Whereas, Epilepsy is a disease or disorder of the brain which causes recurring seizures. The National Epilepsy Foundation states that Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological problem—only migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease occur more frequently. There are many different types of seizures and varying levels of seizure control. Approximately one in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. At least 450,000-470,000 children are living with epilepsy in the United States.
Whereas, A student living with a seizure disorder is more likely to have disrupted learning caused by the effects of seizures and anti-seizure medication: disorientation, memory loss, loss of concentration, alterations in the student’s behavior, fatigue, headaches, and missed days of school.
Whereas, Many schools do not have a full-time nurse or other licensed healthcare professional available to handle medical emergencies, and nursing care duties are often performed by other school personnel.
Whereas, A Seizure Action Plan is an important tool that helps parents and schools partner to keep children safe and healthy during the school day. Studies show that about one in 1,000 people with epilepsy die suddenly. A Seizure Action Plan is essential for preventing an emergency and informing others what to do when a student experiences a seizure. It is created specifically for each student’s needs and includes instructions for administering any physician directed care, including seizure rescue medications which can help prevent death and injury to the brain and body, and also decrease the risk of later cognitive difficulties.
Whereas, Greater awareness about seizure disorders is needed to help prevent seizures and injuries, reduce stigma, and better connect people with a seizure disorder to the care and support they need.
Whereas, The opportunity for academic success is increased when communities, schools, families, and students work together to meet the needs of students with chronic health conditions and provide safe and supportive learning environments. Therefore be it;
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations urge that all school personnel receive general training on seizure recognition and response; be it further
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations urge that a Seizure Action Plan is made part of the student’s file for a student who experiences seizures and made available to all school personnel and volunteers responsible for the student; be it further
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations urge that schools ensure students living with a seizure disorder have access to FDA-approved medication prescribed by the treating physician; be it further
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations urge schools to bring seizure awareness to the entire educational community so that students living with epilepsy or a seizure disorder can feel safe in school, reach their full academic potential, and build meaningful friendships without fear of being stigmatized; be it further
Resolved, That this resolution shall be in full force and effect until the last day of June 2030.
Adopted: by the 2023 Convention delegates