Colleges struggle to help returning veterans
May 1st, 2008Learning to deal with PTSD, lost limbs, brain injuries
From the Raleigh News & Observer:
With 1.5 million service members coming out of military duty in Afghanistan and Iraq since October 2001, colleges and universities across the nation have been striving to welcome them to campus. But it’s often not easy to help veterans cope with the consequences of their injuries.
Cheryl Branker, director of disability compliance at North Carolina State University, says many departments at the school have been slow to recognize that veterans may need accommodations for their disabilities. Many vets have returned with diagnoses of PTSD, tramatic brain injury, lost limbs or other chronic medical conditions.
“Not only am I a full-time student,” said one returning veteran, “I’m a full-time patient. It takes a toll, mentally and physically. Sometimes I’m there in class, but only in body. Not in mind.”


