Yes, it is true that Alabama forbids Deaf persons to hold CDLs for trucks, citing Federal regulations.
The key would be to change the Federal rules, and the states will follow. This SHOULD be a priority for the National Association of the Deaf. However, since Deaf persons interested in interstate truck driving don’t attend NAD conventions in large numbers, this is not high on NAD’s priority list. That is understandable, given NAD’s limited resources.
my name is mike smith and i am deaf with two hearing aids I have C.D.L permit licnses driver truck and class A and i wentto swift AZ School for three week training went to class room not allow to Inrerprter for me class and not allow to driver truck because i get pass test for hearing aids i make it pass then went to D.O.T physical pass proof two hearing aids and allow to go work driver truck only nosie from truck running to noise like air brake or leak or fell off trailer something i can hear from noise and but i am hard time that problem with money payment for school but wont go to training to school
I once knew a deaf man who drove trucks, his name was Ned Doland, I’m not sure if he is still driving trucks or not. I hope he will read your vlog and respond. Such a sad case, no wonder why people complain that deaf people are living on SSI, well because of the negative attitudes that are hampering deaf people from applying jobs that they can really do a good job on.
Excellent as always, Jack. I hope you put up many more video blogs and keep people informed about these important deaf issues. I always enjoy seeing your new items.
D.O.T PHYSICAL HAVE PROOF YOUR HEARING AIDS TEST FOR PASS HEARING AIDSAUDIOLOGY FOR AVERAHE OF 500,1000,2000 HZ AIDSED SOUND FIELD TESTING TO PASS 40db less like 35 db will be pass test show to D.O.T PHYSICAL PROOF PAPER SHOW TO DR AND GET DOT CARD PHYSICAL AND GO TO SCHOOL DRIVER TRUCK SHOW TO PROOF AND WILL TRAINING TO SCHOOL AND DRIVER ROAD AND REAL TEST ROAD THEN GRAUDATE THEN GET JOB DRIVER TRUCK SEMI WHEEL TRAVEL
I AM SUPPORT FOR JACK BECAUSE TRY TO DEAF WORK JOB DRIVER TRUCK TRAVEL KNOW HOW CHECK WEIGHT AND COMPANY TERMAIL DROP OFF COMPANY AND OTHER LOAD TRAILER GO TO WORK THAT WHY I SUPPORT FOR JACK I AGREE WITH HIM RIGHT CIVIL RIGHT TO JOB DRIVER TRUCK MY OWN EYE LOOK TO ROAD AND CHECK MIRROR RIGHT SIDE AND LEFT SIDE KEEP EYE MPH AND KEEP EYE JOB AND GOOD DRIVER DONT SPEED OVER WILL LOSE TRAILER LOST CONTROL AND KEEP GOOD JOB FUTURE RETIRE GOOD PERSON SAFE AWARD SAFETY DRIVER
my parent have been drive an semi truck for a many year and they were suggest me to go to private school to be a semi truck driver however, one thing which it wasn’t very impressive with the dot law in FLORIDA, THE FLA STATE LAW BY DOT SAID, DEAF PERSON SHALL NOT NOT A SEMI TRUCK UNDER BY CLASS A AS OF CDL. matter of the facts, because of the haring must be 40 db or better however, i totally disagreed as my parent agree with my comment. why? my parent said, can you drive a car? yes, can you drive a pick truck? yes, can you drive a bikecycle? yes then what the problem? that the question. my parent said, the only way to fight the law is to have all of them send it to your state of the captial and give them a clear message that deaf, hard of hearing, or loss hearing, whatever you name it and give them a message that this is a DISCRIMINATION! or live with all the pain if you don’t fight for it. i understood about it and the problem is, we don’t have the leader to stand for it and fight for it until the law to be change. that something have to be done! i born deaf and my parent understood about deaf background of what their rightness and fairness so my parent said this is a huge ( bull**** ) why would these people have to go through their hardness live for a simple reason. so hopeful if any of you really want to fight for your right then simple is to have all of your people in your state and give the state of capital a clear message that this is a PROBLEM that need to be fix. the same thing unity for gallaudet. that a good example that we want a fairness of our right to drive a semi truck as long anyone pass the exam. so the answer is, you people DO IT!!! i believe so!!!!
hopeful this will help out but don’t have very much information which the law seem so shadow of the information.
