The U.S. Department of Defense's disability assistance program provides important technological resources to Fort Belvoir personnel.
The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program, or CAP, is designed to eliminate employment barriers by providing free assistive technology to people with hearing, visual, dexterity, cognitive and communication disabilities. Wounded servicemembers and disabled civilians feel empowered when they receive tools from CAP, said Michael Young, the wounded servicemember assessment specialist for the program.
Fort Belvoir has been very supportive of the program, he said.
"We have consistently seen a positive and proactive approach from the leadership at Fort Belvoir in accommodating individuals, whether civilians or servicemembers, to ensure people have the tools they need to perform the functions of their job," Young said.
One of the most common tools people receive from the program is a memory cueing device, an alarm that reminds them about appointments, he said. Many servicemembers sometimes have multiple problems at once, including memory loss, post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. The service does not put a limitation on how many tools each person can receive.
In recent years, CAP officials have made presentations at the Equal Employment Opportunity office on Fort Belvoir and an annual Wounded Warrior Employment Conference, hosted on post, Young said. Program officials have also conducted workstation assessments at the U.S. Army Force Management Support Agency on Fort Belvoir.
Overall, CAP provided 4,100 accommodations for Army wounded Soldiers in fiscal year 2012 and 3,600 in FY13, Young said. Those who receive accommodations really appreciate them, he said.
"The reactions of many people are so truly gratifying," Young said. "You realize you have helped someone realize that they can continue working. They can continue to be productive."
CAP's Wounded Service Member Initiative provides assessments, technology and training to servicemembers across the country in all phases of recovery. Officials promote awareness by using webinars and on-site visits. Technology demonstrations are also provided via teleconference.
Individuals who already know what assistance they need can file an online request at www.cap.mil/wsm. Otherwise, the CAP Technology Evaluation Center personnel can conduct in-person, phone and video teleconference needs assessments. In addition, program officials can answer any disability or accommodation related questions.
Established in 1990, CAP also partners with 68 federal agencies outside of the DoD and it is the largest provider of reasonable accommodations in the world.
For more information about CAP call (703) 614-8416 or email cap.wsm@mail.mil.
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