June 28, 2025
Overview:
Each time the United States engages in a new war or combat situation, a new generation of wounded veterans returns home—many with complex and permanent disabilities. While advances in battlefield medicine are increasing survival rates, they have also resulted in a growing population of veterans with amputations, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other lasting impairments. These visible and invisible wounds require long-term, adaptive solutions.
Yet despite decades of repeated conflict, the nation has not adequately invested in the assistive technologies needed to support these individuals. The technology gap continues to limit independence, mobility, and quality of life for thousands of veterans.
Disability and Warfare
A Longstanding Deficit in Technology Access
Veterans returning home often face a system that is outdated and under-resourced:
The Legacy and Evolution of Envisioning Access
Envisioning Access was founded in 1979 to help disabled veterans returning from Vietnam. In our early years, we provided service monkeys trained to assist with daily tasks—an innovative approach at the time that gave veterans greater independence.
Over the past four decades, the needs of the community have evolved—and so have we. In the last four years, Envisioning Access has transitioned to focus on the next generation of support: technology. We now:
We are proud of our roots, and equally committed to the future—where the best of human creativity and technology meets the needs of those who have served.
Policy Recommendations
Conclusion
War always leaves a human cost. For those who return home with disabilities, we have a duty to provide more than gratitude—we must ensure access to tools that restore autonomy, mobility, and dignity. By shifting national priorities and investing in the future of assistive technology—through trusted, mission-driven organizations like Envisioning Access—we can finally begin to meet the full measure of that responsibility.
If you are a veteran and are interested in learning more about Envisioning Access, please reach out to us.