Empower. Protect. Inform.

The Epilepsy Foundation is a vigorous advocate for people with epilepsy. The Foundation has been active in Congress, the executive branch, and the courts, focusing attention on the needs of those with epilepsy. Priorities for the Foundation include: the availability of affordable quality health care, the search for the cure, and the protection of civil rights for people with epilepsy.

Health Care Reform: Where Do We Stand

The Epilepsy Foundation strongly supports the comprehensive health care reform plans currently being considered in Congress. If enacted, health care reform will make it easier for people with epilepsy to receive the medical care and treatment they need. Learn more.

Epilepsy Foundation Board Chair-elect testifies before Senate HELP committee

March 9, 2009—Epilepsy Foundation Board Chair-elect, Joyce Bender, presented testimony to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pension in Washington, D.C. The topic was Preventing Worker Exploitation: Protecting Individuals with Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Populations.

The following link to the hearing includes Joyce’s testimony with additional remarks during the question and answer period from Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa): http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2009_03_09/2009_03_09.html

Americans with Disabilities Act

September 25, 2008—President Bush signed the ADA Amendments Act into law today in a private ceremony. This act will secure protections against workplace discrimination for Americans with disabilities.

The bill marks a historic move toward securing the promise of the original Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990. Learn more.

VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act

Experts believe 30-50% of military personnel affected by TBI will develop epilepsy. Perlmutter and Lamborn introduced HR 2818: VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Actto prepare the Veterans Administration for the expected influx of new cases. The bill would create six epilepsy "Centers of Excellence" that will lead the way in diagnosis, research, treatment and surgery.

Epilepsy Foundation Board Member Brien Smith, MD spoke forcefully about the impact epilepsy will have on the future lives of countless veterans. Full story.

More resources:

» Read Dr. Smith's complete testimony.
» High Rate of Head Injuries in Iraq Soldiers Portends Potential Wave of Epilepsy. By Brenda Patoine

Improving Health Coverage in 2008
The Epilepsy Foundation and 47 organizations released a statement calling on the 2008 presidential candidates to propose specific solutions that guarantee effective and affordable health & long-term care for all Americans.
» Read more.