Services for Veterans with Disabilities? Yes, We Do That!

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

By Robin Kocher

The men and women of the US Armed Forces put their lives on the line every day, all over the world and right here at home, to protect and defend our democracy and our constitutional rights and freedoms. And today, on Veterans Day, we pause to thank and honor veterans who served admirably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.

Americans have come a long way since the Vietnam Era in their efforts to thank and recognize our brave soldiers when they return home. But when our service members transition permanently from the military back to civilian life, and the welcome home parades and parties are over, oftentimes so too is the vital support they need to be successful.

According to the US Department of Labor, there were 18.8 million veterans in the US, with one million living right here in the Sunshine State. About 25% or 4.7 million veterans have a service-connected disability, although some sources suggest that number to be higher. While some of these disabilities can be seen by others in the form of lost limbs or use of assistive devices, many disabilities are not visible to others like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Serving Those Who Have Served

During the transition period and years after, our veterans with disabilities often experience discrimination and rights violations in housing, employment, transportation, use of service animals, and more. Advocates and attorneys here at Disability Rights Florida have helped veterans locate mental health treatment, recover illegal pet deposits for service animals that assist with service-related injuries, and facilitated requests for housing accommodations related to physical disabilities acquired in service.

Our services are free and confidential. We’re a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and legal services when individuals with disabilities feel their rights have been violated. Here are some of the areas that we can help veterans:

• Denial of equal access to housing and transportation
• Rights violations or discrimination due to service animals
• Barriers to obtaining, maintaining or regaining employment, accessing vocational rehabilitation programs, and acquiring the necessary assistive technology or other devices to facilitate successful employment
• Abuse, neglect or rights violations in institutions, hospitals, Baker Act facilities, prisons and jails
• Denial of access to mental health and support services that provide individualized treatment
• Discrimination related to a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

If you feel you have experienced discrimination or your rights have been violated in these areas, call our intake line. A specialist will collect information about your situation and an attorney will review it. Many times, we can help with providing support through advocacy and educate you about your rights, or you may require assistance from an attorney.

Our goal is to empower veterans with disabilities to achieve the best possible level of self-sufficiency and independence and enjoy the benefits of the society they fought so hard to protect.

For more information or additional resources, visit the veterans page of our disability topics on our website.