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Register for our Upcoming Golf Tournament!
Come to the Peninsula Co-op Charity Golf Tournament on June 1st to have some fun and raise funds for the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre! Registration information is available at www.co-opgolf.com. We promise you a good time at this Traditional Golf (Scottish)-themed tournament.
VEPC Seeks New Board Members
Are you someone with epilepsy or Parkinson’s? Are you a friend or family member of someone with epilepsy or Parkinson’s? Do you have skills that could contribute to a nonprofit Board?
The Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre (VEPC) is a vibrant and welcoming non-profit society whose purpose is to strengthen clients’, families’ and communities’ ability to manage the physical, psychological and social effects of Parkinson’s and epilepsy. VEPC is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of people living with epilepsy or Parkinson’s and professionals with an interest in the two disorders. Board members are appointed for an initial one-year term followed by two-year terms. Each Board member is expected to serve on at least one Board committee. The Board of Directors provides overall direction for the organization and is responsible for ensuring VEPC’s programmatic and fiscal health and accountability.
VEPC is currently seeking new Board members. We are seeking people with strong ties to the local community and an interest in epilepsy and/or Parkinson’s. Board members are typically selected by the current Board of Directors and approved by the General Membership at VEPC’s Annual General Meeting.
If you have knowledge and experience that will assist VEPC as it grows to meet the needs of growing populations of individuals with epilepsy and Parkinson’s in the Victoria Capital Regional District, we encourage you to apply to join VEPC’s Board of Directors by contacting us to request an application.
You can reach VEPC at (250) 475-6677, help@vepc.bc.ca, or visit our website at www.vepc.bc.ca
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Information for Sinemet Users
There have been some recent announcements regarding Sinemet that our Parkinson's clients should be aware of. Please read about those changes here as well as about Merck Canada's Sinemet Patient Assistance Program.
Purple Day A Great Success
Purple Day 2012 was a great success! On March 24th Victoria's first annual Plane Pull for Epilepsy- presented by Viking, was held at the Viscount Aero Centre. Teams raised funds in support of the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre Society (VEPC) and joined in a fun and engaging day of competition and camaraderie. The winning team was Carla's Funky Chickens with special recognition going to Dean Park Pet Hospital (Fastest Pull), Purple Power Pullers (Most Funds Raised), and Elias is Exceptional (Most Enthusiastic). A special thanks to CHEK-TV for MC'ing the event, and to our other sponsors Viking, Pacific Sky, UCB - THe Epilepsy Company, Brad Clarke of Raymond James, Victoria International Airport, Viscount Aero Centre, Sportball, Braefoot Centre, The Q 100.3, The Zone 91.3, HBL Events, and Island Parent. Watch for pictures soon on the website at www.victoriaplanepull.ca.
Class Action on Neurontin
Individuals with epilepsy who have taken Neurontin, should be aware of a Class Action law suit currently underway. Please read more here.
Epilepsy and the Law
The Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre (VEPC) has just published an important new book for individuals living with seizure disorders entitled ‘Epilepsy and the Law: What are the legal rights of a person with epilepsy in British Columbia?” The book, which was funded by a grant from The Law Foundation of British Columbia, provides useful information on job accommodations, driving restrictions, housing, custody issues, insurance, and other areas of the law with which individuals with epilepsy may run into.
“This book is a valuable resource to the approximately 40,000 individuals in BC living with epilepsy, along with police, lawyers and advocates,” says David Medler, president of VEPC. “Too often people with epilepsy face legal problems due to others’ misunderstandings of epilepsy. This book goes a long way to help people understand epilepsy and the rights of those living with the condition.”
Lindsay Beal, the VEPC’s Epilepsy Program Coordinator agrees. “Most people do not realize that there are over 40 types of seizures, some of which may make a person appear as if they are impaired or as if they are ignoring instruction. These seizures are often misinterpreted and can pose enormous problems in, for example, interactions with police or others in positions of authority.”
The book can also assist employers who are obligated to provide accommodations to employees with epilepsy, an issue VEPC receives numerous questions about. Says Beal, “In most situations, there are a few easy things an employer can do to accommodate someone with a seizure disorder. As the book points out, the duty to accommodate is the obligation to meaningfully incorporate diversity into the workplace.”
The new book was written by now Master of the Supreme Court of BC, Heather MacNaughton. Prior to joining the Court MacNaughton was Chair of the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal and was therefore uniquely qualified to research and write the book.
Individuals can download the booklet here or contact the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre at (250) 475-6677.
