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Rehab Program an Important Part of NVC

Andrew Manthorne knows first-hand the challenges of returning to civilian life following military service.

The 32-year-old entered the Canadian Forces (CF) in July 1995 and spent much of his career at CFB Greenwood. Following his medical release in May 2005 he went to VAC for help and qualified for benefits and services under the New Veterans Charter (NVC).

A vocational rehabilitation professional found Mr. Manthorne had the training and skills to find a new job and helped determine the most suitable jobs for him, given his education, skills and physical limitations. They then worked together to prepare for interviews and rewrite his resume to highlight the skills he obtained during his military service.

Mr. Manthorne credits his experiences with VAC and the Rehabilitation Program with helping him secure a challenging job he enjoys—a manufacturing resource position with Frito Lay Canada.

Mr. Manthorne was fortunate to start the vocational component of VAC’s Rehabilitation Program quickly. However, this may not happen all the time.

A wide range of services are available depending on each CF Veteran’s unique circumstances and needs. Often, there may be other challenges that need to be addressed first—something the Rehabilitation Program can also help with.

The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, has announced CanVet VR Services will provide the vocational components of VAC’s broader Rehabilitation Program. When the NVC was implemented in 2006, temporary service providers were hired until a national contract could be put in place. This new contract will provide consistent and efficient service for clients nationwide.

The Rehabilitation Program offers a number of services, including:

• Medical services to stabilize and restore health, make it easier to cope and help the body and mind function as well as possible. Services may include medication, physiotherapy and addictions treatment.
• Psycho-social services to help restore independence and adapt to a new situation. Services may include pain management, as well as psychological counselling for the individual, the family or counselling as a couple.
• Vocational services to determine if military skills and education can be transferred to a similar civilian job. Services may include vocational counselling and evaluation, help to find a job and possible support for training.

Medically-releasing CF members and CF Veterans with a service-related injury, illness or limitation may be eligible for rehabilitation services. In certain cases, spouses, common-law partners and survivors may also access vocational services.

To learn more visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call 1-866-522-2122.

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