VetsFirst participated in a briefing this morning with other disability and veterans organizations to learn about recently implemented federal regulations that will create new job opportunities for disabled veterans.

On March 24, updated federal regulations went into effect that provide for affirmative action in employment with federal contractors for people with disabilities and veterans. The updated regulations address the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

VEVRAA requires that businesses with a federal contract or subcontract in the amount of $100,000 or more entered into on or after December 1, 2003, take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified protected veterans. Veterans covered by VEVRAA are those who receive VA disability compensation, were recently separated from active duty (within the last three years), served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized, and those who participated in a military operation for which an armed forces service medal was awarded.

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination by federal contractors against people with disabilities. It also requires contractors or subcontractors with federal contracts over $10,000 to take affirmative action to hire, retain, and promote qualified people with disabilities, including disabled veterans.

The updated regulations require federal contractors to increase their efforts to hire more veterans and people with disabilities. As a result, federal contractors are working to connect with organizations that can help them find qualified employees to meet their requirements under the law. This means increased employment opportunities for veterans living with disabilities.

VetsFirst knows that hiring disabled veterans is a smart move for any employer looking for qualified, dedicated employees. Federal contractors looking for resources on how to connect with covered veterans and people with disabilities should visit the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ resource center. Veterans with disabilities who are looking for resources to help them transition back to the workforce should check out VetsFirst’s disability employment guide.