Disability and Rehabilitation

Employment Card

Disability employment cards were given to soldiers who had been discharged as medically unfit. The cards acted as a form of identification for ex-soldiers who went before a local committee to apply for aid upon their return.

Employment Card.pdf (707.55 KB)

Wounded Soldiers on Leave

This image features two disabled Canadian soldiers on leave in an unidentified American city. 

Discharge Depot

Wounded Canadian soldiers were honourably discharged if unable to return to duty. This photograph, taken on 2 September 1916 at the discharge depot in Quebec, featured many soldiers with canes.

Wounded Soldiers on Parade

This photo is an example of the type of public reaction wounded and returning soldiers received from the public. This parade was held on 12 November, 1915. 

Convalescent Patients

Before being discharged home, wounded soldiers spent their time at convalescent hospitals. This group of soldiers were at the Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital in Weston Favell, United Kingdom.

Military Convalescent Hospital Epsom

This military convalescent camp in Woodcote Park, Epsom, was one of the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom. This brochure features numerous images of the camps amenities and its patients. 

Canada Points the way

This newspaper clipping discussed the contrast in treatment of returned soldiers by the Canadian and American governments.

Education for the Disabled

The Otis-Fensome Elevator Company of Hamilton, Ontario offered workplace education to disabled veterans in order to support their return to the workplace.

War Pensions for Disabled Veterans

This leaflet printed in 1948, provided information on war pensions for disabled veterans of the First World War.

Registration of Disabled Persons

This certificate of registration for the Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts, 1944 and 1958 was given to disabled veteran William Kirkland in 1959.