Name: Deaf in the military
Uploaded: 2012-02-12T14:56:39Z
Duration: 18 min 28 s
Description: Keith Nolan always wanted to join the United States military. The challenge: he is Deaf, which is an automatic disqualification according to military rules. In this talk, he describes his fight to fight for his country. (In American Sign Language with real-time interpretation by Rita Alexander)

Keith Nolan always wanted to join the United States military. The challenge: he is Deaf, which is an automatic disqualification according to military rules. In this talk, he describes his fight to fight for his country. (In American Sign Language with real-time interpretation by Rita Alexander)

Deaf in the military

Barriers keep thousands of capable citizens from military service due to outdated policies, especially around disability. Deaf people have served with distinction in wars past and continue to do so in countries like Israel, often in vital non-combat roles. In the US, 80 percent of military jobs are non-combat, yet blanket bans persist. The push for inclusion is gaining momentum, fueled by determination and the support of allies within the ranks.