Each year, in service to our nation, thousands of
former military personnel join the ranks of disabled veterans. Overall, there
are approximately 2.5 million disabled veterans. Disabled veterans represent a
rich talent pool that is too often overlooked. Consider this.
- Disabled veterans have proven their ability.
They have been trained in various military specialties that often 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 and mature workers.
- Disabled veterans come with support systems that enhance
their employability. A grateful nation acknowledges their sacrifice by
offering disabled veterans special employment and training services.
Recruitment
Resources
1. Vocational Rehabilitation
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 56 regional offices which administer
this program. These offices are a good place to recruit qualified disabled
veterans. For the number of the vocational rehabilitation office nearest you
call the VA's national toll free number (800) 827-1000 (V) or visit the VA Web
site at
http://www.va.gov.
In addition to employment and educational training programs, these
offices can provide eligible disabled veterans with job specific and job
related training. Therefore, employers may be able to work with these offices
to develop training programs that suit their employment needs.
2. State Veterans Employment Services
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), through its Veterans
Employment Training Service (VETS), helps support a network of local employment
service professionals dedicated to assisting disabled veterans with locating
and securing employment. A corps of 1400 local area Disabled Veteran Outreach
Personnel (DVOPs) stands ready to provide employers with qualified job
candidates who are disabled veterans. To contact them, call your area's
employment or job service office and ask for the DVOP.
For more information on this program, contact DOL's national Web
site at http://www.dol.gov/vets/welcome.html.
3. Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
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. They can be excellent
resources for locating disabled veteran job seekers. Contact your area's local
post or chapter and ask about their services.
The Legal
Framework
Several federal laws support the employment of disabled veterans.
Here is a brief overview:
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA)
The ADA establishes nondiscrimination practices for the
employment of people with disabilities. Disabled veterans are considered people
with disabilities and, therefore, are covered by this Act. For more information
on Title I of the ADA, contact your area's EEOC office or call the National
EEOC number (800) 669-4000 (V) or (800) 669-6820 (TTY). In addition, the Office
of Disability Employment Policy's Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers basic
information on the employment provisions of the ADA. Call JAN at (800) 232-9675
(V/TTY).
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act
(VEVRAA)
Under this law, employers with federal contracts or subcontracts
of $10,000 or more are required to provide equal employment opportunity, take
affirmative action, and comply with mandatory job listing requirements to
employ and advance protected veterans. This means that federal contractors must
take positive steps in all employment practices to enable protected veterans to
be considered for employment opportunities, including hiring, promoting, and
training. Protected veterans include Vietnam era and qualified "special"
disabled veterans. A qualified "special" disabled veteran is:
(1) a veteran who is entitled to compensation (or who but for
the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under
the laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a
disability rating of 30% or more; or, rated at 10% to 20% if it has been
determined that the individual has a serious employment disability; or,
(2) a veteran who was discharged or released from active duty
because of a service connected disability.
This law is enforced by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance
Programs (OFCCP) of the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information, contact
OFCCP at 888-376-3227 (V) or visit the OFCCP Web site on www.dol.gov/dol/esa.
State Laws
Many states have employment laws covering either veterans or
disabled veterans. For more information, contact your State Veterans Employment
Service, a department of the State Employment Service. The agency is listed
under state government agencies in the telephone directory.
July 1998 |