YES DUSTIN MUST LAW FOLLOW RULE FOR TWO HEARING AIDS WILL PASS TEST 40db WILL ALLOW TO DRIVER TRUCK IN THE COLORADO GO TO WEST SIDE ALLOW TO DRIVER TRUCK I AM DRIVER TRUCK SCHNEIDER NATIONAL WILLING TO TRAINING TO DRIVER NO SCHOOL I HAVE PASS TEST C.D.L. PERMIT CLASS A FLAT TRAILER OR DRY VAN TRAILER ONLY I CAN DO BECAUSE PROOF SHOW COMPANY D.O.T PHYSICAL CARD WITH HEARING AIDS FORM PAPER SHOW TO COMPANY WILL PASS GO WORK JOB TRAVEL
Hmm…move to Idaho. Two of my classmates from high school are truck drivers. One for about 15 years now, the other for about 5 years. Both are doig great and have not had problems.
Interest to what Jay Croft mention abt Ala. I lvied in Alabama and I saw many deaf have CDL licenses here in Ala, they attend deaf school in Talladega to have training for CDL Lic. JUst thought to share. Some states allow deaf to have CDL but unforuntaly most States not allow.
I used to work with larsen company in darien,wis near delavan
by north 5 miles. I was driving this semi truck as i was truck driver. I almost bought this semi is 85’s freightliner but I don’t have a C.D.L license. But I was going to C.D.L. training school. The teacher said that I can’t drive this semi truck due to new law. I feel like I am pissed off with this law for semi truck drivers who are deaf. Since the law changed, I have own business as handyman for long term time.
deaf people can do it any your`s job !!!!!! I wish I kick jackass to
a state of law and hearing ( unfair) why not hearing can`t a truck drivers
and new law deaf can truck driver.!!!! I wish! very dawn it
thank you to Jack Barr.
Hi, I rode with truck driver who is hard of hearing for almost 2 years, traveled all over in USA and he has no problem. His name is Peter Lirsch who works for Swift Company. Swift company hired 3 hard of hearing employees, one in Colorado, one in Ohio and other one in Kansas.
For Robert Knapp, try to apply at Swift Company in Colorado, Ohio, Kansas , Arizona, Calif, Washington state, North Carolina, Florida, or NY.
I am not sure about in Wisc that have Swift company. Wish you good luck!
Don’t give it up!
Lon Smith of Mississippi is a 18-wheel-truck driver for more than 45 years. He is now 70 years young and he still drives from Mississippi to California, sometimes to the state of Washington every week….if he can, I am certain other deaf can, too.
Yes it’s true! I was a truck driver for R+L Transfer, Inc. based in Norwalk, Ohio working with them through someone close to the family in the Cleveland, Ohio distribution center. Worked for them for 3 and a half years until headquarters found out I was deaf. They forced me to get D.O.T. card and to receive that card for permit, I must pass the hearing test, with 35 db’s or lower, with or without hearing aids. I refused to accept their requests for me to take hearing tests which is bulls***!
If U-Haul allows deaf customers to rent their large trucks, then how the hell is this any different?
The United States AND State Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) really SUCKS!!!!
SLW, we should thank Bilbo Mongham (decreased). When Mississppi brought up a bill (1930’s) that Deaf could drive “auto, farm equipment and motorcycle” Bilbo requested “ANY VEHICLES” and got it passed. I guess Mississippi is the only state with “ANY VEHICLE” law and I am a proud Mississippian.
Jon, yeah, we don’t have any problem with FAA getting Private Pilot License. We do have a few Deaf with Commerical Ratings and some limitations (like no night flights or must have hearing as co-pilot) We hope that FAA will lift some restrictions so Deaf Commerical pilot can have equal rights with all advanced technology we have today. I have been flying over 40 Years.
