Teachers across the United States now have more access to important training to help their students with epilepsy, thanks to a new five-year collaboration between the Epilepsy Foundation and Vector Solutions.
Vector Solutions, a leading provider of training and software solutions for K-12 and higher education institutions, has partnered with Epilepsy Foundation to offer Seizure Recognition & First Aid Certification training in the Vector Safety and Compliance Course Library. This provides an easy and convenient way for educators and school personnel contracted with Vector to take the seizure first aid training to better serve their students.
Brandy Fureman, PhD, Chief Outcomes Officer of Epilepsy Foundation, stated: “Our collaboration with Vector will give school personnel — who are required by state laws to take seizure first aid training — a place to do so quickly and effectively through a familiar learning portal. In addition, it will expand access to our seizure first aid training to school systems around the country using Vector’s platform. Our end goal is to have a seizure-safe nation where everyone who has a seizure feels safe, no matter where they are. This partnership is a stepstone toward that goal.”
Epilepsy is the most common severe brain disorder worldwide, and affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates that 3.4 million people in the United States are affected by the illness.
In 2018, Kentucky led the charge to pass the nation’s first-ever law requiring school personnel to complete seizure recognition and first aid training. Since then, the Epilepsy Foundation, family advocates and partner organizations have been working to pass similar Seizure Safe Schools legislation nationwide.
Rob Buelow, General Manager of Education, Vector Solutions, commented on the partnership: “We are excited to collaborate with the Epilepsy Foundation to deliver its training through our online learning management system. The safety and well-being of students are paramount, and educators must be adequately equipped to address the unique needs of all students. Through this partnership, K-12 and higher education staff nationwide will be empowered to serve their students and ensure their health and safety.”
The Epilepsy Foundation has been training more than 600,000 people in seizure recognition and first aid for over 50 years. The Seizure Recognition & First Aid Certification training will be available in the Vector platform later this summer, and school administrators with a current subscription will receive a notification when the activities are live.
As teachers, we need to be equipped to provide the best support possible for our students with epilepsy. Thanks to the new partnership between the Epilepsy Foundation and Vector Solutions, we now have more access to important training to help our students.
