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Epilepsy affects as many as 2% of Queenslanders.
There are more people with epilepsy than with muscular dystrophy,
cerebral palsy, parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease and several
others combined. Epilepsy is the world's most common serious brain
disorder (WHO, 1997). While in most cases it is diagnosed during
the school years, epilepsy may affect anyone at anytime.
Since 1969, Epilepsy Queensland Inc has been
dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with epilepsy and
their carers/families through advocacy, research, support and
information. Considerable effort is put into increasing public
awareness and raising community understanding of epilepsy.
Becoming
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Little
Poss Appeal 2006
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donor
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The Services and Programs we
provide:
Skilled counselling - a multi-disciplinary
approach. Our counsellors understand epilepsy as a medical
condition and are able to provide a range of effective counselling
therapies. Epilepsy affects every part of a person's life as well
as those close to them. The multi-disciplinary approach enables us
to handle just about any situation that epilepsy creates.
Information services. Epilepsy
Queensland staff respond to queries from individuals with epilepsy and
those affected by epilepsy. We provide information through a wide
range of books, posters, pamphlets, information sheets, videos, kits and
other items. Epilepsy Queensland has published many books about
epilepsy, including some beautifully written and illustrated books for
children. Our newsletter, The Flame, provides up-to-date
information on epilepsy and other issues. We also produce
specialist newsletters for children, siblings, and parents of children
with uncontrolled epilepsy.
Children's Program. We have published
books based on a character called Little Poss (our mascot). Poss
helps young children know how to be a friend to someone with epilepsy,
what epilepsy is (and is not), and how to help someone who is having a
seizure. There is also the Little Poss Club. Members of this
club receive a monthly newsletter, a membership pack, and other
benefits. Another important feature of the Children's Program is
our work in schools and childcare facilities. We provide
information for teachers, guidance for parents, and classroom talks for
students in which we discuss feelings about epilepsy and issues like
teasing and bullying as well as seizure management.
Family Support Program. This program is
to support families with children with uncontrolled epilepsy, or
epilepsy, and another disability. The program is funded by
Disability Services Queensland and it offers specialised information and
support services for families.
Hospital visits. Our counsellors visit
patients in major hospitals providing support and information on
epilepsy.
Comprehensive epilepsy library. The
library offers current information on medical and lifestyle
issues. There are many book titles, a large variety of videos, as
well as epilepsy journals and special collections. Many of these
are available for loan to members. For people residing outside the
Brisbane area, we can arrange to mail materials to you.
Support groups. 'Mutual support' groups
are supported and resourced by Epilepsy Queensland throughout
Queensland.
Community education. We provide
responsive, often tailored information services to community
organisations, health and welfare groups, business, education providers,
students, state institutions, and other groups.
Community awareness. With the support
of various media outlets throughout Queensland, we have established a
community awareness program which includes Community Service
Announcements and advertisements. We have also developed posters,
magnets, and other products listing our phone number for regional
callers (1300 852 853).
Advocacy - personal, state and national. Many
people with epilepsy have to cope with prejudice and misunderstanding in
their daily lives. We will work with employers, organisations,
governments, and individuals to change these situations.
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