Clyde Smith And I founded Deaf Pilots Association in 1994 at Knoxville, TN.
Hi everyone, im a Deaf Employment Counselor in Canada. This vlog is good to know because I’ve been doing some research for my clients who are truck drivers. I’ve had two or three come back to me and tell me that they could not drive in the states any more.
I find it ironic that we are able to drive vehicles and even airplanes (as Jack Kesley mentioned above) but cant really drive 18 wheeler trucks in ALL of Amercia.
hmmmm….. we still have to keep fighting and be a team in this.
Glad you guys present this vlog. I graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College as truck driver in 1999 with 3 endorsements, tankers, haz mat, and double/triple. First company was hard because it didn’t come with Qualcomm equipment but I made it. Had a close call in Nebraska scale where they almost pull me off the road but I made it. Second company was very good, 2000 Volvo with Qualcomm equipment and drove all over the country plus Canada until I got less days off then I quit in 2001. Moved to Texas and have to start truck driving school again because I haven’t driven more than 5 years. Graduated last month from Austin’s International Schools, now I have my CDL back. The real problem I have now is that almost every recruiter wants me to call with regular telephone, not VRS or emails. FYI I passed the minimum 40 dB pure-tone hearing test BUT always fail “forced whisper hearing test”. We need to get together to make some plans to advocate for better driving opportunity for hearing impaired drivers who cannot use regular telephone. Logged approx 195,000 miles under my belts. I have proof for that, of course my log books. Thanks for your vlog!!!!
Hearing folks often look at forced whisper hearing tests and forget the minimum 40 dB average of 500HZ, 1000HZ and 2000HZ part. I tried to point that to the “hearing” and they often say that you need to be able to pass the forced whisper hearing test and I said what about the pure-tone hearing test that I passed. They said “Well, I need you to call me back with your telephone, not with VRS”
You need to have at least 8th grade English to meet DOT’s English language requirement. I think it is time to get together and setup network of hearing impaired drivers who wish to drive commerical vehicles just like myself!
Okay, here goes: I am a VR counselor in Pennsylvania. I am Deaf – capital “D”. I have hassled with this problem for the past 7 years and it is no fun to fight with the Feds. I even asked NAD to help out with this. Was told that we can not fight a Federal Law. However, we can fight at the local level which is the state level. Problem with this is that the state can do whatever they want – they can follow the federal law or bypass the federal law/waive the deaf to drive trucks.
In Pennsylvania, they abide by the Federal law. Sigh. Now, the tough part is this: A deaf person or a hard of hearing person who wears hearing aid/ can speak/use phone passes the CDL physical test. But, a Deaf who is an ASL user/not wear hearing aid, does not have this opportunity to be a truck driver. In Pennsylvania, the trucking industry is the 2nd TOP employment field to get into, next to Nursing in first place.
What an opportunity this would be for deaf people to earn money, be equal to hearing! It does not matter about hearing!!!!! So, my position is this: yes, fight this discrimination with or without NAD… Use the ACLU – pls. count me in to be a vocational expert in this!!!!!
I know how deaf drivers are getting frustrating due to discrimination. I know there was deaf driver who drove trucks in California for many years. You may contact him at jameshighy@earthlink.net .
Keep in mind that the law varies from state to state. It is time to stop it and go all the way to the Federal level for ALL people with hearing loss, regardless of ability to hear or not!!!!
I am David Bateman from MN and have a CDL and DOT card for 9 years with no problem and I make about half millions miles with 5 different trucks with 18 wheels. I also do have waiver card for hearing program on state law which MN was adopted a own law after new law from federal law. Federal law sucks because it is kind of discrimintion on deaf people who want to drive semi truck and drive across line of state. My point on hearing program about 40db or less will pass for federal law. My is 45db, failed but MN have a law for deaf driver for only interastate and I make 12 hours a day, anyway point about hearing program is no difference because when the brake air lost, look at gauge to see any drop after hit the brake WILL tell it is air leak. I did many time with that problem. Those gauges is designing with warning device is for hearing and deaf driver, too.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments! What I would like to do is to create a second part vlog with your comments in ASL so more deaf people can understand more on what is going on.
