The U.S. Department of Labor has introduced the Veterans Accommodations Toolkit, a new resource designed to boost employment rates and participation in apprenticeship programs for disabled American veterans. This initiative comes just before National Hire a Veteran Day and the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The toolkit aligns with the Trump Administration's objectives to address the cost-of-living crisis and increase Registered Apprenticeships to one million active apprentices nationwide. Developed by the department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service alongside the Office of Disability Employment Policy, it provides tips and strategies for enhancing workplace supports and accommodations. These resources aim to aid in recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining disabled veterans in various employment settings. The toolkit is also beneficial for employers, apprenticeship sponsors, and workforce development specialists.
“Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to secure our freedoms,” stated Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “One of the most meaningful ways we can honor their service is by increasing employment opportunities for all veterans, including the disabled. By supporting our distinguished veterans through Registered Apprenticeships and other job opportunities, the Veterans Accommodations Toolkit will ensure they have every tool at their disposal to build valuable skills, earn a paycheck, and provide for themselves and their families.”
Currently, over 5 million American veterans aged 18 or older live with service-connected disabilities. Annually, about 200,000 service members transition to civilian life; approximately 22,000 have some form of disability. Many remain unemployed after this transition period. The employment rate for working-age veterans with disabilities stands at 43.5%, significantly lower than that of nondisabled veterans at 79.8%. The toolkit seeks to bridge this gap by helping skilled Americans re-enter the workforce.
Learn more about the Veterans Accommodations Toolkit.
