(NAPSA)—“Today, nearly 4 million Americans have a service-connected disability. At a time when many employers are struggling to fill positions, hiring veterans with disabilities can boost diversity and inclusion efforts? explained Jeff Hall, national employmentdirector for DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Forexample, DaveEllis foundit difficult to get a jobafter receiving an hon- orable discharge from the Army. “I had a severe back injury, but I also carried mentalscars from active duty,’ he said. ‘After six months of searching, he was able to find a supportive company that understands and values the traits that comefrom military training, including job-readyskills, tested leadership abi ties and a mission-focused workethic. For others, however, it can be a struggle.In fact, a survey in The Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation found that 57 percent ofveterans with disabilities transitioning to the civilian workforce feared hiring discrimination dueto their disability. “The reality is that many of America’s businesses, big and smallalike, recognize the importanceofhiring veterans with disabilities, but often don't know where to begin,” added Hall. To address this need, DAV has pub- lished “The Veteran Advantage: DAV Guide to Hiring andRetaining Veterans with Disabilities” This free, comprehen- sive guideis theresult ofmorethanfour Whenyou makeit yourbusiness to hire veterans, you can make your business better. and inspire more organizations to hire from this talent pool. Contentincludes statistics about veterans with disabilities, in-depth onboarding and retention strategies, a practical checklist for employers, and explanations offinan- cial incentives, tax credits and other support. The Guide also highlights power- ful testimonials of veterans thriving in successful careers, and case studies from employers who benefit from having disabled veterans in their work- place. Nationally respected companies such as First Data and USAA apply the findings within their own internal humanresources departments and hir- ingteams. There are also free and helpful resources that veterans themselves can take advantageofto help with the tran- sition into a civilian career, For example, years of study about what the veteran community contributes to the work- DAVholdsfree career fairs throughout the country for veterans andtheir spouses. Details are available at http:// ther, helping to correct misperceptions said Hall. force and how hiring veterans, espe- dav.la/jobs. “While our nation’s veterans, parcially disabled ones, can improve a comticularly those who have been injured pany’s bottom line. The 36-page publication, which in service, are faced with unique chalcan be downloaded at http://dav.la/ lenges, they also offer the skill sets, loyjobs, offers best practices and helpful alty and dedication needed to help suctools for employers. But it goes fur- cessfully power America’s economy?