You can choose three ways for your comments to be displayed at my vlog:
1. Allow me to translate your comments to vlog
2. Make a vlog through your webcam and sent your video attachment to jackeyes@tds.net
3. I will call you through vp and record your VP conversation in my vlog. You can sent me an e-mail to asljack@yahoo.com with your vp number so I can schedule a time to call you.
I think its wrong that deaf can’t get CDL I tried it myself. I cannot do no jobs that works with oil, natural gas, electric, water or sewer . That’s what I want do for living all requires CDL . That’s bull lets go fight the goverment s bull! I am piss off because of discrimation on my jobs interest !
Well , trying to tell you cuz i am full of ASL english…I work for city of flint , mich and state of mich call me for elevator on me . state of mich 6 peoples against me i am only one person with an interpreter . they asked me how did i become deaf . i told god put me deaf for their purpose . and I told them that i delivery my big trailer for race stuffs and i told them i have big truck with big fifth wheels ,, go to colorado with high mountain with many curves high up and down . no problem at all ..almost like length 65 feets semi truck no different then the state of mich gave accept me to drive up to 98,000 weight of semi truck with heavy loads . it is class A with air brake system . then i can drove straight truck with air brake it is class b with n .. N MEAN I CAN CARRY WITH HAZZARD LIQUIDS , in big city many cars around in city they allowed me drove … easy tell them that you drive one ton pull with fifth wheels for ur pleasuer vacation they will say no to u ???? they cant do that GOOD LUCK
Hi, did you people ever think of going to your disability right center? There should one center in every state, where they will support you people in your battle against this discrimination. I have, a few year ago, joined a class action lawsuit against ups. Ups was doing the same thing and using dot as an excuse, even though, the job I was looking for, was for in state driving only. They did the whisper test for me, which of course, I failed and even over my protests, when hearing people wear headphones listening to music while driving. So get involve together and go to disability right center. They might get the aclu involved. Good luck.
Hi everyone. I know about this as I did fight with US Dot in Washington DC. Long story, I will do later. anyway I am Wayne Monahan who still drive big truck or semi over 29 years from coast to coast in Canada as I am from Edmonton, Alberta. I had story on Silent News on June 1993 about it. hope to have my video. Short note, Right now I pull two 53 feet trailer called long vehicle combination with no problem. Lots of carriers are afraid to hire deaf, I did experience thru this kind. I still cant go to states. i am profoundly deaf. Agree about what different between pilot and trucker. Lots of idiot truckers got accident with trains, what damn! Also if I own freightliner with RV (5th wheel) for recreational with no problem, what different?
WM
50 states are not good and not worth it..
50 states are playing around on american people..
50 states are cause american people confuses and not fair law..
i rather america is ” AMERICA “..
good America law is better than 50 states laws..
Each state has rights to govern itself, however I thought once you have a valid license (no matter which state) each state respects the license just like a regular drivers license and any other intra-state business travel and education because it is all ultimately under federal regulation when one state refuses to accept another states regulations.
