Epilepsy and Employment in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A medical specialist (usually a neurologist) diagnoses epilepsy after a person experiences at least two unprovoked seizures. In Grand Rapids, people with epilepsy can receive diagnosis and ongoing care through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and local neurology clinics.

This guide explains how epilepsy can affect employment in Grand Rapids, MI, and what local and national resources are available to support you.

Epilepsy and Seizures Vary Between People

Epilepsy affects everyone differently. Seizures can vary in:

  • Type (for example, focal seizures, absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)
  • Frequency (rare, occasional, or frequent)
  • Triggers (stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, illness, etc.)
  • Impact on daily life and work

Many people living with epilepsy in Grand Rapids are successfully employed across a wide range of fields, including:

  • Healthcare and social services
  • Manufacturing and skilled trades
  • Education and childcare
  • Office, administrative, and remote work
  • Hospitality and retail

Cold Michigan winters, icy sidewalks, and early nightfall can increase fall risks and driving challenges for anyone with seizures. This makes seizure safety planning especially important for Grand Rapids workers who commute in snow and ice or work outdoors.

Types of Employment for People With Epilepsy in Grand Rapids

Apprenticeships and Job Training

Apprenticeships and other training programs in West Michigan can be a good fit for people with epilepsy who want to learn a trade or change careers. These may be available through:

  • Local unions and skilled trades programs
  • Community colleges and technical schools
  • Employer-based training programs

Apprenticeships and traineeships:

  • Combine on-the-job training with formal instruction
  • Are open to people of working age (including those re-entering the workforce)
  • Can lead to nationally recognized or state-recognized qualifications or licenses

When applying, you may need specific qualifications (such as a high school diploma or GED), depending on the job and training program.

Open Employment

“Open employment” means working in the regular labor market, rather than in a sheltered or highly supported setting. In Grand Rapids, this includes:

  • Full-time or part-time jobs
  • Remote and hybrid roles
  • Temporary or seasonal positions (for example, during winter holidays or summer tourism)

Most people with well-controlled epilepsy can safely work in open employment with little or no adjustment, especially in roles that:

  • Do not involve high-risk driving or operating heavy machinery
  • Allow flexibility for medical appointments
  • Provide a safe environment if a seizure occurs

When Epilepsy May Limit Certain Jobs

In some cases, a diagnosis of epilepsy—especially if seizures are not well controlled—may mean that you are not eligible for certain roles. This is usually because of safety concerns for you, your coworkers, or the public.

Jobs that are often restricted for people with epilepsy include:

  • Pilot (commercial or private, depending on seizure history and certification rules)
  • Commercial driver, such as:
    • Truck or bus driver
    • Train operator
    • Some heavy equipment operators

Federal and state regulations, including those enforced by the Michigan Secretary of State and the Department of Transportation (DOT), may require a seizure-free period and medical clearance for certain driving-related jobs.

Even if you have good seizure control, you may be excluded from specific high-risk roles where a single seizure could cause serious harm. Your neurologist can help you understand which jobs are safe and which may be restricted based on your medical history.

Epilepsy Management Plans (EMP) at Work

An Epilepsy Management Plan (EMP) is an individualized document created with you and a healthcare professional, such as:

  • Your neurologist or primary care doctor (for example, at Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • An epilepsy nurse or specialist
  • A social worker or case manager

An EMP typically includes:

  • Your seizure types and typical signs
  • Common triggers (if known)
  • Step-by-step instructions for coworkers:
    • What to do if you have a seizure
    • When to call 911
    • When to contact your emergency contact
  • Any medications you take during or after a seizure (if applicable)
  • How you prefer to be supported during and after a seizure
  • Safety considerations specific to your workplace (for example, working at heights, near machinery, or outdoors in winter)

Using an EMP in your Grand Rapids workplace can:

  • Help coworkers feel confident responding if you have a seizure
  • Improve safety in environments with snow, ice, machinery, or chemicals
  • Reduce anxiety—for you and your team—about what to do in an emergency

Employment Support for People Living With Epilepsy in Grand Rapids

You may not think of yourself as having a disability, but epilepsy is covered under disability and anti-discrimination laws. That means you may be eligible for specialized employment support.

