Epilepsy Resource Center

Serving people with epilepsy and their families throughout Central
Illinois.

The Epilepsy Resource Center’s (ERC) focus is the person with
epilepsy. Ongoing, individualized supports and services are available
for as long as the need exists. ERC services help empower
individuals and families to access resources, make choices, and solve
problems to enhance the quality of their lives.

Counties served: Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Champaign,
Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar,
Ford, Green, Hancock, Iroquois, Jersey, Livingston, Logan,
McLean, Macon, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery,
Morgan, Moultrie, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott,
Shelby, Tazewell and Vermilion

ERC staff offers these services through the following programs:

Information and Assistance:
Epilepsy is often misunderstood. It is not unusual for persons with
epilepsy, their families, and the community to make decisions based
on inaccurate information. ERC’s Information and Assistance
Program provides individuals, families, other agencies, employers,
and the community-at-large with accurate and current information
about epilepsy, related issues, and community services and
resources. Persons with epilepsy may be at risk for psychosocial,
social, educational, financial, and legal problems. ERC provides
assistance to “sort through” and identify these problems, helping
individuals and families find solutions and providing advocacy on
behalf of individuals with epilepsy. ERC also facilitates support
groups throughout Central Illinois for individuals with epilepsy and
their families. If needed, an individual can also receive short-term or
ongoing service coordination services through this program.

Community Education:
ERC promotes epilepsy education throughout Central Illinois to
increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the disorder,
as well as dispel myths and misconceptions about epilepsy. Public
and professional education, as well as school alert presentations to
students and staff, are provided at no cost. ERC sponsors “Walk for
the Cure” annually to raise epilepsy awareness. Please contact ERC
to find out about any upcoming events, or to discuss scheduling a
presentation.

Job Placement Program (JPP):
For some, epilepsy and other medical conditions are a barrier to
employment. Unemployment and underemployment rates of 20-50%
are evidence of the difficulties facing job seekers with epilepsy and
other disabilities. ERC’s Job Placement Program is available to people
with epilepsy or other disabilities. The program is designed to break
down those barriers through assessment, referral, defining
employment goals, resume preparation, job lead development,
disclosure training, placement, and follow-up. Individuals wishing to
participate in the JPP should contact ERC, and then will be referred
to Illinois Department of Human Services / Division of Rehabilitation
Services, which funds the program. In order to be determined
eligible, individuals must be of employable age, meet DHS/DRS
eligibility criteria, and live within a one-hour driving radius of
Springfield.

For more information on the Epilepsy Resource Center, contact
Linda Lobue at 217-726-1839 or at 1-800-800-6401.