Veterans with Disabilities
According to the U.S. Census, veterans who served after September 11th have a 43% chance of acquiring a disability. At the same time, only 27% and 16% respectively of Gulf War and Vietnam War Veterans had a service-connected disability. Veterans serving in “peacetime” had a 9% chance of acquiring a service-related disability.
Our former Policy Fellow Roy Payan is a proud veteran with a disability. Roy acquired a visual impairment overseas, and when he returned, he learned to be independent with a new set of skills. Roy sought his independence through education, where he would face new challenges and barriers, including discrimination and ableism while completing his degree. Roy fought discrimination by taking his case to the courts for resolution.
Roy is not alone. Nearly two in three student veterans share that they have a disability and have faced barriers. It is essential to ensure that all people with disabilities have a path to the life they want. [continue reading…]