The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, with sponsorship from UCB, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, had the pleasure of hosting Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler and Atlanta-area business at the EFWorks Employer Forum. This new specialized vocational rehabilitation program, EFWorks, is focused on helping Georgians diagnosed with epilepsy find employment.                                                                                                                                                          

Because epilepsy is an often misunderstood condition, it has one of the highest workplace discrimination rates when compared to other disabilities. The EFWorks program will help to dispel misconceptions as well as educate employers on the multiple benefits of hiring a person with a disability.

EFWorks co-founder Dr. Robert T. Fraser, Director of the University of Washington's Neurological Vocations Services, has performed various studies that show specialized vocational programs can be extremely useful in placing and retaining those living with epilepsy or similar conditions. Employees with uncontrolled epilepsy placed through these types of programs have a work accident and absenteeism rate comparable to those without epilepsy, according to the American Epilepsy Society.

The EFWorks Employer Forum held on March 31, 2017, officially launched the program. Attendees included companies large and small. Cox Media Group and Walgreens were among those that have committed to utilizing EFWorks for recruiting purposes. Forum attendance was challenging, as it occurred the morning after the Interstate 85 bridge collapse. However, committed employers didn't let extraordinary traffic hold them back. Aly Clift, Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, stated "The level of interest we received today was astonishing and reiterates the need for more workplace support for those living with epilepsy and education around epilepsy for the entire community. We are thrilled to be a part of a program that can satisfy both needs!"