Honors Projects
Abstract
The present-day American public education system has evolved to try to teach young students about more cultures and people of different lifestyles. However, despite these reforms to push for an inclusive education system, there is still minimal effort to teach students about disabilities and the people who live with them. As a student living with epilepsy, I have observed a lack of education or conversation about this disability. The purpose of this research project is to ask: How does miseducation on epilepsy contribute to harmful stereotypes and lead to real issues for people living with this disability? How should neurotypical people and those unfamiliar with epilepsy be properly educated about the condition? What current materials are used to educate patients and families with epilepsy? The project is structured around scientific research of the condition, as well as an autoethnographical approach, evaluating the main themes of epilepsy awareness and comparing my findings with my personal experience. The final aim of this project is to study how accurate representation can effectively sustain education. I created an infographic that informs educators about supporting epilepsy in the classroom in an understandable manner. My research results suggest that there are numerous opportunities for learning about epilepsy and spreading awareness. The next step is to implement and broaden these opportunities beyond just the epilepsy community and share them with the general public and school systems.
Department
Honors Program
Major
Art – BFA in Digital Arts
First Advisor
Dr. Michelle Sprouse
First Advisor Department
Honors Program
Second Advisor
Dr. Verner Bingman
Second Advisor Department
Psychology
Publication Date
Fall 12-8-2025
Repository Citation
Wise, Aliyah, "Expanding Epilepsy Representation: On Education and Awareness" (2025). Honors Projects. 1088.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/honorsprojects/1088
Included in
Accessibility Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Graphic Design Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Special Education Administration Commons