Improve Your Communication with Business Leaders Who Have Epilepsy or Seizures
- JD Solomon
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Most technical professionals never consider how presentation choices affect colleagues or senior leaders with epilepsy. Yet photosensitive epilepsy is well‑documented, and flashing or high‑contrast visual sequences can trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.
The Epilepsy Foundation notes that rapidly flashing lights, strobe‑like effects, and certain video patterns are common triggers. That means your “flashy” video, often created with good intentions, may have unintended consequences.
Good Practices for Everyday Communication
A few practical habits make communication more effective and more respectful in a professional setting:
Educate yourself. Understand the basics of epilepsy, common triggers, and typical symptoms. Awareness improves empathy and reduces avoidable risks.
Maintain a calm environment. Reduce unnecessary noise, motion, or visual clutter in meetings. A stable environment helps everyone focus, not just those with epilepsy.
Respect privacy. Epilepsy is a medical condition. Do not discuss someone’s diagnosis or symptoms without their explicit consent.
Be patient and flexible. Seizures are unpredictable. If a colleague or leader needs to pause, reschedule, or adjust workload, respond with professionalism and calm.
Communicate clearly. Use concise language and avoid jargon. Visual aids are helpful when they clarify—not when they distract.
Prepare for emergencies. Know the basic steps of seizure first aid. The Epilepsy Foundation provides clear, accessible guidance for workplace response.
Offer support. Ask how you can help before, during, or after an episode. Respectful support strengthens trust and team cohesion.
The Tip: Avoid Flashing Videos
Technical professionals often add motion graphics, rapid transitions, or strobe‑like effects to make the presentation more engaging. In reality, these elements create noise, distract senior leaders, and may trigger seizures in susceptible individuals. Engagement comes from clarity, not spectacle.
Strip out the flash. Keep the focus on the information. That is how trusted advisors communicate.
Other Resources:
Epilepsy Foundation: The Epilepsy Foundation provides information, resources, and support for individuals with epilepsy and their families. Their website offers comprehensive information on epilepsy, including communication tips and strategies.
Reference: https://www.epilepsy.com/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides valuable information on epilepsy, seizure disorders, and workplace accommodations. Their resources can help you understand the condition better and learn how to support individuals with epilepsy in the workplace.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/index.html
Job Accommodation Network (JAN): JAN is a service of the U.S. Department of Labor that provides guidance on workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities, including epilepsy. Their website offers resources and practical solutions for accommodating individuals with epilepsy in various work settings.
Reference: https://askjan.org/
JD Solomon is the author of Communicating Reliability, Risk & Resiliency to Decision Makers: How to Get Your Boss’s Boss to Understand and Facilitating with FINESSE: A Guide to Successful Business Solutions.
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