America's Heroes at Work Employment Pilot

In January 2009, America's Heroes at Work embarked on a new hands-on endeavor - an Employment Pilot designed to coordinate successful employment experiences for Veterans with TBI and/or PTSD, while studying individual experiences. DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) managed this "learning lab" concept with support from workforce development professionals and a steering committee comprised of representatives from key federal partners.

The main goal of the first phase of this Pilot was to examine, validate and disseminate promising practices related to helping employers succeed in hiring, accommodating and retaining Veterans with TBI and/or PTSD.  Activities included identifying and assisting Veterans and employers, as well as monitoring workplace performance and assessing placements.  Efforts were focused on providing quality resources and support to both veteran and employer participants, identifying key findings and developing recommendations for sustainable improvement in the employment of veterans with TBI and/or PTSD.  For the second phase of the Pilot, the Department of Labor will focus on reviewing the key findings and implementing a number of the recommendations.