This is Bill. I read this comments and video. I have problems with D.M.V They won’t allow me to get CDL part of class B and A drive lic because I cannot hear a forced whisper at 5 feet. Come ON !!!! I work at city of Shreveport. I work for draining and street. They announce free training class for CDL I sign up and I e mail to DMV but they did return my response. They said “If you are deaf ( cannot hear a forced whisper at 5 feet ) you do not meet the medical qualifications for a CDL.” I am current live in Louisiana. I ask my boss to removed where I sign up for free training because of DMV. SAD! I use to drive lic class “E” I decided to use class “D” to get extra money from work. But I wish use Class A or B to get more money from work that important for my living billing. it pass the test. I am driving as tractor with bush hog or bait wing. Sometime I use driving with small dump truck with 4 doors with air brake. It up to truck weight that class D limited up to 27,000 pound I can’t remember what book said.I relized hearing people who driving that truck with air brake. Mostly of time they cannot hear when air leak by engine area. Only they can hear at emergency brake yellow or red button has small leak. Only I can see gauge scale pressure to tell me warning. When you wear hearing aid, you won’t help that much to hear air leak. Can you hear bird’s whisper ? I don’t! I have been on road and I see two black mark with 1/4 miles on the road because back of 18 wheel trailer got lock up brake. How they can hear searrrrrccccchhhh with out stop then got flat tires finally stopped and pull over. I still cannot get class B and A. That make me upset.
Iam Richard Haag from Kansas. Well, I heard so many times in the past, but I don’t know why the hearing people think that deaf people can’t able to do, like hearing people do their job.
For myself, I was looking for 16 feet flat bed trailer at the trailer dealership, that happen, the guy talked to me while he saw my hearing aid on and asked me “Are you deaf?” I said “I am hard of hearing.” He said “Well, it is against the law, because deaf driver is not allow to pull the trailer.” I won’t listen to him and left. I checked on the internet and there is no against the law for deaf driver to pull the trailer. Later, I looked at another place and purchased the trailer. The guy was so happy and filled out the paperwork for purchase the trailer.
Other story, I heard that some hearing real estate talked about not allow deaf people buy the farm. There is no illegal rule. I purchased ten acres farm and there is nothing wrong with that. My family love to live in country.
When you see the hearing people said something about against deaf people, I call “That is hearing people’s rules!” Our deaf people can have a right to do.
This is Jeff, 18 years ago I worked at Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport Refuel Truck Driver with 10,000 gallons capactiy for 4 years I never accident Traffic or planes. trucks has air brakes trouble never happen me also I never get CDL just took test passed at Employees out of business
many years I worked Mechanic Airlines different states out of business I moved to Wisc. close my family and old friends where I grew up in WI. 7 years I been hunting job too many discrimiations I try to application at Airlines in WI no one hire me. I cant back work like as McDonald that shit low salary! it s not fair hearing making lot of earn money than deaf people also I hard study in college gradauted for auto, diesel and airlines mechanic never get jobs if I owns business Airlines hires deaf people employee for bagges carriers, fuel, A&P mechanic not hire hearing people only hire pilots know asl. how feel hearing people not get job
I have been known 4 deaf driver in Virginia.
1. Jackie Owens had been owned 40 tons coal hauling truck (18 wheels). Jackie carried 40 tons coal hauling truck to TVA for 25 years. He sold his truck.
2. Andrew King works as driver with 18 wheels truck for 20 years. He got promoted his job in office. He said that he need to rest. He used to drive big truck from east to west every time.
3. David Reedy (deceased) had more than 18 wheels of backhoe for 40 years. He always carried this truck with big backhoe for highway construction and some work in mountain.
4. Deaf man (unknown name) works as driving chartered bus (48 people) for commuter to Washington DC. Yes he often to use Bus travel tour in South. He live in Fredericksburg, Va. –Bus named Quick’s Bus Line.
Thanks
Billy
I am going to send fill out form to ACLU of Louisiana in New Orleans, La complain about that I cannot get become class CDL. Because Louisiana office of Motor Vehicles will not let me become class CDL because I am deaf.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
A
Each state has rights to govern itself, however I thought once you have a valid license (no matter which state) each state respects the license just like a regular drivers license and any other intra-state business travel and education because it is all ultimately under federal regulation when one state refuses to accept another states regulations.
i rather america driver license..no need state at all..
50 states of govern itself is playing around on american citizenship people..
i like one america govern is in washington, d.c..
