A large number of people in the military who suffer severe injuries with permanent effects during their term of service are grouped under the category of disabled veterans and are provided special resources to seek employment after service in the military. While seeking employment, it is not necessary that you mention your disability to your future employment unless it is directly related to your work or influences your performance at work. However, it is preferable that you mention your disability at the time of recruitment so that your employer knows that you intend to be forthright and proactive not only in this instance in other work situations as well. This can be done by mentioning it in your cover letter, your resume or during the personal interview. You must carefully weigh the disadvantages and advantages of this disclosure.
Each year, in service to our nation, thousands of former military personnel join the ranks of disabled veterans. Overall, there are millions of disabled veterans. Disabled veterans represent a rich talent pool. They have proven their ability. They have been trained in military specialties that offer knowledge and experiences transferable to the civilian workforce. Disabled veterans have proven their loyalty. They volunteered to serve their nation and have proven they can commit to a job and an organization. Disabled veterans know the meaning of discipline and teamwork. From following orders to watching out for their buddies, they are serious workers. They come with support systems that enhance their employability. There are several programs offering disabled veterans special employment and training services.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs supports a nationwide employment training program for service-connected disabled veterans who qualify for vocational rehabilitation. There are regional offices which administer this program. These offices are a place where employers recruit qualified disabled veterans. In addition to employment and educational training programs, the offices can provide eligible disabled veterans with job-specific and job-related training. Employers may work with these offices to develop training programs that suit their employment needs.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), through its Veterans Employment Training Service (VETS), helps support a network of local employment service professionals who assist disabled veterans with locating and securing employment. A corps of local area Disabled Veteran Outreach Personnel (DVOPs) provides employers with qualified job candidates who are disabled veterans.
Many of the National Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans Association, Blinded Veterans Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America and Non-Commissioned Officers Association, offer employment related services for disabled veterans (and in many cases all veterans) in various localities.
Besides this there are several federal and state laws which support the employment of disabled veterans. For example, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA establishes nondiscrimination practices for the employment of people with disabilities. Disabled veterans are covered by this Act.State Veterans Employment Service, a department of the State Employment Service, is an agency listed under state government agencies in the telephone directory.