National Programs

Advocacy and Epilepsy

Advocacy is the act of pleading for or defending another person. The purpose of advocacy is to empower vulnerable people and promote respect for their dignity, rights and freedoms. Like others who have disabilities, people with epilepsy often face barriers to their basic human rights and freedoms. Employment, transportation, education, subsidized medication, insurance, driving issues, abuse, housing and isolation are just some of the issues faced by people who have epilepsy. Through advocacy, change happens: -- changes at the governmental, legal, social, economic and institutional levels; -- changes to ensure that people with epilepsy are empowered and their dignity and rights are protected. Advocacy involves action towards change. The more voices heard, the more likely is the change. Advocacy helps to fight discrimination and complacency; help us lobby for people living with epilepsy.