National and Local Employment Resources

  • JobAccess (information service)
    Provides information on:

    • Workplace solutions and reasonable adjustments
    • Financial assistance and support services
    • Disclosure of disability and legal protections
    • Tools and checklists for employers and employees

  • Disability Employment Services (DES)-style supports
    While DES is an Australian term, in the U.S. similar support is offered through:

    • State vocational rehabilitation services
    • Local non-profit employment agencies
    • Disability-focused job placement programs

In Grand Rapids, you can seek support from:

  • Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) – vocational rehabilitation and job support
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health – referrals to community resources
  • Local non-profits that assist people with disabilities in finding and keeping work

These services can help you:

  • Prepare a resume and practice interviews
  • Identify jobs that match your skills and medical needs
  • Negotiate reasonable workplace adjustments
  • Transition from school or training into open employment

Supported Employment and Work Tasks

For people with moderate to severe disability from epilepsy or co-existing conditions, supported employment may be an option. Supported employment programs can provide:

  • On-the-job coaching
  • Structured support from supervisors
  • Flexible duties and schedules

Common supported employment tasks may include:

  • Cleaning and laundry services
  • Packaging and assembly
  • Recycling and light production work
  • Screen printing and basic manufacturing tasks
  • Horticulture and groundskeeping (weather-dependent in Michigan)
  • Hospitality and food service roles

Ask your healthcare provider or a local social worker for referrals to supported employment programs in the Grand Rapids area.

Transitioning From School to Work in Grand Rapids

Support for High School and Year 12/12th Grade Leavers

Students with epilepsy who are finishing high school (12th grade) in Grand Rapids may benefit from school-to-work transition supports, such as:

  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition planning
  • Coordination between schools and vocational rehabilitation (MRS)
  • Job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships
  • Coaching on workplace rights and disclosure

These supports aim to:

  • Help you move from school into employment, training, or further study
  • Build confidence in managing epilepsy at work
  • Connect you with local employers who understand disability and health needs

Telling Your Employer You Have Epilepsy

In most cases, you are not required to tell an employer or potential employer in Grand Rapids that you have epilepsy.

You must disclose your epilepsy if:

  • It affects your ability to safely perform the essential requirements of your job
  • There is a significant risk of injury to you, your coworkers, or the public if you have a seizure while working
  • Safety regulations or licensing rules require disclosure (for example, some commercial driving roles)

You may choose to tell your employer or coworkers if:

  • You need reasonable workplace adjustments (for example, flexible breaks, avoiding certain shifts, or changes in tasks)
  • You want coworkers to know how to help you if you have a seizure
  • Your seizures are visible and might be misunderstood without explanation

Sometimes, having a seizure at work or even during a job interview can open the door to positive, honest discussions about your needs. Many employers in Grand Rapids value inclusion and are willing to:

  • Learn about different seizure types
  • Put an Epilepsy Management Plan in place
  • Train staff on what to do in an emergency

Reasonable Workplace Adjustments in Grand Rapids

Under disability and anti-discrimination laws, employers are generally required to provide reasonable accommodations (adjustments) unless it causes undue hardship. Examples for workers with epilepsy include:

  • Flexible scheduling for medical appointments
  • Extra breaks if medications cause fatigue
  • Adjustments to shift work (for example, avoiding overnight shifts if sleep deprivation triggers seizures)
  • Changes in lighting or screen settings to reduce seizure risk
  • Reassignment of tasks that involve high-risk driving or working at heights
  • Permission to work from home when appropriate

Discuss potential accommodations with:

  • Your healthcare provider (for documentation)
  • Your employer or HR department
  • A vocational rehabilitation counselor, if you have one

Local and National Help for People With Epilepsy in Grand Rapids

For information, support, and referrals related to epilepsy and employment in Grand Rapids, consider:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor)
    First point of contact for referrals to neurologists and vocational resources.

  • Local neurology and epilepsy clinics
    At Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or independent neurologists.

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health
    Can provide information on community resources, public health programs, and support services.

  • Epilepsy organizations
    National and regional epilepsy foundations can:

    • Help you develop an Epilepsy Management Plan
    • Provide workplace education materials
    • Offer support groups and educational events (often available online for West Michigan residents)

  • Legal and advocacy services
    Disability rights and legal aid organizations can:

    • Explain your workplace rights
    • Assist if you experience discrimination related to epilepsy

If you are unsure where to start, talk to your doctor or a social worker at a Grand Rapids hospital. They can connect you with:

  • Vocational rehabilitation (Michigan Rehabilitation Services)
  • Local employment agencies experienced in disability support
  • Epilepsy education and counseling services

Key Takeaways for Grand Rapids Residents With Epilepsy

  • Many people with epilepsy in Grand Rapids, MI, work safely and successfully across many industries.
  • Cold winters, driving conditions, and certain high-risk jobs may require extra planning and safety measures.
  • An Epilepsy Management Plan can improve safety and confidence at work.
  • You do not always have to tell your employer about your epilepsy, but disclosure can help you access reasonable adjustments and support.
  • Local health systems, the Kent County Health Department, vocational rehabilitation, and epilepsy organizations can all help you find and keep meaningful employment.

If you live with epilepsy in Grand Rapids and want to work or stay employed, talk with your healthcare team and explore local resources—you do not have to navigate employment and epilepsy alone.