Success Comes With Barriers For Students With Epilepsy

    - UCBeyond Scholarship Program Provides Students With Epilepsy An
    Increased Chance of Completing Post-Secondary Education -

    TORONTO, May 21 /CNW/ - Attaining an education is widely considered a key
contributor to success in life. It provides opportunities for personal, social
and academic growth, and is an important factor in future employment.
According to a study by the Canadian Council on Social Development, only
36.4 per cent of persons with disabilities, aged 16 to 64, graduate from a
post-secondary educational program, as compared to 51.4 per cent of persons
without a disability.(1) This disparity is of particular concern given the
correlation between higher education and employment achievement; overall, men
and women of working age with disabilities are far less likely to have
full-time employment than those without disabilities.(2)
    Students who have neurological disabilities, such as epilepsy, are among
the many that can fail to graduate due to the burden of their illness.
Throughout Canada, many universities and colleges have created protocols to
manage the unpredictability that comes with a chronic illness like epilepsy -
but often these measures are only effective when the student comes forth with
their concerns.(3) Due to the stigma surrounding epilepsy, many with the
condition are reluctant to seek attention or special consideration.(4)
    "Positive change for students with disabilities like epilepsy begins with
awareness and advocacy," says Frank Smith, National Coordinator of the
National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), an organization
with a mandate to encourage the self-empowerment of post-secondary students
with disabilities. "The more funding and resources we can provide for students
with disabilities, the greater the likelihood they will be able to achieve
their educational aspirations and contribute positively to our society and
economy."
    Educational scholarships are an ideal form of funding that helps patients
reach above and beyond the boundaries of their disability to attain
post-secondary education. "Like so many disabilities, progress comes with
understanding. By creating a public dialogue about epilepsy, we put to rest
the fear that surrounds it. Educational scholarships not only create
opportunities for students with epilepsy, but create important awareness, as
well," says Dr. Lionel Carmant, Neurologist, Université de Montréal and chair
of the UCBeyond Epilepsy Scholarship selection committee.

    About the UCBeyond Epilepsy Scholarship Program

    The UCBeyond Epilepsy Scholarship Program will award seven (7), one-time
scholarships of up to $5,000.00 CDN each to people diagnosed with epilepsy.
The winners must demonstrate academic ambition and use their scholarship
toward post-secondary education (i.e. university, college, trade school, etc.)
for the 2008/09 school year.
    An independent, national selection committee of leading physicians and
patient representatives will choose the 2008 UCBeyond Epilepsy Scholarship
recipients. Applicants will be evaluated based on a one-page essay
demonstrating how they go above and beyond their disability, exhibit
perseverance and empower others, as well as two letters of personal
recommendation. The deadline to apply is July 31, and winners will be
announced in September 2008.
    Application forms for the 2008 UCBeyond Epilepsy Scholarship Program may
be downloaded at www.chromecommunications.ca.

    About Epilepsy(5)

    Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition affecting 40 million people
worldwide, including over 15,000 new cases of epilepsy each year in Canada. It
is the fourth most common neurological disorder and is caused by abnormal,
excessive electrical discharges of the nerve cells or neurons in the brain.
Epilepsy is characterized by a tendency to have recurrent seizures and defined
by two or more unprovoked seizures. Between 70 to 80 per cent of individuals
are successfully treated with one of the more than 20 antiepileptic drugs now
available. However, 20 to 30 per cent of patients have either intractable or
uncontrolled seizures or significant adverse side effects secondary to
medication, highlighting the ongoing need for the development of new
antiepileptic drugs.

    About UCB Pharma Canada

    UCB Pharma Canada was officially incorporated in 2006 with the objective
of bringing new-generation, convenient therapies to the Canadian market for
neurological disorders. As a patient-focused organization, UCB Pharma Canada
is dedicated to bringing new and innovative programs to patients, and to the
specialists who treat them, to help improve the lives of people living with
severe diseases.

    References
    -----------------------------
    (1) Education And Disability: Ontario Human Rights Commission
        Consultation Paper On Access To Education For Persons With
        Disabilities; (http://www.odacommittee.net/ohrc_education.html,
        accessed on 10 April 2008).
    (2) Ibid.
    (3) Reaching Students with Chronic Illness;
        (http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/11/08/chronic, accessed on
        10 April 2008).
    (4) Epilepsy Facts; (http://www.epilepsy.ca/eng/content/sheet.html,
        accessed on 10 April 2008).
    (5) What is Epilepsy?;
        (http://www.epilepsymississauga.com/whatisepilepsy.htm, accessed on
        10 April 2008).

For further information: or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Chrome Communications, (905) 567-1406: Mark Wigmore, ext. 224, (416) 778-5904
or Tiana DiMichele, ext. 225, (416) 666-5331