Labor Commissioner Mark Butler Joins Atlanta Businesses at the EFWorks Launch Forum

ATLANTA, April 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia (EFGA), with sponsorship from UCB, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, had the pleasure of hosting Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler and Atlanta-area business at the EFWorks Employer Forum. This new specialized vocational rehabilitation program, EFWorks, is focused on helping Georgians diagnosed with epilepsy find employment.                                                                                                                                                          

Because epilepsy is an often misunderstood condition, it has one of the highest workplace discrimination rates when compared to other disabilities. The EFWorks program will help to dispel misconceptions as well as educate employers on the multiple benefits of hiring a person with a disability.

EFWorks co-founder Dr. Robert T. Fraser, Director of the University of Washington's Neurological Vocations Services, has performed various studies that show specialized vocational programs can be extremely useful in placing and retaining those living with epilepsy or similar conditions. Employees with uncontrolled epilepsy placed through these types of programs have a work accident and absenteeism rate comparable to those without epilepsy, according to the American Epilepsy Society.

The EFWorks Employer Forum held on March 31, 2017, officially launched the program. Attendees included companies large and small. Cox Media Group and Walgreens were among those that have committed to utilizing EFWorks for recruiting purposes. Forum attendance was challenging, as it occurred the morning after the Interstate 85 bridge collapse. However, committed employers didn't let extraordinary traffic hold them back. Aly Clift, Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, stated "The level of interest we received today was astonishing and reiterates the need for more workplace support for those living with epilepsy and education around epilepsy for the entire community. We are thrilled to be a part of a program that can satisfy both needs!"

To learn more about EFWorks, please contact the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia or visit efworks.org.

About the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia
The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia is the only health agency in Georgia dedicated to serving more than 150,000 Georgians living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. EFGA seeks to improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families through community education and a comprehensive set of client service programs. EFGA also aims to reduce the stigma that is often attached to epilepsy and to educate the public on seizure recognition and first aid. Learn more at epilepsyga.org.

About UCB
UCB Inc., Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 7,700 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of € 3.9 billion in 2015. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news

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SOURCE Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia