Resources For Our Veterans
Websites and Information
Federal ADA and Disability Resources
ADA Service Animals - When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA
Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative
TSA Travel Special Procedures to include screening of you and your service dog
DOT 14 CFR Part 382 - Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in air travel - Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C.. 41705)
- Definition of a qualified person with a Disability Definition of a qualified person with a Disability - CFR 382.5
- Priority Seating for Assistance Dog Teams - CFR 382.37(c); 382.38.3
- Important Section on Service Animal Transportation - CFR 382.55
- Many other rights and responsibilities you may not know about - Scan CFR 382
DOJ: ADA Know Your Rights - Returning Service Members with Disabilities
The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability
Job Accommodation Network - is a free resource sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. JAN is the leading source of free, expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace. JAN's trusted consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone (800.526.7234/voice or 877.781.9403/TTY) and via email.
Assistance Dogs International - Guide to Assistance Dog Laws - An international legal access guide for the USA, Australia, Canada (all provinces), Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The guide is an introduction to laws relating to Assistance Dogs, their users, and their trainers. The guide offers information in 11 summarized categories: Accessibility - Interference - Housing - Licenses/Fees - Identification - Misrepresentation - Trainers - “White Cane” - Injury to Dogs - Penalties - Other: a few states have special categories, such as provision for quarantine or exclusion from a zoo or wildlife park - Summary
Other Veteran Organizations
Veteran Crisis Line - 800.273.8255 or text 838255
Chive Charities - "Veteran Handout Flyer" - Chive Charities is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to assisting our Nation’s veterans and first responders with medically related needs. We also provide support to nonprofit organizations that assist veterans and first responders by providing grants for impactful experiences and program sustainability. ----- Veterans must have received an honorable discharge after their military service. - First Responders include Police Officers, Firemen, or EMS/Paramedics. The grant items requested must be medically related and not fully covered by insurance, they can include both physical and mental health needs. Applicants will be asked to provide proof of their diagnosis from a medical professional which outlines the need for the grant item requested.
Unified Warrior Foundation - As a non profit organization we take pride in offering the best experience in bringing Veterans together to support each other as we did in combat. We are dedicated to serving the needs of our Veterans each and every day. Every Volunteer here at Unified warrior Foundation is a combat veteran or served in peacetime and knows what military brotherhood and sisterhood is about. We didn't need drugs while we served and we don't need them now to adjust. We had each other and that was the one thing no doctor can compete with. Reach out and say hello, PTSD isn't only about that dark area, it is also about longing for that bond we had when we served. Unified Warrior Foundation provides at no cost to veterans, the challenges of the outdoors. Reconnecting with veterans and that THING we all had when in the military AND AROUND FELLOW SOLDIERS. All equipment and supplies will be provided to the veteran for these outings. This is why spreading the word about this foundation is vital. We are all volunteers and donations by private companies and individuals is what keeps us providing or brothers and sisters with unity and the understanding they are not alone.
FOB Johnson - FOB Johnson is a non-profit ranch retreat founded to join in the effort to provide a respite to those Veterans who fought valiantly for our freedom in the War on Terror. So many Veterans return home from war and wage an invisible battle within themselves. PTS, TBI, and other life threatening issues plague our Veterans. We saw the need and founded FOB Johnson.
Dog Vests for Vets - We make Service Dog Vests for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury, and other disabilities. The vests are provided to the veterans, free of charge.
The Dog Vests are specifically constructed for each veteran's service dog. They are made from the service member's own uniform. The service member's insignia, service patches, rank, unit, branch, name, labels, etc.. are incorporated into each vest.
Operation Showers of Appreciation (OSOAmil) - OSOAmil is a 501(c)3, non-profit tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to honor our Military, Veterans, Reserves, Wounded Warriors, First Responders, Gold Star Families, and Blue Star Mothers, and their families by supporting them with programs designed to provide assistance within everyday life and letting them know the many sacrifices of both the families and those serving are appreciated.
USGS Access Pass - Who qualifies for the Access Pass? The Access Pass may be issued to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities.
