Career Development Resources for Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans

Navigating the job market and achieving career growth can come with unique challenges for individuals with disabilities. To this end, the United States government has developed a range of resources specifically tailored to support people with disabilities, including veterans, in their career development journeys. These programs provide guidance, training, financial aid, and ongoing support to help participants build fulfilling career paths.

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) provides services to meet the employment needs of disabled and other eligible veterans who are reintegrating into the workforce. Veterans work one on one with a trained DVOP specialist to prepare their resume, find a suitable job, locate housing support, and more. This program places an emphasis on serving veterans who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, such as those facing barriers to employment or who are experiencing homelessness. Disabled Veterans looking to apply for the program should contact an American Job Center near them.

American Job Centers

The American Job Center (ACJ) programs offer nearly 2,300 locations across the U.S. that offer high-quality workforce services for job seekers, workers, and businesses, including disabled veterans and other people with disabilities. Employment assistance and training through an AJC are generally free. Resources vary by location but can include job training services, career counseling, job search assistance, resource rooms with phones, internet access, and resume writing tools, labor market and employer information, skills testing, and hiring events and business service information.

VA Educational and Vocational Counseling

The VA Chapter 36 program offers free educational and career guidance, resources, and planning to qualifying veterans, including disabled veterans, and their dependents who are eligible for a VA education benefit. Through the program, eligible individuals can explore their vocational interests, aptitudes, and abilities; research vocational career opportunities; choose appropriate career goals; address barriers that may impede success in training or employment; and develop educational program objectives. 

Americans With Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law ensuring that people with disabilities, including disabled military veterans, have equal access to job opportunities and workplace accommodations. It prohibits discrimination based on disability and allows workers with disabilities to seek reasonable adjustments that help them perform their duties effectively. The ADA’s Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment offers guidance for individuals with disabilities on their employment rights.

Veteran Readiness and Employment

Veteran Readiness and Employment, formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, is a program for veterans who have a service-connected disability that limits their ability to work or prevents them from working. This program, also known as VR&E or Chapter 31, helps veterans explore employment options and address education or training needs.

Job Accommodation Network

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free source for expert and confidential guidance concerning job accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN helps employers create inclusive workplaces, increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and advance the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities also can consult JAN for confidential guidance regarding their employment rights, job accommodation solutions, and more.

Career Development for People With Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities often face numerous barriers to employment, including restrictions on how much they can earn if they depend on means-tested benefits. For questions regarding how earned income could affect your means-tested benefits and how you may be able to protect your benefits while engaging in work, contact an experienced special needs planning attorney.

If you would like to speak with an experienced special needs planning attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.