Life without Barriers

When leaving the military with a disability, it can be daunting to think about the future, but support is available every step of the way. Two veterans explain the importance of reaching out when you return to civvy street

After acquiring a combat-related disability, the road back to civvy street may look daunting, which is completely normal. Not only do you have to navigate the highs and lows of the transition, but you’re also learning to adjust to life with a physical disability.

No matter what your journey back to civilian life looks like, there’s support available to help you make a success of it.

TRANSITION

Since 1915, Blind Veterans UK has been supporting veterans who have vision loss on their journey back to civvy street. From rehabilitation and training, to clubs and societies, the charity provides invaluable support to veterans experiencing vision loss.

Simon Brown acquired a visual impairment after being injured while serving in Iraq. Following his transition back to civvy street, he now works in the communications department of Blind Veterans UK.

“I knew my career was over because of the severity of the injuries, so I was very much aware that I needed to look at transitioning,” Simon explains. “It was a blow because it felt like all the qualifications I had were now useless and everything I’d done wasn’t really transferable because of my vision loss.”

It’s normal to feel worried about how your experience and qualifications will transfer into the civilian market, especially if you need opportunities that take your acquired disability into account. But, dedicated services are ensuring there are no barriers in your way.

“As a beneficiary [of Blind Veterans UK], I was at a loose end at that transition period because of my disability,” remembers Simon. “I volunteered with the charity for a couple of years and got to know the staff. When the job opportunity came up, the staff knew this was the kind of role I was capable of. They knew my strengths and weaknesses because I’d used that time wisely, building up a reputation for what I could and couldn’t do.”

VALUE

Finding a role that values your military skills and makes reasonable adjustments, so you can do your job to the best of your ability, is one of the key ways to improve confidence in your own ability. Employers are becoming increasingly aware of the assets veterans bring to the workplace, as Simon discovered.

“I needed an employer that was empathetic to the fact I was still going through lots of surgery, so would need time off,” Simon says. “I wanted meaningful employment. I didn’t just want to be the token. I wanted something I felt I added value to.

“But, I also wanted something that was meaningful to me and giving something back to the veteran community. Being able to give back means that when I get up in the morning, I look forward to what I do. When I have my dark days, I’ve got a reason to get through it. That’s quite a powerful tool, knowing that you’re adding value to where you are.”

CONFIDENCE

Duncan Slater transitioned back to civvy street after 14 years serving in the RAF. Following an injury in Afghanistan, he had both legs amputated below the knee.

“I found the transition quite hard,” Duncan remembers. “I found it difficult to learn where I fitted in, and also learning what I wanted to do. I’d signed onto the military until I was 55, so in my mind, that’s what I was going to do.”

Since returning to civvy street, however, Duncan has completed a trek to the South Pole – accompanied by Prince Harry – as well as the Marathon des Sables across the Sahara, also known as the toughest race on earth. Upon completing the race, he became the first double amputee to do so.

“That had been the biggest thing I’d done since I was injured and it was a challenge,” says Duncan. “At the end of it, I felt that I could start looking forward again. I felt I’d learned a little bit more about myself. It’s easy to write yourself off, but when you’re given a challenge and you achieve it, you think you’re capable of more than what you’ve been doing. It was an eye-opener for me. It gave me my confidence back.”

CHALLENGE

Now, Duncan is preparing to undertake the Marathon des Sables again, this time with a team from veteran’s charity, Walking With the Wounded (WWTW), to raise money for the charity as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

“I work part-time for WWTW, doing fundraising and talks, so I find that keeps me on my toes,” Duncan enthuses. “But, also, I can’t just keep talking about my journey to the South Pole in 2013. I need to keep doing things to keep myself current. You have to keep pushing yourself.”

Transitioning back to civilian life with a disability doesn’t have to be as daunting as it may first seem. With plenty of help available, you’ll be supported every step of the way. And, you never know when your own experience may be able to help someone with their own journey, too.

“Everyone’s faced with challenges,” Duncan empathises. “For me, doing something physical to raise money for other people was a great distraction. But, even though it was a distraction, it helped me put things into perspective. Go and do something for someone else on a positive note and you’ll quickly realise that it does you more good than you think, even though you might be going through hard times, too.”