My name is William Johnson, I myself is a Full Blown truck driver w/doubles-triples endorsement, also with Haz-mat endorsement . I have a 110% loss in my Left ear, I have 60% loss in my right ear. 100% corrected
with use of an aid in right ear only. If i take my hearing aid off i am fully deaf. I have had my License since I was 20 yrs old. I took a home study course and then a driving class at the end of course.A Two week driving course.During my d.o.t. physical I explained to the Docter that i was deaf/hard-of-hearing. He says ok so if you can demonstrate a forced whisper for him he was satisfied with that. Plus I can also hear a forced whisper. Have no problem there. I myself have known sign language since i was 12 yrs. old. I now work for OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINES excellent job w/benefits and excellent pay. I work over-the -road from east -to west coast almost all states. I have held an adminstrative position / Operation manager/Driver /in San Diego for a postal Contracter for whom his parents owned the company was Deaf. (G.T.S.) I used to work for.
Anyways, I understand the frustration for the deaf/Hard-of Hearing. I have been there. I think it would be nice if one has an Trucking Operation that
would only Hire the deaf/Hard-of-Hearing. If one was to exist I would be happy to represent the company and or administrative part and advocate for the deaf. The deaf can do as a good job as hearing person can and if not a better job than the hearing can. I myself is proof! I agree on Lisa Purnell’s comments. I also agree with Dustin’s comments as well. And Jack that was an excellent vlog. Yes I agree that it destroys dreams for the deaf and to be able not to travel. It is time for someone to stand up and fight for the Deaf/Hard -of-Hearing rights to drive C.D.L. They already have a License to drive a vehicle. There is no discrimination there. But When it comes to a potential job for the deaf there again get slapped in the face because of one technicality which is by all means is DISCRIMINATION.I would say that maybe, A.D.A. could get involved. Well it was an interesting topic. If you need help in any way please feel free to e-mail me at wpjohnson@frontiernet.net I would be happy to assist. Bill Johnson
I have a good friend in Ontario Canada who is Deaf and has been driving 18 wheelers for the past 18 years. I know of 3 other Deaf truck drivers from Ontario and a few from across Canada. The only thing that’s unfortunate is that when they gotta carry a load into USA they have to be paired with a hearing driver to go too. This is crazy especially since the USA has its ADA, right!
Hopefully the States get up to speed on today’s society to ending this silly barriers! Get in touch with NAD or State Associations of the Deaf to get their support.
I’m not a truck driver but do support Deaf people can do any job given to them!
Chris Kenopic
only a couple of things I have to say I own one of the finest 700 horse power cat on the road 325 inch w.b 119 inch bunk a 6000 dollar trick my truck paint job this truck is show truck all the way the kind of ride 99%of people only dream of well well well would you believe my partner and best friend is deaf deaf deaf and this 50 year young man has forgotten more about big power and show trucks and needless to say one of the finest and baddest 2006 379peterbilts in the United States and Canada today also this deaf man has never put one scratch on my pete also his driving record is prefect the bible I read says lend a hand or help a man in need by the way when he was 18 years old he was assigned to the 24 th marine regiment in Vietnam take a wild guess how my friend became 99%deaf he had an ear blown off by an a_k47 try his boots on.
Thank you,
C.R.
I have read your comments about 18 wheelers. I don’t drive it but I do drive 77 passenger Thomas school bus. I do have CDL. For years, I have driven bus to Florida, North Carolina, Texas and several states. When CDL came into being, I was restricted to the state of Louisiana. I am not allowed to drive across state line anymore. I still drive buses almost everyday. Tried to get LAD and NAD to assist me but no luck…
Hi Everyone…
Im not a truck driver..This is crazy..i truly believe deaf people can drive a semi truck…i dont see a reason not to…. something need to be done about this… we the deaf people are like any hearing people… .. i wish i have the power to fight for the people who want to drive or is a semi truck drivers… i support deaf people who want to drive semi truck and travel across USA …it does pissed me off when it come to confusion.. its not fair to deaf people… dont worry… have faith.. everything will gets better down the road.. we all need to be a team work and fight our way through this… by the way im deaf and from illinois…if there’s anything i can do to help.. pls feel free to let me know… i dont know what i can do to help but all i know i support semi truck drivers or who want to drive with CDL.. DONT GIVE UP.. FIGHT FOR WHAT U BELIEVE FOR UR RIGHTS ! REMEMBER BY LAW IT SAYS ” CANNOT DISCRIMANTED FROM ANY JOBS ”
SAMETHING GOES FOR ME TOO… I WANT O BE THE FIRST DEAF SINGER IN AMERICA.. I WAS TOLD I SING GOOD NOT PERFECT BUT YET GETTING THERE.. AND I KNOW HOW IT FEELS BEING REJECT JUST CUZ URE DEAF ! keep ur head up high !
