An Equal Employment Opportunity Commission press release said that Veterans with disabilities not only have unique needs with transitioning into civilian employment, but they also may be unaware that they are protected by the American’s With Disabilities Act. Employment plays an important role in a Veteran’s recovery from injury and easing their way into civilian life, the release said.
In a public meeting that included representatives from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Defense (DOD), and private sector stakeholders, the EEOC examined “effective ways to remove barriers to employment for veterans with disabilities.”
Heather Ansley of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities pointed out that stereotypical views of mental health issues like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) has made employers hesitant to hire veterans, leading to widespread discrimination. The DOL enforces the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act, a law that prohibits any discrimination against former military service members.
The press release said “the EEOC works to combat these myths and stereotypes about veterans with disabilities…and enforces the federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.”
