Deaf teacher's quest for armed service inspires students

Published June 25, 2016

Keith Nolan doesn't just teach history at the Maryland School for the Deaf — he aims to make it, by pushing the military to end its prohibition on deaf troops.

He's been fighting this battle for 15 years, ever since the Navy rejected him at age 18. He says a hearing grandfather and great-uncle served in uniform.

Nolan's quest led last year to legislation requiring the Defense Department to study the feasibility of creating a program to demonstrate that deaf people can serve. The military concluded such a program would be "imprudent."

But Nolan's not quitting. He's formed a Cadet Corps at the school for youngsters with an interest in military service. They say they'll continue to fight along with their teacher to prove they're fit to serve.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/deaf-teachers-quest-for-armed-service-inspires-students