Over 90,000 individuals are currently living with epilepsy in Ontario. In Southwestern Ontario, there are approximately 14,000 individuals diagnosed with epilepsy, approximately 1/4 are children under the age of 18.
Many families whose children have seizures do not tell the school about their child’s diagnosis, fearing they will face discrimination and unnecessary exclusion from full participation in school activities.
“Promoting child and student well-being is one of the four key goals in “Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario.” This goal includes working to make schools inclusive, safe and welcoming learning environments for all students. Ensuring the health and safety of children and students with medical conditions is essential to promoting well-being, and requires a partnership among families, members of the school community and community partners, including health care professionals. "
– Ontario, Ministry of Education
Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario provides a range of services that help teachers, school staff and school administration accommodate children living with epilepsy and help them reach their full potential.
Presentations
Grade 5 Thinking About Epilepsy Presentation
ESWO offers Thinking About Epilepsy, a FREE 45-minute interactive classroom presentation. This program is evidence based and has been proven to significantly increase knowledge about seizures and decrease stigma. This presentation meets specific expectations of the Grade 5 Ontario School Curriculum. The facilitator uses props, EEGs, the Famous People Game, video clips and an interactive demonstration to reinforce specific expectations.
*Funded by United Way Chatham in Chatham-Kent Region
Booking Sheets:
Grade 5 Thinking About Epilepsy – Catholic
Grade 5 Thinking About Epilepsy – Public
Grade 5 Bingo & Neuron Worksheet
Classroom Presentations
Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario’s free Classroom Presentation teaches your students about epilepsy and helps make your classroom a more welcoming environment for children living with epilepsy or seizure disorders. We’ve adapted our Grade 5 Thinking About Epilepsy program to educate children of all ages. Depending on the grade level, the presentation will be between 20 and 45 minutes. The Classroom Presentation will give age appropriate information about the brain, what a seizure is and what to do if someone has a seizure. All presentations require access to a SMARTboard or computer, speakers and data projector.
Classroom Presentation are available in the Thames Valley, Windsor, Essex, Sarnia, Lambton and Chatham-Kent regions.
Teacher Training
Epilepsy Educators teach school staff about epilepsy, seizure first aid, medication side effects and learning strategies for children with epilepsy. Educational videos and PowerPoint format are used, as well as resource materials for each school. Presentations range from 30 – 60 minutes based on time allotted. All presentations require access to a SMARTboard or computer, speakers and data projector.
School Resources
Seizure Protocol & Seizure Plan for children with epilepsy and seizure disorders in schools.
Seizure Log as a tool to track important information about seizure timing, triggers, frequency, etc.
Canadian Epilepsy Alliance Guide for Teachers:
Ontario Ministry of Education – Healthy Schools:
Ontario Education Services Cooperation, Plan of Care Template:
Seizure First Aid Video
PPM 161 – Supporting Children and Students with Prevalent Medical Conditions (Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, and/or Epilepsy) in Schools was finalized on February 28, 2018, for implementation by September 2018.
Contact your local Epilepsy Educator or [email protected] for further details on how we can help you make your school a safer and more welcoming environment for people living with epilepsy.