Event Recap: Diversability Unplugged: Disability & the Veteran Experience
Each November, the U.S. honors the millions of veterans past and present who serve in the nation’s military. For many, especially those of us who acquired disability as a result of that service, tributes and celebrations are not without complexity.
On Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 7-8:30pm ET / 4-5:30pm PT, we hosted Diversability Unplugged: Disability & The Veteran Experience, a panel discussion on the unique intersection between disability identity and military service. We discussed a variety of topics related to finding new purpose, seeking community and fighting stigma, embracing disability pride, and ways you can support the disabled veterans in your own communities.
Panelists included:
* Kira McLean, Procurement Technician, Bayne Jones Army Hospital
Alec Zirkenbach, Executive Director, Adaptive Training Academy
Kyle Noonan, Bassoonist, Anchorage Symphony
* Amber Brown, Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving (WVE&T) Empowerment Workshop Facilitator
*Kira and Amber were unfortunately not able to join the live conversation.
This conversation was moderated by Katherine Lewis, Head of Content at Diversability.
This is a rough recap, with the help of AI!
The discussion highlighted the unique experience of disabled veterans and the challenges they face after leaving the military. The team also discussed the importance of finding a new community and social structure, military discharge, adaptive and inclusive fitness education, and the struggles veterans and disabled individuals face after leaving service. The meeting ended with a discussion about fostering unity among people with disabilities, veterans, and female disabled veterans.
Disabled Veterans' Transition Challenges
The panelists had a discussion about the unique experience of highlighting the disabled veteran experience and how disability has shaped their time in the army. Kyle, a recent veteran, shared his experience navigating the civilian world and his hope to learn more from this discussion. He also mentioned the resources provided to him during his transition, such as a group called Canine Companions that trains service dogs for disabled veterans. Katie, Alec, and Kyle discussed the challenges faced by veterans, particularly those with disabilities, after leaving the military. Alec emphasized the importance of finding a new community and social structure, which he found through fitness and adaptive fitness education. Katie acknowledged the profound impact of this advice, noting that the disability advocacy community gave her purpose during her transition. Kyle suggested that joining a community before leaving the military could be beneficial. All three agreed on the importance of connection and community in the transition process.
Veterans' Disability Identity: A Discussion
Katie initiated a discussion about the challenges veterans face in embracing their disability identity. Alec shared his personal experience, acknowledging the importance of acknowledging and documenting disabilities for veterans transitioning out of the military. Kyle admitted to his imposter syndrome, but expressed openness to learning more about resources and support for veterans with disabilities. Katie suggested that the group should continue to explore this perception for future veterans. The discussion highlighted the difficulties in identifying and understanding disability within the veteran community and the diversity of veteran disability experiences. The goal was to help veterans navigate their struggles and find their path.
Military Discharge & Community Support
The panelists shared their experiences with military discharge and the challenges they faced. Kyle discussed his struggles with helping others cope with sudden medical discharges and setting them up for success. Katie emphasized how the community has empowered her to take control of her life and experience. Kyle mentioned his transition from army band to symphony musician as a potential path for others to consider. Alec shared his journey from a Navy officer to running an organization providing adaptive and inclusive fitness education, sparked by his own experience with disability and the supportive community he found at a crossfit gym. Alec also pointed out the lack of support for individuals with disabilities in traditional gym settings and the need for community-based fitness programs. Kyle briefly mentioned his experience with imposter syndrome as a new veteran, to which Alec related his own feelings of inadequacy despite his lack of formal fitness qualifications.
Veterans' Struggles and Finding Purpose
The panelists discussed the struggles veterans and disabled individuals face after leaving service or experiencing life-changing events. They emphasized the need for individuals to find their own path and purpose in life, and acknowledged the ableism within the disability community. Kyle shared his experiences and emphasized the need for reflection, reassessment, and finding new purpose. Both Alec and Kyle acknowledged the significance of open conversations, sharing experiences, and finding a community to improve the experiences of others. The group also highlighted the importance of accepting new identities and paths, and the need for reflection and reassessment in finding a new purpose.
Reasons for Serving Discussion
Katie led a discussion on reasons why people decide to serve. Kyle shared his experience as a music major turned security officer before joining the army band, while Alec joined for financial benefits, securing his college tuition. Katie highlighted that many join for practical reasons and find purpose in it. The discussion ended with Katie sharing her family history, particularly her grandfather who was unable to serve in World War II due to a disability, and how this influenced her decision to serve. She also mentioned her promise to her grandfather and expressed her gratitude for the lessons she learned from his experience.
Supporting Veteran Advocacy: Non-Veterans' Role
Katie raised a question about how non-veterans can support and amplify veteran advocacy efforts and issues. Alec, Katie, and Kyle discussed the importance of finding veteran organizations and creators online, sharing content from reputable sources, participating in local events, and educating oneself about veterans' issues. Katie emphasized the need for non-veterans to be intentional in their support and to bridge the gap between the military community and the civilian sector. Alec highlighted the role of nonprofit organizations like Team Rubicon in disaster relief and encouraged people to thank veterans for their service. The conversation also touched on the divide between the military community and the civilian sector, the impact of accessing military installations post-9/11 on the perception of the veteran community, and the need to bridge the gap between the disability community and the disabled veteran community.
Disability Unity: Fostering Solidarity and Humanization
Katie initiated a discussion about fostering unity among people with disabilities, and disabled veterans. Kyle underscored the significance of the disability community's solidarity, and Alec shared his experiences of someone he was with being mistaken for a veteran due to their disability while traveling with other people with disabilities, noting the gratitude they receive for their service, even if they are not veterans. The group agreed on the need to humanize each other and recognize their shared experiences as individuals with disabilities.
Watch the full recording at https://youtu.be/KDDYKJcBjj8