MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (July 17, 2013) -- Disability. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a disability is a limitation in the ability to pursue an occupation because of a physical or mental impairment.
Some service members live with every-day disabilities they acquired during military service.
Disabled service members and veterans don’t need to feel alone. For those moving toward a life outside of the military, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a quarterly Disabled Transition Assistance Program to aid them in making a smooth transition.
Dependence and loneliness are just a couple of the obstacles that the disabled may face.
According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilites website, “Often, individuals with a severe disability require ongoing, extensive support in order to enjoy the quality of life available to people with fewer or no disabilities.”
“Loneliness it is a common condition coexisting with disabilities and it can have potentially serious medical and functional implications,” posted by the University of Missouri in the “Handbook of Disabilities.”
“The class shows different options for those who have at least a 10 percent disability,” said Demetria Thomas, transition assistant manager, Marine Corps Community Services.
Some disabled Marines are even required to attend this type of class, said Thomas.
The two and a half hour class gives tips on education, disability compensation and employment. It also covers information regarding services like medical, dental, optical, mental health treatment, specially adapted housing and special hiring authority.
DTAP also provides participants with information on how to apply for vocational rehabilitation and employment services.
For information about DTAP, other resources and workshops, contact the Religious and Family Services Center at 703-784-4963 or visit www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org.
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil