08/01/2026
Supporting Career Development Among Adults Living With Epilepsy
By Jim Felli
Understanding the Career Needs of Adults Living with Epilepsy
Epilepsy affects approximately 3.4 million people in the United States and is often considered an invisible disability (Leigh-Osroosh, 2024). Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures that vary considerably in frequency and severity, resulting in diverse functional and vocational experiences among those living with the condition (Leigh-Osroosh, 2024). Although many individuals successfully manage their condition, research consistently demonstrates lower employment rates and higher levels of underemployment among people living with epilepsy than among the general population (Sung & Connor, 2017). These employment disparities are not solely the result of seizure activity. Rather, they are influenced by a combination of social, psychological, and environmental barriers that can affect career development across the lifespan (Baker et al., 2018; Sung & Connor, 2017).
Curry and Manton’s 2026 publication on mental health noted that career counselors are increasingly aware that individuals do not experience their careers in isolation from their mental health, life circumstances, or broader societal pressures. This reality calls for “holistic, culturally responsive, and client-centered practice” (p. vi). This holistic perspective is particularly important when working with adults living with epilepsy, whose career development is often influenced by barriers extending beyond seizures management. Through an overview of current research, career development theory, vocational rehabilitation, and virtual counseling resources, this article offers strategies that can help career counselors better support clients living with epilepsy. Although this article focuses on epilepsy, career counselors regularly work with clients facing physical, mental, social, psychological, and environmental barriers to employment. Developing a deeper understanding of one population’s unique career needs can strengthen a counselor’s ability to support many others.
Common Career Barriers
Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers experienced by adults living with epilepsy. Baker et al. (2018) found that stigma is associated with poorer psychological well-being, including anxiety and depression. In employment settings, stigma may contribute to misconceptions about an individual's abilities, workplace safety, and reliability. These perceptions can affect hiring decisions, advancement opportunities, and overall career confidence (Leigh-Osroosh, 2024).
Disclosure presents another common challenge. Because epilepsy is not always visible, individuals often face difficult decisions regarding whether and when to disclose their condition. Leigh-Osroosh (2024) found that many adults living with epilepsy described concerns about discrimination, reduced opportunities, and being viewed differently by employers or coworkers. While disclosure may provide access to accommodations and support, it can also create uncertainty regarding how others will respond.
Transportation barriers further complicate career development. Driving restrictions remain one of the most frequently reported concerns among individuals living with epilepsy and may limit access to education, training programs, and employment opportunities (Strzelczyk et al., 2023). These limitations can be especially challenging in areas where public transportation options are limited.
Supporting Career Readiness
Career counselors can play an important role in helping adults living with epilepsy build confidence in their ability to pursue career goals. Sung and Connor (2017) found that self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and environmental supports were significant predictors of work participation among young adults with epilepsy. These findings suggest that career interventions should focus not only on job placement, but also on strengthening confidence and helping clients recognize their capabilities.
Career counselors can support clients through strengths-based career exploration, goal setting, and self-advocacy development. Discussions related to workplace accommodations, disclosure decisions, and communication with employers may help clients make informed choices while increasing their confidence in navigating employment settings. Counselors can also assist clients in identifying educational and training opportunities that align with their interests, strengths, and support needs (Leigh-Osroosh, 2024; Sung & Connor, 2017).
Counseling Interventions and Resources
Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) offers a useful framework for understanding the career development experiences of individuals living with epilepsy. SCCT emphasizes the role of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and environmental factors in shaping career behavior (Sung & Connor, 2017). Applying this framework allows counselors to address both personal and systemic barriers while helping clients identify pathways toward meaningful employment.
Research also supports the use of specialized vocational rehabilitation services for individuals living with epilepsy. Fraser et al. (2020) found that epilepsy-specific employment programs can provide valuable support through career planning, job placement assistance, and coordination of disability-related services. Collaboration with vocational rehabilitation providers may be particularly beneficial when clients require support that extend beyond traditional career counseling.
Internet resources may further support career development efforts for individuals living with epilepsy. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides guidance regarding workplace accommodations, disability employment issues, and employer responsibilities. This makes it a valuable tool for career counselors assisting clients with accommodation planning and workplace advocacy. Similarly, the Epilepsy Foundation offers educational materials, advocacy resources, employment-related information, and community supports. This can help clients better understand their condition while strengthening self-advocacy and career decision-making.
Professional organizations can also help career counselors remain informed about best practices and emerging research. The American Epilepsy Society (AES) promotes education, research, and professional development related to epilepsy. It also provides access to current information regarding epilepsy-related issues. The National Career Development Association (NCDA) supports career development professionals through continuing education, publications, ethical guidance, and professional networking opportunities. Both organizations offer membership options that vary by professional role and level of involvement.
Pursuing Fulfilling Opportunities
Adults living with epilepsy face career development challenges that extend well beyond the management of seizures. Stigma, disclosure concerns, transportation barriers, and environmental obstacles can influence educational and employment outcomes. By promoting self-efficacy, supporting self-advocacy, and connecting clients with appropriate resources, career counselors can play a meaningful role in helping individuals living with epilepsy pursue fulfilling educational and occupational opportunities.
References
American Epilepsy Society. (n.d.). About the American Epilepsy Society. https://aesnet.org/about-aes
Baker, D., Eccles, F. J. R., & Caswell, H. L. (2018). Correlates of stigma in adults with epilepsy: A systematic review of quantitative studies. Epilepsy & Behavior, 83, 67–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.02.016
Curry, J. R., & Manton, J. H. (2026). The mental health and career development nexus: A framework for the role and function of career practitioners. National Career Development Association.
Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). About the Epilepsy Foundation. https://www.epilepsy.com
Fraser, R. T., McMahon, B. T., Wiggins, A., Clift, A., & Hunter-Banks, S. (2020). Considerations in developing a specialized epilepsy employment program: A sponsor’s playbook. Epilepsy & Behavior, 102, 106698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106698
Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.). About JAN. https://askjan.org/about-us/index.cfm
Leigh-Osroosh, K. T. (2024). Career development in individuals living with epilepsy: A reflective lifeworld phenomenological study. The Career Development Quarterly, 72(2), 135–149. https://doi.org/10.1002/cdq.12349
National Career Development Association. (n.d.). About NCDA. https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/about
Strzelczyk, A., Aledo-Serrano, A., Coppola, A., Didelot, A., Bates, E., Sainz-Fuertes, R., & Lawthom, C. (2023). The impact of epilepsy on quality of life: Findings from a European survey. Epilepsy & Behavior, 142, 109179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109179
Sung, C., & Connor, A. (2017). Social-cognitive predictors of vocational outcomes in transition youth with epilepsy: Application of Social Cognitive Career Theory. Rehabilitation Psychology, 62(3), 276–289. https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000161
James Felli is a graduate student in the Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the College of New Jersey. He is passionate about mindfulness-based counseling, holistic approaches to mental health, and supporting individuals in building meaningful lives. He can be reached at jimfellidev@gmail.com