Message from President and CEO Eric Hargis

July 26, 2007

Dear Advocates:

The Epilepsy Foundation responded in full force to seek co-sponsors for the ADA Restoration Act of 2007. And what a response! There are 140 co-sponsors signed on to the bill, which was introduced today. Chairs of all the committees that have jurisdiction over the bill have already signed on, another significant accomplishment. As you know, Representatives Hoyer and Sensenbrenner are spearheading this effort in the House and we owe them a huge thanks for their commitment to our cause.

In addition, in a late breaking development, we are thrilled to announce that Senators Harkin (D-IA) and Specter (R-PA) are also introducing a corresponding ADA Restoration bill in the Senate! The ADA has always been bi-partisan and we are pleased that Senator Specter has stepped forward to lead the effort among Republicans in the Senate as Senators Harkin and Kennedy are among the Democrats.

A press conference was held at the US Capitol this morning to unveil the legislation. A number of Congressional leaders and distinguished leaders in the disability community attended the event and gave remarks, and details on that will be available on our website shortly. We were very proud to have our own, Elizabeth Goldberg, Epilepsy Foundation Board member and Chair of the Youth Council, join this distinguished Congressional panel to provide a personal perspective on the issues people with epilepsy face in employment.

The introduction of this bill with such numbers would not have been possible without advocates working the phones, writing letters and taking a stand to say- people with epilepsy deserve the same protections in the workforce as everyone else!

But we must continue to fight the good fight. First, we are asking everyone whose member has not signed on to follow up with him or her to get your representative to cosponsor before the August recess, now set for August 6th through Labor Day. Second, during the recess period, when Congressional representatives will be available in their respective Districts and States, we will be asking you to MEET WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE and SENATORS. We need you to thank them if they have already joined as a co-sponsor and if they are not signed on, urge them to do so. More on these events, and supporting information will be coming shortly, but this August recess is a great opportunity for you to continue to educate and connect your elected leaders to epilepsy issues, have your constituents go in and visit, etc.

If you need any additional information about the ADA Restoration Act of 2007, please let us know.

Thank you again for your great work!

Eric Hargis
President & CEO
Epilepsy Foundation