Hi, myself introduce my name is Larry Harris who is deaf since he had expereince to working for Bus mechanic. They discrimation him after taking tests passed then had been to meet phyiscal exam but the doctor do not allow deaf work at CTA (Chicago transit Authority mean discrimation to not hire him.
He decided to contact ADA to get informations to violate because the CTA gave him tests passed then no reason for not allow hire deaf to work at city bus mechanic. After ADA lawyer worked hard to helping me to success to work for CTA in the 24 years and he had CTL license to drive bus and journeyman.
To support the deaf can drive trucks etc. Smile……
Larry Harris
I have been try to get class for truck driver. I love to drive long trip, nice work to earn better than my job which have been stressful for long time and money okay.
In MN, i was try talk for class, they keep same say deaf cant hear whisper for brake. I moved to Oregon and talk with dvr and same say about whisper brake, oh boy!!! why the world think deaf cant take job.
WHO CARE ABOUT STUPID WHISPER BRAKE however hearing people didnt listen whipser brake that they listen CB talking or loud radio HUH DUH!!!
I HAVE BEEN DRIVE SEMI TRUCK (18 WHEELS) FOR A CONSTUCTION COMPANY IN KANSAS FOR COUPLES YEARS. I GOT NO PROBLEM WITH DISCRIMATION FOR MY BEING PROFOUND DEAF. POILCE STOPPED ME COUPLES TIMES AND SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH ME AS TRUCK DRIVER. I GOT NO SPECIAL TESTING, NO SPECIAL REQUIREMENT, NO PHYSICAL EXAM, ETC. I DROVE SEMI TRUCK ALL ACROSS 8 STATES. HOW DO I GOT THAT JOB AS TRUCK DRIVER? AT FIRST, THE CONSTUCTION COMPANY ASKED ME FIRST QUESTION, “HAVE YOU DROVE SEMI TRUCK BEFORE?” I SAID “NO, BUT I RAISED ON THE RANCH AND FARM WHICH I WORKED WITH MANY MACHINES SUCH AS TRACTORS, COMBINES, AND DROVE TRUCK TO TRANSPORTATION THE CATTLES AND CROPS, ETC ” THEY HIRED ME RIGHT THERE ON SAME DAY, NO MATTER WHAT. THEY NEVER MET DEAF PERSON LIKE ME BEOFRE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL HIRE ANYONE IMMEDIATELY WHO HAS BEEN WORKING ON THE FARM PREVIOUS. “WHY?… ALWAYS GOOD WORKER” SO I AM.
