A Veteran with a prosthetic leg is leading a meeting with her coworkers.

Working Your Way Back to Work: Entering the Workforce After a Disability

Once you’ve made the decision to return to work, it’s important to understand what rights you have and what you can expect from your employer.

Entering the workforce after suffering an injury or disability can be a difficult experience. Whether you’re living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), managing hearing loss or learning to live with limb loss, you may worry if you’ll be able to find a job that accommodates your needs. But returning to work is often a necessary and important part of moving forward.

Check out the article below for tips and resources that can help you navigate a return to the workforce, as well as what laws are in place to protect you.

Tips for Veterans Ready to Enter the WorkforceA service dog sits under the desk with its owner at the workplace.

  • Recognize your worth. As a Veteran, you have a unique set of skills. You’ve been placed in high-stress environments and you know how to complete difficult tasks with a quick turnaround. You’re adaptable, resilient and loyal. These are skills many employers value.
  • Highlight your strengths. Don’t focus on the activities and tasks that are a struggle for you. Instead, focus on activities and skills you do well. Maybe it’s your communication skills, your ability to learn quickly or your computer skills. Even if you didn’t use these skills before your disability, they may come in handy now.
  • Learn as much as you can. The better you understand your disability, the better prepared you’ll be to adapt in the workplace. What are some common ways people adapt or cope with this disability? What jobs are best suited to your skills?
  • Take care of yourself. Putting your best self forward requires a good amount of effort. To avoid burnout, be sure to get enough sleep, eat well and manage your stress levels.
  • Rely on your connections. Contact old colleagues and friends. Ask around in your social network about job openings or employers with a good track record of supporting employees with disabilities.
  • Embrace accommodations. Don’t be ashamed to request support to help you thrive in the workplace. Explore the information below to learn more about accommodations you may be entitled to such as a one-handed keyboard for someone with limb loss or the use of a service animal for those experiencing PTSD.
  • Reach out for support. When you’re ready to return to work, there are several organizations ready to make the transition easier. Whether it’s resume writing, job searching or other needs, review the resources at the end of this article for the support you deserve.

Your Rights as an Employee

Once you’ve made the decision to return to work, it’s important to understand your rights and what you can expect from your employer.A Veteran with a prosthetic arm is helping a coworker with their desktop computer.

Resources

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