In recent months, the EEOC has been focusing on barriers to employment. The latest commission meeting focused on how to effectively eliminate barriers to employment for veterans with disabilities. Representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, Office of Personnel Management, Department of Defense and private sector stakeholders testified that veterans with disabilities have unique needs in transitioning to civilian employment, and retaining that employment. Several panelists noted the important role employment plays in easing a veteran’s return to civilian life and recovery from injuries. Ruth Fanning, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services for the VA, stressed the need for early intervention in the transition from active duty to civilian life. Encouraging injured veterans to plan and work toward civilian career goals “reduces the risk of homelessness, underemployment, or unsuitable employment after discharge from the military.” As George M. Parker, Director of Compliance and Investigations of the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) of the DOL put it, “for wounded and injured veterans, employment can play a significant role in the road to recovery.” In this installment of The Proactive Employer Podcast, we talk about the issues raised during the meeting and highlight some of the ways that barriers to employment for veterans with disabilities can be removed.

1. THE PROACTIVE EMPLOYER PODCAST
December 2, 2011
Disabled Vets Need Multi-Prong Approach
to Overcome Employment Barriers
Sponsored by Thomas Econometrics
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