Safety in Epilepsy: Seizure Prepared U: A Seal of Seizure Safety for colleges and universities in the USA
Epilepsy can affect people of all ages and in all types of settings. In all academic settings, students with epilepsy deserve to feel safe and supported while they focus on learning and growing. To ensure this, Epilepsy Alliance America, Epilepsy Services of New Jersey, and Paul’s Purple Warriors have partnered to launch an epilepsy college program, Seizure Prepared U: A Seal of Seizure Safety. This is a unique and much-needed initiative designed to reduce stigma, improve seizure response training, and ensure college campuses are equipped to support all their students who may experience a seizure while enrolled there.
What is Seizure Prepared U? It provides comprehensive training and resources to colleges and universities which lead to safer and more inclusive campuses. Schools that complete the program’s training requirements will earn Epilepsy Friendly School or Seal of Distinction status, which signifies a strong commitment to student safety and accessibility.
Students with epilepsy are not only juggling all the demands of being a student away from home, managing demanding school and social pressures, but may also face stigma and safety concerns associated with their seizures. Some may choose not to disclose their diagnosis because they fear discrimination or insensitivity from faculty and peers.
Unfortunately, seizures can happen anywhere and anytime, so faculty, resident advisors, campus safety staff, and other students should know how to recognize and respond appropriately. This program ensures that college communities are educated, prepared, and equipped to support students with epilepsy.
Seizure Prepared U was piloted with Epilepsy Alliance Ohio, Epilepsy Alliance West Central New York, and Epilepsy Services of New Jersey, who conducted Seizure Recognition and Response Training at Colleges and Universities. The pilot training took place at Old Westbury University in Long Island, Centenary University in New Jersey, Northern Kentucky University in Kentucky, and St. John Fisher University in New York.
Seizure Prepared U offers school the training and tools necessary to create a seizure smart community, equipping campus personnel—including Health Services, Disability Services, Campus Safety, Residence Life, and Athletics—with the knowledge they need to support students with epilepsy. Participating colleges and universities will receive seizure recognition and response training, TRUST seizure response posters for high-traffic areas, and guidance on fostering epilepsy awareness on campus.
Seizure Prepared U is accepting applications from institutions committed to student safetyFor more information on how to enroll your college or university, contact Lisa Gallipoli or visit https://epilepsyallianceamerica.org/programs-services/seizure-prepared-u/
About the Partners
Paul’s Purple Warriors is dedicated to promoting epilepsy education and awareness and providing financial assistance to families of children with epilepsy. Founded to protect students by creating safe school environments through staff training, Paul’s Purple Warriors NJ has successfully passed two epilepsy-related laws since 2020 and has initiated a federal epilepsy bill in partnership with Epilepsy Services of New Jersey.
Epilepsy Services of New Jersey (ESNJ), an affiliate of the Family Resource Network, is a statewide nonprofit organization that includes Autism Family Services of NJ, Caregivers of NJ, and Epilepsy Services of NJ. ESNJ offers a range of programs for families living with epilepsy, including employment services, respite care, summer camp, support groups, scholarships, and information and referral assistance. Additionally, ESNJ provides free educational presentations on topics affecting those with epilepsy and trains schools and communities on seizure recognition and response. To learn more, visit www.epilepsyservicesnj.org.
Epilepsy Alliance America is a nationwide network of community-based epilepsy organizations dedicated to addressing the challenges of seizures and promoting independence and quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families. Founded in 2018 by eight leading grassroots epilepsy organizations, the Alliance provides direct support services, information, education, advocacy, and public awareness efforts to approximately one million Americans living with epilepsy. Epilepsy Alliance America is actively accepting new members who share in its mission of supporting individuals with epilepsy. To learn more, visit www.epilepsyallianceamerica.org.
