We’re Hiring For The Summer!

Are you a post-secondary student or someone under the age of 30? We're hiring a Case Manager for the summer!
Eligible candidates must:

• Be studying social work/social service work or a related field OR have a diploma or degree in a related field.

• Have experience working with vulnerable communities and/or in a client service setting

• Be organized and are able to work as part of a team.

To apply send your resume and any additional documentation to jamie@epilepsyottawa.ca with the subject “Case Management Student Application” + Your Name.

Epilepsy Ottawa’s 2023 Impact

Create Your Own Fundraiser!

It’s never been easier to support community epilepsy services. Whether you want to raise funds to dye your hair purple, for a fitness goal, through a bake sale, or you have a completely different idea, check this out!

Drop In Office Hours

Did you know that Epilepsy Ottawa has drop-in office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-4pm in Room 207 at the Bronson Centre? Pop by to ask a question, pick up some brochures, or find out more about what we do.

Winter Weather Note: On days when school buses are cancelled, we may cancel our office hours. Check our Facebook page for updates.

A note about French language services: We’re pleased to offer some services in French, but we’re unable to guarantee French language support in-person during drop-in hours. For that, it’s best to email info@epilepsyottawa.ca.

Memory Research Project Accepting New Participants

Many people with epilepsy experience memory problems that can affect their daily function. These memory challenges can be a result of seizures, medication side effects, or the structure of the brain.

A team of researchers in Toronto and London, Ontario are examining whether the educational program STREAM can help improve memory function in people with epilepsy.

The program is delivered online and by telephone, so people across Ontario can participate.

If you have epilepsy, are at least 18 years old, and you have memory problems that affect your daily functioning, you are eligible to join the study. If you’re interested, complete the form below:

Check out the 2023 Ottawa Fire Truck Pull Gallery

The event video and photos are up for the 2023 Ottawa Fire Truck Pull! Check them out at ottawafiretruckpull.com/gallery/oftp2023.

UPLIFT

UPLIFT is an 8-week, online mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy program for people affected by epilepsy with depression or anxiety.

UPLIFT returns next spring with groups for:

• Adults with epilepsy who have depression or anxiety

• People with depression or anxiety who are parents or guardians of those with epilepsy.

For more information, visit our UPLIFT page.

Get on the list today.

Epilepsy Ottawa's 2022 Impact Report

As the world emerged from a period of isolation and virtual connections, Epilepsy Ottawa resumed community events in 2022. Purple Day in Byward Market was a celebration of human connection, where clients, volunteers, and staff came together in person, rekindling bonds and fostering genuine relationships within the epilepsy community. The joy of laughter, the warmth of companionship, and the absence of screens reminded us all of the beauty of shared experiences.

Check out our 2022 Impact Report to read stories of our members and see how our programs, services, and community can change lives.

Epilepsy Organizations Unite During Pride Month to Support Trans and Nonbinary People with Epilepsy

Epilepsy Ottawa, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, and Epilepsy Ontario are proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by trans and nonbinary people living with epilepsy. In celebration of Pride Month, the organizations have jointly developed the Epilepsy, Hormones, & Reproductive Health strategy sheet, a comprehensive resource designed to empower and support this underserved community. 

Living with epilepsy is a complex journey, encompassing medical, social, and emotional challenges. Transgender and non-binary people, who already navigate additional hurdles and discrimination in their daily lives, often encounter distinctive barriers when seeking proper care and support for epilepsy. Recognizing the urgent need for specialized resources, Epilepsy Ottawa, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, and Epilepsy Ontario have joined forces to fill this crucial gap.

The Epilepsy, Hormones, & Reproductive Health strategy sheet serves as a vital tool to navigate the intricate relationship between anti-seizure meds, gender-affirming care, hormone therapies, and other crucial aspects of reproductive health. By addressing these unique concerns head-on, this collaborative effort aims to foster inclusivity, improve health outcomes, and enhance overall well-being.

The Epilepsy, Hormones, & Reproductive Health strategy sheet is available for free download on the websites of Epilepsy Ottawa, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, and Epilepsy Ontario, ensuring accessibility and widespread availability. A French version will be available soon. Through this collaborative effort, the organizations aim to advocate for a more inclusive healthcare system and inspire other organizations to follow suit. 

You can download the new strategy sheet here.

Team Registration Now Open for the 2023 Ottawa Fire Truck Pull

10 friends. 1 fire truck. 100 feet. Are you and your friends up to the challenge? The Ottawa Fire Truck Pull is back on Saturday, October 21. Register your team today!

Epilepsy Awareness Month Artwork

In early 2023, Epilepsy Ottawa asked graffiti artist Mique Michelle to work with members of our community in creating an art piece about living with epilepsy. Mique held consultations with the community to come up with a concept, then she and members of the epilepsy community created this beautiful artwork at our 2023 Purple Day Celebration. It’s on display at City Hall throughout the rest of Epilepsy Awareness Month.

Below you will find the artist’s statement. We asked those affected by epilepsy who participated in the consultations and painted the artwork, and hope to add their statements soon. For now, their artwork can speak for itself.

What a privilege!

To be invited to participate, listen and create with Epilepsy Ottawa and its participants.

My intentions and goals quickly changed once I met, consulted with the participant, hearing how they are affected by epilepsy. Realizing quickly, I know nothing about epilepsy, embarrassed about how wrong I was, I asked myself, “Is this my place, should it be me here?”. With training and help form Epilepsy Ottawa, and discussions with very generous people, I concluded it was.

As it shouldn’t always be those affected, discriminated and unable to be supported as they should creating safe places. Always correcting those who discriminate.

With these panels, I hope we are able to see what those conversations if done right can bring. The first panel with the lonely butterfly cocoon shows what happens when we don’t offer help, when we don’t listen. We isolate members of our community. The following panels show the evolution of inclusion. What it looks like when we listen, step back and adapt. When we listen to those affected and create equitable solutions. When we realise what is offered is not correct or enough. That we need to make sure those affected our included in the conversation. But we should be doing the leg work to make sure everyone is safe. Safe at work, at school in the community.

This collaboration is about , but about two main objectives.
1. Creating awareness about the stigmas that surround epilepsy and getting the proper training.

2. Making sure the participants are seen as humans first.
Having a moment of unity, while creating space for community and healing. In the form of celebrating 2 years without seizures for one, just being together and having fun.

I leave you with this question; does your workspace, school or home know what to do if someone has a seizure? During and after.

.Amour.Amour.Amour.

Mique Michelle
-Artist- (She/Her/Elle)

Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship 2023

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FRIDAY AUGUST 11th 2023

CLICK HERE FOR 2023 Application

About the scholarship

Are you a student with Epilepsy who is enrolled or is about to be enrolled in a post-secondary education program this September? Then congratulations, you are already well on your way to beating the odds. Only one in three people with disabilities earn a post-secondary degree in Canada. We at Epilepsy Ontario want to improve those odds and we want to celebrate your success in getting as far as you have already.

If you have Epilepsy and you are pursuing a post-secondary education anywhere in Ontario, you are eligible for one of four $1,500 scholarships. You could become a member of our Scholarship community of past winners like Melanie Jeffrey, who has since gone on to become a member of the Board of Directors of Epilepsy Ontario and has become a passionate advocate for Epilepsy awareness.

Eligibility

Students who have successfully completed high school and entering their first year of post-secondary education or continuing their post-secondary education this fall are eligible to apply.