MEDIA ADVISORY: Hundreds to Rally at Candlelight Vigil in Support of Fairfax Family

Hundreds to Rally at Candlelight Vigil in Support of Fairfax Family

School Board Urged to Support Student with Epilepsy,

Adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act

WHEN  Thursday, January 06, 2011 at 6:00pm

 WHO     Andrew Stevens, a Fairfax County resident with a severe form of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

WHAT     Candlelight vigil with an estimated 200 in attendance. Personal testimony by Angelo Stevens' Andrew's father, before the Fairfax County School Board.*Expected testimony by Epilepsy Foundation Director of Legal Advocacy Patty Dukes, Esq.,  

WHERE Jackson Middle School
3020 Gallows Road
Falls Church VA 22042

 WHY     Andrew Stevens suffers from a severe form of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Andrew requires the use of a seizure dog, a German shepherd named Alaya, who is trained to detect and respond to the seizures he experiences as many as 20 times a day. Initially, Fairfax County authorities denied Andrew's right to bring the seizure dog to school. The County has agreed to allow the dog on a temporary basis, but according to Epilepsy Foundation legal representatives, the school system has not gone far enough in meeting its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

CONTACT: Kimberli Meadows
Senior Director, Media Relations
Epilepsy Foundation
(301) 520-6656 (cell)
(301) 918-3747 (office)