My name is Zachary Errabey, and I grew up in East Boston and now live in Whitman, Massachusetts. I’m submitting this testimony as an Epilepsy Foundation New England volunteer advocate, urging your support for the Seizure Safe Schools Act, Bills H635 and S422.
I am 29 and have lived with temporal lobe epilepsy for eight years. As a child, I was diagnosed with ADHD and missed school often due to severe headaches, which I later learned were related to my epilepsy. At 21, I had my first seizure, followed by frequent focal aware seizures and grand mal seizures, requiring two surgeries to reduce their frequency. Seizures are unpredictable and can be frightening for those unprepared. For example, my first seizure occurred at my family’s restaurant in a packed basement, sending family and friends into a panic, fearing I might die. This experience showed me how little people understand about epilepsy and motivated me to learn more about my condition.
Epilepsy affects approximately 83,000 people in Massachusetts, according to the CDC, and one in twenty-six people will develop it in their lifetime. There isn’t just one type of Epilepsy, there are many with different symptoms. Seizures can strike anywhere, including schools, and without proper training, staff and students may not know how to respond. In school, my frequent headaches were often misunderstood. Teachers, even family, weren’t equipped with the knowledge to recognize early signs of my condition. If the Seizure Safe Schools Act had been in place, trained staff could have identified my symptoms sooner, ensuring a safer environment. With this legislation, we can ensure that students with epilepsy face less risk in an environment meant for growth and will make sure care isn’t delayed for too long, which can lead to serious complications.
The Seizure Safe Schools Act would equip school staff with the training and tools to recognize seizures and administer physician-directed rescue medications. It would create a safe environment where students with epilepsy can focus on learning without fear or stigma. I also urge people with epilepsy to learn about their condition, as understanding my triggers and signs has helped me advocate for myself and educate others on my auras.
Please support Bills H635 and S422 to protect the thousands of students with epilepsy in Massachusetts, helping them thrive in school with confidence and safety.
Sincerely,
Zachary Errabey