Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend (EABB)

Master the Essentials of Self-Management: Seizure Safety, Trigger Awareness, and Daily Living Skills
2026-09-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-11-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-12-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Self-management means having the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively manage epilepsy and its impact on everyday life. For people with epilepsy, this includes knowing how to respond to seizures quickly and safely, recognizing and reducing triggers, and addressing challenges such as memory issues that can affect seizure control. It also means building the confidence to live fully in the face of stigma, replacing fear and misinformation with knowledge and skill. This free monthly self-management program equips participants with practical tools, proven techniques, and community support to stay safe, confident, and in control.
What You’ll Gain:
Community Support

Connect with others who understand the realities of epilepsy and share a commitment to strong self-management.
Exchange tips and experiences in a respectful, confidential setting where stigma is replaced by understanding and mutual respect.

Essential Self-Management Skills

Identify seizure types, early warning signs, and personal triggers.
Practice seizure first aid and safety strategies for home, school, work, and public settings.
Learn when and how to seek emergency help.

Tools and Strategies for Daily Living

Use seizure tracking tools, safety checklists, and home safety modifications.
Apply practical solutions for memory challenges that affect medication routines, appointments, and seizure tracking.
Organize daily habits that promote seizure control, health, and independence.

Shared Learning

Prepare for travel, events, and schedule changes while maintaining safety and seizure control.
Troubleshoot barriers to safety, trigger management, and memory support with peer and facilitator guidance.

Key Takeaway:
You’ll leave with essential safety skills, tools for reducing triggers, strategies for supporting memory and daily routines—and the confidence to navigate the world with reduced stigma and greater self-reliance.
Who Should Attend:
Individuals with epilepsy, caregivers, family members, friends, and anyone who may need to respond to a seizure.
When: Held on the third Thursday of each month, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Where: Join the Zoom Class Here.
For more information:

Call: (850) 222-1777
Email: gabriela@eabb.org

Master the Essentials of Self-Management: Building Confidence, Connection, and Empowerment
2026-09-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-22 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-11-26 16:00 - 17:00
Once you’ve learned core seizure-safety and daily-living skills, the next step is using them where life actually happens—at home, at work or school, in relationships, during travel, and in your community. This free monthly program helps you turn safety knowledge into everyday confidence: reducing isolation, navigating stigma, communicating clearly, and making choices that support independence and participation.
What You’ll Gain:
Community Support That Breaks Isolation

Meet people who truly understand your experience; replace loneliness with steady connection.
Share in a respectful, confidential space that counters stigma with understanding and encouragement.
Optional “buddy check-ins” between sessions to keep momentum going.

Confidence & Advocacy Skills

Speak up with clarity in healthcare visits, at work or school, and in community settings.
Request reasonable supports and practice brief “what to say” scripts for common situations.
Decide when and how to disclose epilepsy; set boundaries that keep you safe and comfortable.

Systems That Make Daily Life Easier

Build simple routines for meds, appointments, and seizure/trigger tracking (reminders, planners, checklists).
Use memory supports and attention aids that fit your style and technology comfort level.
Prepare for outings, travel, and events (go-bag basics, rendezvous plans, safety cues).
Keep energy and mood steadier with sleep, stress-reduction, and pacing strategies.

Participation Strategies—Living the Life You Choose

Plan social time, hobbies, movement, and community involvement that align with your self-management goals.
Practice language for explaining epilepsy and safety to friends, coworkers, teachers, and first responders.
Anticipate and troubleshoot trigger-related barriers so you can say “yes” to more opportunities.

Peer Problem-Solving & Growth

Work through real-life scenarios together; swap practical solutions that have worked.
Leave each session with one concrete next step and a quick way to track progress.

