Audiobooks for epilepsy: the French Experience.

The Cause

The Edmonton Epilepsy Association (EEA) is the sole registered charity and community organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by epilepsy in Northern Alberta. For nearly 65 years, we have been at the forefront of supporting those impacted by this condition.

Since 2010, we have been the only agency in North America to offer a comprehensive series of epilepsy information books. These books have been utilized in clinics, hospitals, doctors' offices, community centers, schools, and libraries. In 2023, with the help of a small grant, we transformed ten of our eleven titles into English audiobooks, which are now accessible through 29 audiobook platforms worldwide.

To complete this project, we established a makeshift recording studio and collaborated with volunteer voice actors, many of whom have personal experience with epilepsy, spanning various ages and backgrounds.

Our next step is to produce ten French audiobooks as part of our long-term plan. These audiobooks, along with additional short video resources, will play a crucial role in raising awareness about epilepsy, promoting open conversations, and addressing the stigma and social isolation that often accompany this neurological condition.

We are seeking funding from various sources to initiate this next phase. This seed funding will enable us to build upon the successful strategies and structures used in the English audiobook project and continue our mission to support the epilepsy community.

Who Will it Benefit?

The French version of the audiobooks will benefit French-speaking Canadians nationwide, not just in Alberta. This addition complements our printed books, which are already available in both official languages. As newcomers from around the globe arrive in Canada, providing essential resources about neurological health and epilepsy in both English and French enhances their ability to understand the condition, gain valuable information, and adopt strategies to improve their quality of life.

This innovative plan will complete our resource series and significantly expand access to a variety of formats for everyone.