Why is seizure support needed? (our raison d'être)
Support is needed because seizures are a major health condition compelling many persons to adjust their lives. We help them adjust. Your support will help us continue that vital work.
The World Health Organisation regards epilepsy as the world's most common serious brain disorder. More than 1 in 10 Australians has, or has direct contact with seizure disorders. Up to 1 in 20 may have a seizure during their life. Up to 1 in 50 has epilepsy at some stage of their life. Most have their epilepsy controlled but up to 20% require regular medical intervention with major health and social implications. Of persons requiring regular medical intervention, between 25% and 50% experience great trouble with their epilepsy.
Australia's government-supported medical/pharmaceutical services provide world class treatment but seizures affect lives in many ways other than medically.
The Epilepsy Association is a health charity helping individuals and the community to manage and adjust to those seizures.
What inspires us (our vision)
We look towards life without seizures.
What we do (our purpose)
We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for people having seizures and to improving community attitudes toward seizure disorders.
How we operate (our methods)
We provide guidance, information, education, research and support services in association with allied medical and community agencies and encourage mutual support within the community.
Key laws we work under are the Disability Services Act 1993 (NSW), Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW), Fundraising Appeals Act 1998 (Vic), Lotteries and Art Unions Act 1901 (NSW), Gaming No 2 Act 1997 (Vic) and Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
We are accountable to our members and service users, our donors and supporters, and to various government departments for specific purposes.
Why we matter (our justification)
We help persons who would otherwise not be helped. We guide, advise, inform and support persons affected by seizures to help them and their families understand and manage seizures and thus improve their quality of life. We help in various ways from providing students with material for school projects to assisting persons with poorly controlled epilepsy to work with their doctors to achieve better seizure control, to helping students and teachers deal with seizures at school. Page 64 of our Annual Report shows how you can help us continue this vital work.
