Epilepsy as a hidden disability : organising an in-service training course for educators in Malta

Abstract

PURPOSE: In Malta it is estimated that there are around 2000 people with epilepsy of which about 500 are children. Several of them are well controlled and in main stream education, yet there is still social exclusion and discrimination, due to ignorance and stigma, which adversely affects the employment and education of these people. These issues must be tackled if these children are to be socially included and lead more productive lives. Most of the time epilepsy is only seen by educators as 'the problem for the duration of the seizure' and nothing else is done regarding the 'after effects'.

METHODS: The Malta Caritas Epilepsy Association (CMEA) thus saw the need to bridge the gap between parents and other stake holders in order to enhance the progress of the child, by organising an in-service training course for primary and secondary school teachers, personal social development and guidance teachers. This course was held in conjunction with the Education Division within the Ministry of Education. The course also tackled indirect problems that are not being addressed which often result in the child losing self esteem, and experiencing regression in progress in school.

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