 |
Epilepsy is Awesome
March 30, 2011 2:15 PMSend to a Friend
I recently did an epilepsy awareness workshop for a group of grade 6 and 7 students. The class has a child with frequent seizures in it. We had previously done a workshop for the teachers at the school and the student’s teacher thought it would be a good idea to give a workshop for his classroom.
I started off the workshop by asking the class what words they thought of when they heard the word epilepsy. I received the usual responses – seizures, falling down, shaking, etc. However, then a child waved his hand in the air and said “awesomeness”. This was the child with epilepsy.
During the workshop we talked about how our brain works, what a seizure is, what epilepsy is, and seizure first aid. As well, we covered the importance of recognizing and respecting the differences that we all have.
About half-way through the presentation, this “awesome” child had a non-convulsive seizure. It was interesting to see what the children did, and in particular what they didn’t do. The children did not stare, laugh, or freak out. Some turned their heads to look at him, recognized that he was having seizure, saw that the teachers aide was helping him, and then turned their attention back to the workshop to learn more about epilepsy.
Towards the end of the workshop I asked the children what they would want others to do if they had a seizure and how they think they would feel if they had a seizure. The child who had the seizure was fully aware by this time. Again he waved his hand in the air. He proudly said well, since I have epilepsy, I want to tell you about it. He described his seizures as being like a piece of mail getting mixed up at the post office and going to the wrong address.
With his outgoing nature, hip haircut, and leather jacket, this child was awesome. You could tell he was the popular kid in his class even though he had frequent seizures and some learning difficulties.
Kids with epilepsy want to be treated like everyone else; they don’t want to be singled out as being different. However, it is important to teach others to recognize that many people with epilepsy will need extra support, and it is important to know what type of support they need and want.
By educating others about epilepsy we don’t just promote awareness; we give accurate facts about the condition (particularly about first aid) and practical information so that others can support people with epilepsy in their day-to-day life.
To book a Partners in Teaching workshop for adults, children, or teens at a school, childcare centre, or for another audience, please contact the BC Epilepsy Society at 604-875-6704 or outreach@bcepilepsy.com
Posted by the BC Epilepsy Society at March 30, 2011 2:15 PM
Comments
Fawn - fawnahareo.com
THIS is an awesome post. Thank you so much for sharing it. Although my child's epilepsy is now well-controlled, she is going to need special support for her ketogenic diet when she starts school in the fall. My daughter may not be as outgoing and "cool" as this boy, but it's heart-warming and comforting read that it's possible to fit right in.
TrackBack Link
|
|
Subscribe via RSS
