UCB, Inc. and the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia Launch EFWorks to Help Georgians with Epilepsy Find Employment
ATLANTA, Feb. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia (EFGA), with sponsorship from UCB, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company with operations in Smyrna, Georgia, today announces the launch of the EFWorks program in Georgia. EFWorks is a specialized vocational rehabilitation program specifically targeted to Georgians living with epilepsy who are seeking employment.
"Epilepsy is an often misunderstood condition, and the discrimination rate with regard to employment is among the highest compared to other disabilities," said Dr. Robert T. Fraser, Director of the University of Washington's Neurological Vocations Services and co-founder of EFWorks. "Programs similar to EFWorks have demonstrated that people living with epilepsy can be reliable employees."
According to studies performed by Dr. Fraser, specialized vocational programs can be highly effective in placing and retaining employees living with chronic conditions like epilepsy. In addition, studies shared by the American Epilepsy Society have found that employees with uncontrolled epilepsy who participate in programs similar to EFWorks have absenteeism and work accident rates comparable to people without epilepsy.
"Georgia employers who sign up to participate in the EFWorks program not only benefit from hiring good employees, they can also take advantage of tax credits and incentives while also meeting federal contractor utilization goals," said Aly Clift, Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia. "Employers participating in the EFWorks program will also benefit from non-paid internships and on-the-job training."
To launch the program, EFWorks is hosting EFWorks 4U: An Employer Forum on March 31, 2017 at the Westin Perimeter Hotel in Atlanta. Local employers will be invited to learn about epilepsy; the approximately 150,000 Georgians living with the condition, and how the EFWorks program will work. Speakers include Dr. Robert Fraser as well as Dr. Ioannis Karakis, Assistant Professor and Director of the Emory University Epilepsy Fellowship. Also on the agenda is Michelle Mason of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency who will lead a discussion on the benefits to employers and WSB Radio host, Chris Chandler, who will moderate a panel that will examine successful consumer perspectives of the vocational rehabilitation experience. A complimentary breakfast will be hosted at 8:30 a.m., and the forum begins at 9:00 a.m.
The forum is free of charge, but space is limited. To reserve a seat, please contact Ms. Amber Wiggins with the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia at 404-527-7155 or visit efworks.org.
About the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia
The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia is the only health agency in Georgia dedicated to serving more than 150,000 Georgians living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. EFGA seeks to improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families through community education and a comprehensive set of client service programs. EFGA also aims to reduce the stigma that is often attached to epilepsy and to educate the public on seizure recognition and first aid. Learn more at epilepsyga.org.
About UCB
UCB Inc., Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 7,700 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of € 3.9 billion in 2015. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol:UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news
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SOURCE Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia
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