Key Takeaway:
Participants will leave each session with tools for navigating challenges, and a stronger sense of self-empowerment and community connection.
Who Should Attend:
Individuals with epilepsy (and caregivers) who previously attended Master the Essentials of Self-Management: Seizure Safety, Trigger Awareness, and Daily Living Skills, plus anyone ready to move beyond safety basics to focus on confidence, connection, and living well with epilepsy.
When: Held on the fourth Thursday of each month, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Where: Join the Zoom Class Here.
For more information:

Call: (850) 222-1777
Email: gabriela@eabb.org

Student Epilepsy Network: In-Person
2026-09-24 17:00 - 18:00
The Student Epilepsy Network (SEN) is a student-centered initiative open to any students living with epilepsy across North Florida.
SEN provides practical tools for navigating epilepsy in campus life, meaningful peer connection, mentorship opportunities, and education on seizure first aid and self-advocacy. Our goal is to help students build confidence, community, and independence in a supportive and confidential space.
At SEN, students will learn how to:

Build reliable medication and sleep routines
Create safety plans for dorms, classrooms, and social settings
Navigate disability accommodations with confidence
Practice disclosure conversations
Connect with mentors and peers who understand
Learn seizure first aid and how to support others

Whether you live with epilepsy, support someone who does, or want to become a trained ally, SEN provides a welcoming and informed community where students can connect and grow.
When: Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Where: 1215 Lee Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32303
For more information, please contact Gabriela Pineda, MPH, Health Educator & Outreach Manager, at gabriela@eabb.org

Master the Essentials of Self-Management: Skills, Support, and Resilience for Epilepsy Caregivers
2026-09-25 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-11-27 12:00 - 13:00
Self-management means having the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively manage epilepsy and its impact on everyday life. For caregivers, it also means building the ability to support a loved one’s seizure control, safety, and well-being—while maintaining their own health and resilience. This includes confronting stigma, advocating effectively, and creating daily routines that work for both caregiver and loved one. This free monthly self-management group equips caregivers with practical tools, shared wisdom, and community connections to meet these challenges with skill and confidence.
What You’ll Gain:
Community Support

Build relationships with other caregivers who truly understand your journey.
Share experiences in a safe, confidential environment where stigma is replaced by understanding and encouragement.

Essential Self-Management Skills

Learn seizure first aid tailored to real-life caregiving scenarios.
Gain strategies for reducing triggers and supporting medication adherence.
Practice stress management techniques—such as mindfulness and time management—that strengthen both your resilience and your loved one’s self-management.

Tools and Strategies for Daily Living

Access a curated toolkit with resources for healthcare navigation, legal rights, and daily planning.
Learn approaches to memory support for medication schedules, appointments, and seizure tracking.
Organize routines that improve seizure control while protecting your own well-being.

Shared Learning

Discuss balancing caregiving with personal and professional responsibilities.
Share problem-solving techniques for emergencies, daily challenges, and stigma-related barriers.

Key Takeaway:
You’ll leave with actionable caregiving strategies, resources, and community connections that enhance your loved one’s self-management while safeguarding your own health and quality of life.
Who Should Attend:
Family members, friends, and anyone providing care for individuals with epilepsy.
When: Held on the fourth Friday of each month, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Where: Join the Zoom Class Here.
For more information:

Call: (850) 222-1777
Email: gabriela@eabb.org

Columbus Day - Closed
2026-10-12
The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend will be closed all day on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Columbus Day.

Veterans Day - Closed
2026-11-11
The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend will be closed all day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day.

Thanksgiving Day - Closed
2026-11-26
The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend will be closed all day on Thursday, November 26, 2026, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

Day After Thanksgiving – Closed
2026-11-27
The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend will be closed all day on Friday, November 27, 2026, in observance of Thanksgiving.

Christmas Eve – Closed
2026-12-24
The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend will be closed all day on Thursday, December 24, 2026, in observance of Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day – Closed
2026-12-25
The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend will be closed all day on Friday, December 25, 2026, in observance of Christmas.

New Year's Eve – Closed
2026-12-31
The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend will be closed all day on Thursday, December 31, 2026, in observance of New Year’s Eve.

New Year's Day – Closed
2027-01-01
The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend will be closed all day on Friday, January 1, 2027, in observance of New Year’s Day.
