For the Media

Former Congressman to Lead Epilepsy Foundation Board of Directors

Landover, Md., May 20, 2005 -- Former California Congressman Tony Coelho, primary author and sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, was elected chair of the Epilepsy Foundation's board of directors, during the board's recent spring meeting.

A prominent figure on the U.S. political scene, Coelho, who has epilepsy, will serve a two year term beginning immediately. His leadership will focus on improving public awareness and understanding of epilepsy, broader research to alleviate its impact, and better access to information and appropriate medical care for those affected by seizures.

"For more than 20 years Tony has been a motivating force in our efforts to increase awareness and erase the stigma associated with the condition. He has been a tireless advocate for the rights of people living with epilepsy and other disabilities," said Eric Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "His election as chair of the board will have a tremendous impact on our efforts to build relationships with key congressional members and other key parties on behalf of the more than 2.7 million people living with epilepsy," Hargis added.

As a longtime defender of the employment rights of people with disabilities, Coelho has served as chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and as vice chair to the National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities. He is currently chair of the Advisory Board for Bender Consulting Services (which specializes in placing people with disabilities in highly skilled jobs). He also serves as co-chair of the Council at the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University. Among other organizations to which he has given volunteer service are the National Organization on Disability, National Rehabilitation Hospital, National Foundation for Affordable Housing Solutions, Very Special Arts, National Advisory Board of American University, and Board of Visitors of Duke University's Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in children and the third most common in adults after Alzheimer's and stroke. The annual cost of epilepsy to the nation is $15.5 billion in healthcare and wages foregone due to underemployment.

###

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national, charitable organization, founded in 1968, is dedicated to supporting children and adults affected by seizures through research, education, advocacy and service. The national office, in Landover, Maryland, supports nearly 60 affiliated Epilepsy Foundations throughout the nation.