When warfighters sustain serious injury, participation in competitive sports is the least of their concerns. However the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) is helping make life as normal as possible for people with disabilities and, whenever possible, gets them back in the game.

Maj. Ivan Castro, a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces and a participant in Warrior Games 2012, is a CAP customer. Castro suffered facial injuries and the loss of his eyesight from a mortar round in Iraq in 2006. Now he serves as a spokesman for those coping with injuries, passing on the life lessons he's learned as a wounded warrior. "I'm very blessed," Castro said. "It could have always been worse. I can't see, but in my eyes the grass is always green and the sun is always shining. I don't have a disability, I have a limitation," he said. "I have been given a second chance at life. I want to continue to help and serve people."

CAP works closely with service members and their case managers, physicians, therapists and family members across the nation to ensure they receive the right assistive technology to meet the needs of the injured. Each injury comes with a unique set of needs, meaning that CAP provides a variety of assistive technology solutions. Solutions may be different for each person, so CAP can work with the service member to find the best accommodations for their unique situation.

CAP Director Stephen M. King said, “CAP’s Wounded Service Member (WSM) Initiative provides needs assessments, assistive technology and training to support wounded, ill and injured service members. We are there throughout all phases of recovery and transition to employment, directly impacting their rehabilitation process. The WSM team also uses the CAP Technology Evaluation Center to hold video teleconferences that provide real-time demonstrations of technology to military treatment facilities (MTF) personnel throughout the U.S.”

Because CAP provides critically important support services to wounded warriors, the highest standards of quality must be maintained. “We never want a member to come back to us because we didn’t get it right the first time,” said King. “Although some conditions can be complex, we work closely with medical professionals at MTFs to provide the best service possible. It’s what our service members deserve. CAP will continue to seek ways to strengthen our partnerships with military medical professionals and raise awareness about the program.”

For event information and to view a live stream of the competition, go to the Warrior Games page.