can say that I would have probably kept my seat. But I would have had to look away from the screen (then if she asked why, I would have told her quietly).

If you got a good feeling about her in the meeting and you don't want to hurt her feelings, I agree with the others...drop her an e-mail or tell her before the next class. She definitely needs to be corrected...the next person with epilepsy she encounters may not be as nice as you!

Good luck. -Julie

joey · #10 12-11-2008, 07:18 PM

trust me when i tell you guys i am the type of guy that will get very angry and responsive about a joke like that but i really did not want to ruin her day because she was struggleing to teach us today and i can tell she was intimidated by the class so i let her slide

**Bernard** · #11 12-11-2008, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by joey

:

today at work we were getting trained for an inbound calling project on computers and we click on a part of the program and the beganing always flickers when it starts and the trainer says if you have epilepsy dont look cuz you might have a seizure, then laughs i say nothing but was angry just wondering what you would have done

I would have told him right then, "I do have epilepsy and your comment is not funny at all. BTW, only a small percentage of people with epilepsy are photosensitive."

Depending upon circumstances, you might even get away with going full Pesci on him/her:

"You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe because I have epilepsy, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? Why are seizures so funny, funny how? How am I funny?"

warning - video has foul language

Goodfellas:"Funny, How?" Scene - YouTube

justPassing · #12 12-11-2008, 10:59 PM

Feeling east costish tonight Bernard?

I guess not only keppra can crank people up :-)

Do not know if its the B6, but I have less of a headache today, I would have waited for the coffe break.

But hey I am usually the trainer and I do not do that kind of jokes, I prefer politics.

stilldancing_98 · #13 12-12-2008, 12:47 AM

I would of said something. It really bothers me. I have a seizure disorder! What do you know that can help me? I probably would of put her on the spot? And then made sure she got a pamphlet or two on epilepsy.But I love the politics out look too. I love to stay calm and logical about things and be informative.I think you handeld it quite well.

Belinda5000 · #14 12-12-2008, 02:40 AM

I would have approached the trainer if I waited till break time depend on how bad my seizure was.Would have told trainer.I just had seizure now do u think that's funny.
You need get training on how to deal with this.
Belinda

seizures4ever · #15 12-12-2008, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by joey

:

trust me when i tell you guys i am the type of guy that will get very angry and responsive about a joke like that but i really did not want to ruin her day because she was struggleing to teach us today and i can tell she was intimidated by the class so i let her slide

Yep Joey, you are a tough guy, but with a big heart.

(now please don't go and write a poem about beating me up for saying that)

I'll confess that I've been offended by professors, and most of the time, I didn't confront the prof. in front of the class (unless it was a comment aimed directly at me). I usually waited until after class.

As a general rule, most of us in this world are doing the best we can.
I'm sure I have put my foot in my mouth plenty of times!

Seriously though, you need to let her know at some point.

If for no other reason than so she doesn't embarrass herself in the future (or risk having the wrath of Mr. B in her class)

Just my thoughts. -Julie

tinasmom · #16 12-12-2008, 07:57 AM

I think this instructor was very unprofessional. It angers me that people think E and seizures are funny or should be made fun of. I work for our local hospital and we have a site on our Intranet to sign up for training and other learning opportunities. One day I opened this site and there were flashing graphics on the main page. I immediately contacted the person in charge of this site and asked that they remove the flashing graphics as this could cause an employee with E to have a seizure. The graphics were changed and there have not been anymore flashing graphics on the site.

I would make sure this instructor knows that you were offended by the comment.

skillefer · #17 12-12-2008, 10:57 AM

Actually, I've been in a similar position. I told the person, "Thank you! Actually I am photosensitive. " They came out looking like a donkey.

TeeTees · #18 12-12-2008, 12:48 PM

The only problem I have is that I'm never 'prepared' for these situations, as I just don't expect it in an 'adult modern' society.....all the fool me, as my guard is alway down at the times I need it the most I guess.

I think a round off applause goes to you for not losing it over someone who MAY, just MAY not have meant it in a 'funny' way.

Looking back with hindsight, and saying I WAS prepared, and depending on whether I wanted the rest of the class to know about my E (if they don't already) would determine whether I stood up and asked what was funny, or if I approached the teacher after class.

Good for you anyway - I think you done EXACTLY what I initially would have done, so feel no shame