TedTalk

Defying Deaf

      In the Ted Talk video Deaf in the Military, Keith Nolan describes his journey of being rejected, fighting back, and now succeeding in the Military as a deaf man. He talks about how he was rejected and proceeded to complete his bachelors in Deaf Education, and eventually finding a way to join through ROTC program. Although he is not able to go to the next level of ROTC, because one of the requirements is a physical exam; which includes a hearing test. He has attempted to get the hearing test waved, but the rules state that if you are deaf you cannot join. Throughout the video, he talks about how deaf people are capable to serve many combat and non-combat roles in the Military. He puts up the argument why can't deaf people be accepted into the military?
      I believe Keith Nolan is defying all odds by being the first deaf man in his battalion to go through the ROTC program. Through trust through his commanders, Keith found himself succeeding in the program by slowly being accepted. It was very inspiring to hear his story of overcoming and being involved in something that is bigger than himself. Although, he can not enlist in the military, and is currently stuck at his state of a cadet. Even though he was provided with interpreters who are dedicated to him and the military. Keith makes some interesting viewpoints when he talks about how possible it is for disabled people to do certain jobs in the military. Keith hopes to change the rules in the military and I hope to see that happen. Not only is he a top cadet, but also works harder than anyone else, not letting his disability stop him. Being in the military myself, I would love to see people who are capable of overcoming their disabilities as my battle buddies. With someone like Keith serving our country, we would have a more advanced, and well diverse military. Bringing in strengths that we never thought could be possible.
       Overall, the military needs to consider a new approach when recruiting soldiers. We are at a time of conflict, and bringing in as many soldiers as possible is something that would enhance our power. So I believe it is time to stop looking at disabilities as disabling a person. Instead we need to look at those disabilities as a new approach.