Can Disabled Veterans Work?
For many disable veterans, returning to a normal life after serving the country can be challenging due to the physical or psychological injuries sustained during their tour of duty. One pressing concern is whether they will be able to continue contributing to the workforce. To answer this question, this article will delve into the possibilities of disabled veterans getting back to work and examine the support available to assist them in this journey.
Physical Disabilities
Those with physical disabilities may think that they are limited from working, but some 92% of US veterans with a disability would like to work, although many are unaware of available resources (1). Research has shown that people with disabilities can have unique qualities, such as persistence and adaptability, which may make them even more productive employees (1). Here are some essential points to consider:
- Prosthetics: Advances in prosthetics enable individuals to regain functional ability to perform various tasks.
- Prosthetics can significantly enhance work independence.
- Supportive technologies: Special assistive technologies can be purchased or obtained, enabling smooth integration into the workplace. Examples include speech-to-text software and assistive mobile devices.
- Employers may benefit from having disabled employees equipped with supportive technologies.
Psychological Disabilities
Mental health conditions often accompany physical injuries, compounding the difficulties of readjusting to a normal life. Statistics show that 22 American veterans die every day, with mental health-related health issues playing a significant contributor (2). The journey to healing begins with _recognizing _that psychological disabilities can create significant challenges for returning combatants.
Here are noteworthy points for understanding and incorporating psychological disabilities into the concept of employment:
- _Resilience, coping, and problem-solving skills _develop among veterans who face challenges after returning home, often underpinning improvements in overall well-being.
- _ Peer support groups allow veterans to connect, commiserate, and grow support networks for dealing with day-to-day mental health tasks.
- Accessibly designed spaces: The Federal Rehabilitation Act ensures accessible construction, public services, recreational facilities, and communication practices for those with mental-health-related challenges (3); these elements may improve inclusion and well-being at job sites.
Federal And State Benefits For Disabled Vets
Various benefits await disabled veterans looking to dive back into the workforce:
Employment Support (VET-TAP or Vets’ Employment Tax Act Provision):
- Tax-free support for adaptive devices and personal assistance
- Benefits can offset financial strain faced by those adapting employment situations
- Opportunities emerge for re-training or continuous education in vocational and apprenticeship training
- Many employers also receive financial subsidies for supporting their employees seeking vocational re-education initiatives
How Disabled Vets Can Stay Active After Military Service
Some specific actions for stay active even after returning to a normal home life can involve the work force include:
• Prioritize and identify career aspirations at the early stage to minimize impact on re-adapt
• Update educational backgrounds during or before starting to address job readiness
Creating Work-Environmental Accommodations For Both Employers And Disabled Individuals
Developing accommodating and adaptive options can enable inclusive diversity for businesses while further supporting those affected. Specific actions employers may consider includes:
- Developing inclusive spaces for wheelchair access and adapting office tools and work facilities
- Conducting periodic accessibility checks on all site areas to detect any non-compliant zones
Summary, for the numerous disable veterans with some degree of workability in many professional areas are highly valuable but require accommodations in both spaces and systems of job markets. Key initiatives such assistance from Veterans Service Officers organizations, which will make important strides to foster positive inclusion. With federal benefits also supporting individuals through accessible settings, mental support systems while maintaining social cohesion among returnees to these situations workforces for.