Guardian for Heroes Foundation provides free, in-home fitness equipment, facilitation of donated health club memberships, individualized programs, personal training and life coaching to in-need veterans with disabilities, Gold Star families and those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) from combat deployment. We use physical and mental fitness to spark conversation and create a source of support for combat veterans.
Canyon Heroes is open to veterans from all states in the US. Professional clinical therapists select and accompany participants providing a therapeutic setting to assist those impaired by emotional wounds such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) provides FREE event tickets to family members of troops Killed In Action (K.I.A.), our Military and Veterans to sporting events, concerts, performing arts and family activities.
Waves Project - The WAVES Project is a 501(c) and has been established to provide an opportunity for Combat Wounded American Veterans and their families to experience scuba diving. Each veteran and a dive companion of their choice can experience the freedom of scuba diving for free. We take each candidate and their dive buddy through open water certification. From classroom to open water dives, you will experience the many benefits to scuba...regardless of your injury. We work with all levels of the military from brain trauma, double and triple amputees to PTSD.
Veterans Yoga Project - Mission: To support recovery and resilience among veterans, active duty military, their families, and our communities. Vision: A future where veterans, their families and our communities have access to a full range of complementary and alternative therapies to facilitate recovery and resilience.
Veterans Legal Institute – “Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) seeks to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless and low income current and former service members so as to eradicate barriers to housing, education, employment and healthcare and foster self-sufficiency.”
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) – “The NVLSP is a nonprofit organization that has worked since 1980 to ensure that the government delivers to our nation’s 25 million veterans and active duty personnel the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country.”
The Mission Continues – “The Mission Continues empowers veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. We redeploy veterans in their communities, so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service. Through the Mission Continues, veterans serve their country in new ways by engaging in our innovative and action-oriented programs. The first, The Mission Continues’ Fellowship, harnesses veterans’ strengths, skills, and their compassion and empowers them to volunteer with non-profit organizations in their community on a daily basis. The second, The Mission Continues’ Service Platoons, brings teams of veterans who are working together with partners at the local level to build stronger communities and tackle pressing issues.”
Team Red, White, and Blue – “Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.”
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing new veterans and their families. IAVA is dedicated to standing with the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Team Rubicon – “Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.”
Student Veterans of America – Mission: “To provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.”
American Legions – “Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, The American Legion currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.”
VFW – Veterans of Foreign Wars USA – Mission: “To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.”
VA MST Services – “While MST can be a very difficult experience, recovery is possible. At the VA, Veterans can receive free, confidential treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to MST. You may be able to receive this MST-related care even if you are not eligible for other VA services. To receive these services, you do not need a VA service-connected disability rating, to have reported the incident when it happened, or have other documentation that it occurred. Eligibility for MST-related treatment is entirely separate from the disability claims process. VA has a range of services available to meet Veterans wherever they are in their recovery.”
Make the Connection MST information & resources – “Although MST can be a very difficult experience, there are treatments available that can significantly improve your quality of life. Treatment often involves addressing any immediate health and safety concerns, followed by counseling to help you learn new ways of thinking, practice positive behaviors, and take active steps to cope with the effects of MST. Treatment may focus on strategies for coping with difficult emotions and memories or, for Veterans who are ready, treatment may involve actually talking about the MST experiences in depth.”
Small Business (SBA Veteran & Disabled Veterans) – If you are a veteran or service-disabled veteran, SBA has resources to help you start and grow your small business
Mesothelioma Veterans Center - Many veterans with mesothelioma have exposures to asbestos during their service that they aren’t even aware of. Asbestos was so widely used by the military, that most veterans who served before the 1980s were exposed to asbestos in some way. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the protective membrane surrounding the lungs, abdominal cavity, or heart. It is caused by asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals used in many construction materials. The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos on the job. Veterans suffering from mesothelioma have the option of getting treatment through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans who qualify for VA Health Care can receive treatment from one of the VA’s leading mesothelioma surgeons, usually at no cost to the veteran.
