Epilepsy Foundation Applauds Nomination of Civil Rights Champion Chai Feldblum to the EEOC

The Epilepsy Foundation is extremely pleased at the nomination of Chai Feldblum to be the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioner by the Obama Administration. Chai Feldblum is a Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, and Director of its Federal Legislation Clinic. Professor Feldblum provided the Epilepsy Foundation countless hours of pro bono support to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act, so as to ensure that people with disabilities, including epilepsy, are once again covered by the law as Congress originally intended. 

Epilepsy Foundation Board Chair Joyce Bender applauded the nomination of Professor Feldblum, noting:  “As a woman with epilepsy and as Chair of the Foundation, I do not think that there is a better nominee to represent people with disabilities on the EEOC. Chai Feldblum has been a friend and key supporter of people with disabilities for most of her working life, and we are thrilled that the Obama Administration has recognized her skill and leadership through this nomination.”  

Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO said:  “Without the support of Chai Feldblum and the Georgetown Federal Legislation Clinic (which she supervised) on the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, I don’t believe we could have accomplished the amazing feat of fixing the court- created problems with the definition of the ADA, problems that meant people with epilepsy and seizures were no longer being protected from unfair discrimination. Some said in these days of partisan politics it could not be done. But not only did it happen, the bill that was ultimately negotiated had the support of both the business and disability communities and passed Congress unanimously. Professor Feldblum worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for the bill and deserves much of the credit for its passage into law.”  

Former congressman and board chair Tony Coelho also expressed his support and pleasure with the nomination of Professor Feldblum. “Seldom has there been a lawyer who understands disability issues as well as Chai. She provided legal advice and guidance to Congress on the original Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and having her skill and energy focused on the ADA Amendments Act ensured that the law did what we in Congress intended the first time around when we passed the ADA.” 

 The Epilepsy Foundation looks forward to a speedy confirmation of Professor Feldblum to the EEOC.