Assignment Question
Video 1 – Keith Nolan – TEDxIslay – Deaf in the Military https://www.ted.com/talks/keith_nolan_deaf_in_the_military 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) Video 2 – VA rec therapy helped this IED blast survivor cope with PTSD and find his calling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QdFMT8Xlms Programs through Jason’s local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped him discover a passion for activities like kayaking and fishing, and for helping other Vets. DISCUSSION QUESTION PROMPTS: 1. Surprises from these two videos? 2. What were the biggest challenges faced by both men? 3. Lessons you will take with you that could apply to your being a force for change as one the speaker verbally suggests, and the second video speaker implies?
Answer
Introduction
The narratives presented in Keith Nolan’s TEDxIslay talk, “Deaf in the Military,” and the video detailing a veteran’s journey through VA recreational therapy offer poignant insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals within the military community. These stories underscore the resilience required to surmount obstacles, prompting a critical examination of inclusivity and support systems within military institutions. By exploring the surprising aspects and the lessons these narratives offer, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities within the military landscape. Keith Nolan’s fervent desire to serve in the U.S. military clashed with the rigid disqualification criteria barring individuals with hearing impairments, revealing systemic barriers that Deaf individuals encounter in military recruitment. The second video chronicles a different facet of military life, focusing on a veteran grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and finding solace through recreational therapy provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Deafness in the Military
Keith Nolan’s fervent desire to serve in the U.S. military clashed with the rigid disqualification criteria barring individuals with hearing impairments. Nolan’s TEDxIslay talk sheds light on his determined fight for the right to serve, challenging the established norms and unveiling the systemic barriers Deaf individuals encounter in military recruitment (Nolan, 2012). His journey is an epitome of resilience, as he navigated through societal expectations and discriminatory policies to advocate for his right to contribute to the defense of his country. Nolan’s story is not only about personal determination but also prompts a broader conversation about inclusivity, accessibility, and the need to revisit policies that may inadvertently exclude individuals with different abilities.
PTSD Coping Strategies through Recreational Therapy
The second video chronicles a different facet of military life, focusing on a veteran grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and finding solace through recreational therapy provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This narrative underscores the challenges faced by those who have served in combat, emphasizing the importance of tailored support systems to address the complex aftermath of war (VA rec therapy helped this IED blast survivor cope with PTSD and find his calling, 2015). It is surprising to witness the transformative impact of non-traditional interventions, such as kayaking and fishing, on an individual’s mental health and well-being. This revelation encourages a shift in perspective towards holistic and individualized approaches in addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
Challenges Faced by Both Men
In Keith Nolan’s case, the central challenge lies in the institutionalized disqualification of individuals with hearing impairments, acting as a significant barrier to entry into the military. His struggle brings attention to the need for adapting military policies to be more inclusive and considerate of diverse abilities. Conversely, the veteran in the second video grapples with the aftermath of war – navigating the physical and psychological toll of combat, particularly PTSD. Both stories highlight the multifaceted challenges that individuals within the military community may encounter, ranging from systemic barriers to profound mental health struggles. These challenges underscore the imperative for comprehensive support systems that address the diverse needs of military personnel throughout their service and beyond.
Surprises from the Videos
Keith Nolan’s talk surprises viewers with the depth of his determination to serve despite knowing the odds were stacked against him. His journey challenges preconceived notions about the capabilities of Deaf individuals in military roles, encouraging a reconsideration of the potential contributions of differently-abled individuals. It is unexpected to witness a story of someone with a hearing impairment passionately advocating for a place in the military, challenging stereotypes and advocating for systemic change. The second video surprises by illustrating the transformative impact of recreational therapy, showcasing how non-traditional interventions can play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans struggling with PTSD. This unexpected revelation prompts a reevaluation of conventional approaches to mental health support for veterans and opens the door for more innovative and personalized interventions.
Lessons for Being a Force for Change
Keith Nolan’s story serves as an inspiration for challenging established norms and advocating for inclusivity. His resilience encourages us to question and change discriminatory policies that hinder the participation of differently-abled individuals in various spheres, including the military. His journey suggests that change is possible when individuals are determined and willing to challenge the status quo. The second video implies the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of veterans through tailored support programs. The lessons derived from these narratives extend beyond the military context and serve as a blueprint for creating positive change in any organization or community. As aspiring change-makers, these narratives prompt us to advocate for comprehensive and individualized approaches to address the diverse challenges faced by military personnel. This involves challenging preconceived notions, promoting inclusivity, and fostering environments that prioritize the well-being of individuals with diverse experiences.
Conclusion
The stories of Keith Nolan and the veteran benefiting from VA recreational therapy underscore the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment within the military. These narratives call for a reevaluation of policies that may inadvertently exclude qualified individuals based on disability and emphasize the importance of holistic support systems for veterans dealing with the aftermath of combat. By understanding and internalizing these lessons, we can contribute to creating positive changes and fostering a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere within military institutions. These stories offer valuable insights into the human aspects of military service, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the diverse challenges faced by individuals within the military community.
References
Nolan, K. (2012, February 12). Deaf in the military. TED Talks.
VA rec therapy helped this IED blast survivor cope with PTSD and find his calling. (2015). [Video].
Frequently Ask Questions ( FQA)
Q: What is Keith Nolan’s TEDxIslay talk about, and why is it significant?
A: Keith Nolan’s TEDxIslay talk, “Deaf in the Military,” explores his journey of wanting to join the U.S. military despite being Deaf. It is significant because it sheds light on the challenges faced by Deaf individuals in military recruitment and emphasizes the need for inclusivity and policy reconsideration.
Q: How did Keith Nolan advocate for his right to serve in the military?
A: Keith Nolan advocated for his right to serve by challenging the automatic disqualification of Deaf individuals in the military. He passionately fought against established norms and shared his story to raise awareness about the systemic barriers faced by Deaf individuals in military recruitment.
Q: What surprising aspects are revealed in Keith Nolan’s talk?
A: One surprising aspect is the depth of Keith Nolan’s determination to serve despite knowing the odds were against him. His story challenges preconceived notions about the capabilities of Deaf individuals in military roles and encourages a reconsideration of their potential contributions.
Q: What is the focus of the second video regarding a veteran and PTSD coping strategies?
A: The second video focuses on a veteran coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through VA recreational therapy. It highlights the transformative impact of non-traditional interventions, such as kayaking and fishing, in helping veterans find solace and purpose.
Q: What challenges do both Keith Nolan and the veteran in the second video face?
A: Keith Nolan faced the challenge of institutionalized disqualification of Deaf individuals in the military, while the veteran in the second video grappled with the aftermath of war, dealing with physical and psychological tolls, especially PTSD. Both stories highlight the multifaceted challenges within the military community.
