OUR MISSION

"The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County will ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research."

The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County is a nonprofit health agency dedicated to the prevention and control of epilepsy and its consequences, and to helping families overcome the problems associated with this condition.

We have been serving the San Diego community since 1954, offering personal counseling, education and a variety of supportive services. All these services are free and are available to anyone whose life is touched by epilepsy, regardless of the severity of the disability and without regard to race, creed, age, sex or nationality.

Problems
Apart from the direct physical effects of seizures, people with epilepsy have to deal with a very special handicap - the misconceptions of others. Many people believe that epilepsy means mental illness or violent convulsions, and thus withdraw when they hear that someone has epilepsy.

Some employers refuse employment opportunities for the same reasons, even though the person with epilepsy might be qualified and thoroughly capable of doing the job. Fearing embarrassment and prejudice, people with epilepsy are afraid to be open about their disorder.

Every person experiences epilepsy in a unique way. Some may have only a few seizures in a lifetime, while others may need constant medical supervision to gain control of their lives. Most have to deal with the negative side-effects of their medication, overwhelming medical bills, unemployment, rejection and lack of independence. Fortunately, many of those who have epilepsy can lead highly productive lives.

Goals
Given these kinds of problems, our goals are to:

• improve self-esteem and social skills in children and adults with epilepsy
• increase individual and public understanding about the potential and needs of those with epilepsy regarding education, employment, recreation, and housing
• promote equal opportunity and full participation in life
• increase the awareness of the legal rights of persons with epilepsy
• promote prevention and early recognition of epilepsy.
  

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