How the CCWD Serves the Disabled and Veteran Communities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and November is National Veterans and Military Family Month, spotlighting two significant demographics that comprise our state's labor force: individuals with disabilities and veterans. These jobseeker groups often face employment barriers, from a lack of accommodations to a lack of awareness of the resources available to help them build a career pathway. Below are just some ways CCWD partner agencies work to ensure we provide well-rounded education and workforce opportunities to these populations and help meet the three goals of our Unified State Plan: raise awareness of workforce services, grow technical and soft skills, and help jobseekers overcome barriers to employment.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) helps expand access to postsecondary education and workforce preparation for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities by administering state funding that supports College Transition Programs (CTPs) offered at participating South Carolina colleges and universities. Six South Carolina universities currently offer these non-degree programs, combining academic coursework with career training, independent living opportunities, and social experiences designed to prepare students for greater independence and fulfilling lives. The data for the 2025-26 academic year reflect continued progress across several key student outcomes, including the overall program completion rate (97 percent), the independent living outcome rate (60 percent), and the average employment rate (59 percent). Through these investments, South Carolina is helping more students with disabilities build skills, confidence, and experience that can support their transition from school to employment and greater independence.

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) provides extensive jobseeker services to all jobseekers, including specialized programs tailored for individuals with disabilities. Its Ticket to Work program aims to help recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income recipients get the training and job search support they need to earn enough money to no longer need Social Security cash benefits. DEW's Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) staff across the state manage cases of disabled veterans needing support in finding education, training, and job opportunities, while providing well-rounded resources via SC Works partners, such as transitional housing, transportation, and other sources to overcome employment barriers. DEW also oversees the Federal Bonding and Work Opportunity Tax Credit programs, providing financial incentives to employers who hire individuals that face significant barriers to employment, including individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.

The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep meaningful jobs. Its services may include counseling, training, education, assistive technology, and support tailored to each person’s employment goals. SCVRD also work directly with businesses to help employers find qualified candidates, retain valued employees, and create workplaces where more people can contribute and succeed. Disabilities may be visible or hidden. Some are immediately apparent, while others, including mental health conditions, learning disabilities, chronic illnesses, and substance use disorders, may not be seen. What matters is the ability, experience, and potential each person brings. Most people do not think of vocational rehabilitation as an employment agency, but that is exactly what they are. That work often begins before graduation. Through partnerships with school systems and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), SCVRD helps students with disabilities explore careers, build workplace skills, learn about postsecondary education and training options, develop self-advocacy skills, and gain exposure to real-world work experiences. By connecting with young people early, they help them begin planning for what comes after high school and prepare for a successful transition into employment.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education remains committed to helping service members translate their military experience into educational and workforce opportunities. CHE serves as South Carolina’s State Approving Agency for Veterans Education and Training, approving and supervising programs at postsecondary institutions and career training centers where veterans and eligible dependents can use the GI Bill® benefits. This extends beyond traditional college programs to include approved on-the-job training and apprenticeships, helping veterans transition their military skills and experience into civilian careers. CHE also administers the South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program in partnership with the South Carolina National Guard, providing eligible Guard members financial assistance toward two- and four-year programs. Through the SC Military Credit for Prior Learning Advisory Board and CHE’s Military Credit Policy Chart, the agency is also working to help service members receive meaningful academic credit for military education, training and experience. This reduces both the time and cost of higher education and helps veterans move more smoothly into the civilian workforce.

While the aforementioned DVOPs support disabled veterans statewide, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce also has Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER) staff trained to provide intensive, priority employment services to all veterans, including group and individual career coaching, job referrals, resume support, specialized job fairs and workshops, job training programs, and referrals to training services. DEW's STAYS program is an initiative that encourages veterans and their spouses to “Stay to Apply Your Skills in South Carolina” by offering interview opportunities through the SC Works system. Veterans, service members, and their spouses can connect with up to five STAYS employers during scheduled interviews. DEW recognizes that a typical application or resume often does not reflect the depth of skills, leadership, and experience arising from military service. From engineering to photography, veterans from each branch of the armed services have a wide range of hard skills that are easily transferable to civilian jobs across many industries. These service members are quick learners, adaptable, and have the soft skills to accompany their technical expertise. The STAYS program has proudly served over 1,000 veterans and military hires, has almost 500 direct hires, and now includes over 400 participating employers. 

The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA) prioritizes more than 380,000 veterans living, working, and building their civilian lives in South Carolina. Though the vast majority of veterans in our state are thriving, that is not the case for all. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the suicide rate for veterans is more than double the rate of non-veteran U.S. adults in 2023. For this reason, it is vitally important that the SCDVA support veterans and service members, especially those who have recently transitioned to civilian life. South Carolina has several initiatives working to reduce lethal means, create connections, and buffer other factors that increase a Veteran's risk. It is important that Veterans and civilians understand these risk factors, learn how they can help, and be aware of the resources available. One critical resource, the COMPACT Act, provides free emergency medical care for veterans in crisis. SCDVA's Workforce Enhancement Division also runs two notable programs: the Military Academic Recognition Program and the Veteran Employer Recognition Program. The first program requires colleges, universities, technical schools, and similar institutions to adhere to a list of requirements that support military-connected and Veteran students. The second program is a list for employers wishing to attract and support Veteran employees. You can find the list of requirements and more information about the program in the included links.

The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department has deep roots in service to veterans. After World War I, the nation created rehabilitation programs to help injured veterans return to civilian life and employment. In 1920, that model expanded to civilians with disabilities. South Carolina’s program followed in 1927. Today, SCVRD is an employment agency serving eligible South Carolinians with disabilities, including veterans whose disabilities may be visible or hidden. For veterans, a successful transition to civilian employment is about more than finding a job. It is about translating military experience into skills employers value, addressing barriers and building a new path forward. SCVRD also help businesses recruit qualified talent, retain valued employees and create inclusive workplaces. When veterans thrive in their next mission, their talent makes businesses, communities and South Carolina stronger.

On November 11, Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) will rededicate its Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The memorial honors the servicemen from Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties who gave their lives in service during the Vietnam War. Dedicated on May 25, 1980, the memorial was the first tribute in South Carolina dedicated specifically to the fallen Vietnam veterans of the tri-county region. The memorial was conceived by TCTC President Don C. Garrison and originally stood at the main entrance to the College's Pendleton Campus. In 2026, the memorial was thoughtfully relocated to a more prominent campus setting, providing greater visibility and creating a welcoming space for students, employees, visitors, and community members to pause, reflect, and honor the sacrifices of our nation's veterans. The renewed memorial preserves the original marble monument and flagpoles while adding five marble emblems representing the branches of the United States Armed Forces.