Epilepsy & Society Symposium, 21 October 2010, Melbourne

This one-day symposium is for people with epilepsy, their carers, family and friends, and for those professionals working with people with epilepsy in the community, whether in the disability sector, education, employment, nursing, or the leisure sector.

The day begins with leading sociologist Graham Scambler from University College of London, presenting the keynote address on epilepsy and stigma, Understanding 'shame' and 'blame' in social and clinical worlds, followed by popular Australian television sports presenter and commentator, past Australian Rugby League captain, and author, Wally Lewis, who will relate his own experience of epilepsy spanning some 20 years.

Discussion groups will examine a variety of epilepsy-related issues including sexuality; memory; sport and exercise; practical ways to manage depression; employment and advocacy issues; sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP); and epilepsy and creativity.

International speakers include Dr Elson So from the respected Mayo Clinic in the US, providing up-to-date information on Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, and Olympic cyclist and six-times world champion, Marion Clignet, talking about how she became an elite athlete while managing her epilepsy in the face of fatigue and strenuous training programs.

This will be an exciting and full day for delegates, as the day provides a forum to meet people living with epilepsy and those working with people with epilepsy from across South-East Asia, Asia and the Pacific regions. Come along, share your points of view, and meet Marion Clignet and Wally Lewis.

Registration includes:

• Admission to epilepsy and society programme sessions (upon display of name badge)
• Coffee breaks on Thursday 21st October 2010
• Lunch on Thursday 21st October 2010
• Entry to the Welcome Ceremony and Reception
• Certificate of Attendance