TED: Deaf in the military | Keith Nolan

The speaker, a deaf individual, shares their lifelong desire to join the military, despite being repeatedly disqualified due to their hearing impairment. They discuss their journey from aspiring soldier to teacher, and their realization of perpetuating limitations on deaf individuals. The speaker explores the inclusion of deaf soldiers in the Israeli military and their own experiences in the ROTC program, highlighting the challenges and support they received. They advocate for policy changes to allow deaf individuals to serve in non-combat roles in the U.S. military.

What motivated the speaker to want to join the military?

How did the speaker's deafness affect their attempts to join the military?

What realization did the speaker have while teaching a deaf student about joining the military?

What did the speaker learn about the acceptance of deaf individuals in the Israeli military?

What changes did the speaker experience when they reached out to the ROTC program?

What challenges did the speaker face during their training in the ROTC program?

How did the speaker's peers and instructors react to their presence in the ROTC program?

What accommodations were made for the speaker during their training?

What was the speaker's experience with the medical exam requirement for advancing in the ROTC program?

What advocacy efforts did the speaker undertake regarding the acceptance of deaf individuals in the military?