VetAccess – Disabled Vets Trained to Lead Technology Sector

Disabled Vets Trained to Lead Technology Sector 

VetAccess Raises the Bar reaching out to empower Disabled Veterans

Dennis Stone has served in a number of command and staff assignments — including Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Special Forces Detachment Commander, Special Forces Company Commander, and Information Systems Officer. However, his most recent assignment as a civilian is among his most important challenges. 

Stone, who has since retired from the Army, has been tasked with the responsibility of creating a nationwide employment-training program for our nation’s heroes: specifically— those recently disabled in combat.  His new employer, Richmond-based technology company TecAccess, is currently debuting this program for training disabled veterans returning from the Global War on Terror (GWOT).   The project, known as VetAccess, will see Stone and his associates at TecAccess expanding a pilot program that is currently underway throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.  

“This one-of-a-kind program uses assistive technology (AT) such as screen readers and voice activated controls for a unique training opportunity,” explained Stone.   

Veterans with disabilities face challenges both physical and mental upon their return home.  In many cases, they are no longer able to do the job they were trained to do.  The VetAccess program assists these soldiers in their efforts to obtain employment in a “safe” environment that is sensitive to the changes they are experiencing and helps transition their skills and accommodate their special needs in the workplace. 

As an example, many soldiers may not be comfortable working outside their rehabilitative environment while they are adjusting.  VetAccess utilizes a telecommuting model and assistive technology equipment that can be used from the returning soldier’s place of business, home, rehabilitation facility or hospital bed.   

“VetAccess is the first of its kind program in the nation,” continued Stone.  “Its unique and cutting edge approach can prepare disabled veterans at a secondary and tertiary level for a successful career in technical and knowledge-based fields, such as information technology, intelligence, security, and financial planning.” 

Stone’s efforts in Virginia with VetAccess have spilled over into meeting yet another need – jobs in the state that relate to making technology more accessible to others with disabilities.  In such a role, disabled veterans are trained to work in the high-tech field and are then placed in employment positions that help the state of Virginia meet the new Virginia IT Accessibility Initiative, a recent mandate that requires all web-based technology used by the state to be accessible to employees and citizens with disabilities.  Turning towards TecAccess for assistance, the state is finding a valuable workforce produced from the disabled veteran training program known in the state as DVETs. 

Virginia Governor, Tim Kaine, recently stated, "The Commonwealth is home to 740,000 veterans who served the cause of freedom in war and in peace, at home and abroad. Our Commonwealth owes a great debt to these brave men and women and their families, and we must ensure that our veterans and their families receive the benefits, support, quality care, and recognition they have earned through service and sacrifice.” Kaine went on to explain, “I have directed all state agencies to identify opportunities to partner with the Department of Veterans Services on ways to offer new, expanded or customized services that meet the needs of Virginia’s veterans, especially those now living with disabilities. I am very proud to announce a Disabled Veterans (DVETs) partnership has formed between the Department of Veteran Services, Department of Rehabilitative Services, Virginia Employment Commission and TecAccess — a Virginia business that provides services and products to make IT systems accessible for people with disabilities.” 

The DVET partnership, under the umbrella of the VetAccess program, offers an innovative approach to increasing employment for Virginia’s disabled veterans, and most importantly – guarantees participants professional training and employment with TecAccess. Stone sees such a public and private sector collaboration, along with innovative solutions, as the most effective answer for not only Virginia’s veterans, but all of the country’s veterans.  The desired outcome, Stone said, is “successful employment for disabled veterans in jobs or professions with a competitive salary and growth opportunity.” 

Best of all, the VetAccess program benefits both the disabled veteran and the hiring organization by empowering disabled veterans to leverage their unique and newly marketable qualifications to organizations with demonstrated needs.  

“The VetAccess program provides a veteran with a positive focus during his/her initial rehabilitation period,” offered Stone. “It effectively keeps their intellect active and the individual involved in positive activities during rehabilitation.” 

With abounding benefits, sponsors (both public and private) are now jumping on board as VetAccess expands to other states.  Businesses hiring newly trained veterans are finding that disabled veterans are loyal employees. These veterans, part of the all-volunteer army, are self-motivated, intelligent, and hardworking.  Despite physical disabilities, this pool of potential employees has already demonstrated their willingness to persevere under difficult circumstances. They also have work histories and job skills that are directly applicable to many jobs.    

Stone explains to businesses, “Veterans are highly motivated despite physical disabilities. This pool of potential employees has demonstrated a willingness to persevere under difficult circumstances.” 

Numerous studies agree with Stone, as research has shown that veterans with disabilities are more loyal and productive employees. They highly value their jobs and the opportunity they have been given to make a difference.  

Stone concluded, “The VetAccess program allows companies to adapt to the disabled veteran at the same time the disabled veteran adapts to the new workplace. What the employer gains is access to unique skill sets and qualifications. Returning veterans possess unique skill sets and qualifications, such as security clearances that are difficult, and expensive, to find in the civilian population.” 

For additional information on TecAccess and the VetAccess program, please contact:

Dennis K. Stone
Executive Vice President

• Tel: 804-852-1372 
• Email: [email protected]
• Web site:  www.vetaccess.net

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