March 26th is an international day to wear purple to increase awareness of epilepsy worldwide. Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological disorders. People with epilepsy have to alter how they live to accommodate the disorder, and there are a lot of misconceptions among the general public about the nature of epilepsy.
Purple Day for Epilepsy was founded to increase awareness of the disorder and dispel myths and rumors. Like other worldwide days for awareness, Purple Day for Epilepsy aims to support people with epilepsy first and foremost and to show that they are not alone.
About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder resulting in recurrent seizures. Although anyone can have a seizure, people with epilepsy have a lower seizure threshold, meaning they are more likely to have seizures than those without epilepsy. People with epilepsy may have different things that can trigger a seizure.
Epilepsy is usually lifelong but can slowly improve with time and therapy, involving medication, surgery, or diet changes. Most people with epilepsy can live unassisted but often have to keep their epilepsy at the forefront of many decisions, as epilepsy makes some life activities dangerous. Swimming, driving, some jobs, and pregnancy can all be dangerous for a person with epilepsy.
In most cases, the cause of epilepsy is not clear. Approximately 1 in 3 people with epilepsy have a family member with it so that genetics may play a role in the disorder. Sometimes, epilepsy may be caused by injury or trauma to the brain, such as stroke, a tumor, or infection.
About Purple Day
Purple Day for Epilepsy was created in 2008 by Cassidy Megan. Megan has epilepsy and wanted to increase awareness of the disorder worldwide. Her goal with Purple Day is to dispel common myths, get people talking, and show people with epilepsy that they are not alone.
Megan’s idea was launched worldwide with help from the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes and the Anita Kaufmann Foundation. They partner with individuals and organizations (Ambassadors) across the world to promote Purple Day and epilepsy awareness. As Purple Day has grown in popularity, more and more people have become involved.
To get involved with Purple Day, you can host an event, advertise Purple Day, or donate to support epilepsy research and awareness. Though there are treatments for epilepsy, there is currently no cure, and all funds raised through Purple Day will help research one. Additionally, helping raise awareness and dispel common myths will improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
Epilepsy accessibility
It is important to maintain accessibility for people with epilepsy. Triggers for seizures may include flashing bright lights (also called photosensitivity), affecting approximately 3 percent of people with epilepsy. Photosensitivity can trigger a seizure when bright flashing lights occur without warning, such as in a video or webpage.
You can ensure your webpage is accessible to those with epilepsy by removing anything that may trigger photosensitivity in website visitors. When creating videos, avoid flashing lights or repeated lights in patterns. If they are unavoidable or necessary for your video, post a warning so that viewers with epilepsy can look away. Keep decorative elements of your website low-key instead of bright, flashing, and fancy.
Another way you can ensure that your website is accessible for people with epilepsy is by having a ‘low light’ mode. Flashing lights are not the only trigger for seizures – contrasting light patterns can also trigger them. Allowing your website to be viewed in low light or monochrome can prevent a seizure from being triggered and ensure that you are being accessible to those with epilepsy.
Conclusion
Purple Day for Epilepsy is a worldwide awareness day to show support for people with epilepsy. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, and there is currently no cure. While you wear purple to show your support, consider whether your website is accessible to those with epilepsy.
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