Hello My name is John D Grebenc and from Minnesota. I working as truck driver 18 wheeler full time for Pan O Gold Bakery ( Country Hearth ) for 3 years. I drive as local sometime drive to Iowa, Wisc, and North Dakota. so I have 8 years expernice.. First job I drive 18 wheeler Hauled sawdust, bark, chips, and logger from Canada to Minnesota for 4 yrs. I dont know if some of you know that State of Minn is allowing deaf can drive 18th wheeler ONLY in state but cant cross other state.. so state of Minn. allow deaf drive 18th wheeler without hazard materail and more than 15 passenager (bus) if want haul hazard materail and drive bus then have to meet with Federal physical, I passed federal physical so I have hazard materail. State of Minn changed law allow deaf driver ( 18 wheeler ) in 1995. I suggest all of deaf driver & dreamer be trucker have to email or call to pick on UNTIED STATE CONGRESS to remove federal law.. that law for hearing level test is 1968!! no one fight or want to remove it for almost 40 years! we have to fight and remove it then 50 states will have “GREEN LIGHTS” for deaf trucker go through any states without struggle with law enforncement or scale or any place.. I have story about one hearing man trucker.. he drive 18th wheeler for many many years.. one day USDOT inspect man’s truck and phycial.. and found he have right bad eye (20/60) ( I think) and usdot told him cant drive 18th wheeler and he very upset and he filed with lawyer to against usdot in court and few months or few yrs he WON! why? he have milllions millions miles with accident FREE and many safety awards and one of him to remove federal law with vision and he get waiver card from dr that he can driver truck.. so now FEDERAL have waiver for VISIONS and DIABETES but they DONT have waiver for deaf.. Are fair for deaf people?? HELL NO! but State of Minn have provide a waiver for deaf to drive 18th wheeler only in state of MInn. one day I drove from Canada to Minn and USDOT stop me and inspect me and they ordered me out of service I got puzzled why? I found out Doctor make mistake on physical exam card Dr unsure with my hearing so I called headquarter with DOT in St Paul, MN and explained situation I went to audiologist and passed it proof to usdot.. then and I learned from them too they say no one fight to removeor change federdal law with hearing test level, MEAN ? EVERY DEAF COMMUNITY & DEAF FRIENDS & FAMILIES HAVE TO FIGHT TO REMOVE FEDERAL LAW.. AND EMAIL & CALL YOUR UNTIED STATES CONGRESS TO REMOVE IT.. DONT EMAIL ONCE TO THEM, KEEP KEEP KEEP MANY TIMES AS YOU CAN! AND DONT GIVE YOUR DREAM & HOPE!
I trust that my best freind Jim Baronistill work 18 wheeler trucker at domiciks foods that he drive for 6 years plus old job still work at 28 yrs SO he is only deaf and can read their lipread
I have been same problems with other comments as Walker Estes’ comment. I drove the school bus for 12 years plus training other deaf drivers who participate as bus drivers at Texas School For the Deaf
In past DMV allowed deaf drivers to drive bus CDL B out of the states until now in year 1993 -1994 the DMV change law to restrict driving only interstate that make me frustrated. I felt like that they are putting us lower than hearing people, however hearing and deaf are the same.
My question is does hearing truck drivers(18 wheelers or more) actually able to hear the whisper noise? The facts that we depend on the light signals on that when it tells us that problems are brakes,oil, coolant, engine light,and many more included whisper noise.
Therefore I dont see any difference between cars and !8 wheelers.
Hope that helps
I’m Hard of Hearing drove 3 different types of garbage trucks 11 yrs & I’m sick of laws putting us down…no Medical Certificate, NO JOB!!!
The air leak EXCUSE…BIG F**KING BS, there are 3 types of devices all trucks come with for air brakes when losing below 65 lbs.,
1)air pressure gauge
2)red light
3)loud buzzing sound
and all come out warning same times….what more excuses are there(there’s none to me)???
Love to drive 18 wheels as Owner/Driver
The law SUCKS such as Helmet Law, too!!!
Hello driver truck and everbody
My name is Lyle Dougherty and from Duluth in Minn
my self drive truck for 13 year and i was driver dump truck on hwy and free way for my Dad company Doughertys Truck been long time also I grow up with my family strong trucker then i went school in white bear lake 916 voctech for three year had took diffent class i pass whole thing i decide took test lic for A class i pass it also o pass everthing go on 18 wheeler i quit got new job bigest Company work for Norhland Const Company great benfit everthng too better that work any place small wage suck now i am driver bellydump haul many kind of gravel and hot blacktop i love those job smile my boss say to me they great of deaf can doing many kind on job and boss know that law is suck so am still on road bellydump next year in fall i will drive logger or some thing would have two job best i can do no matter what is deaf can doing it
i would love drivetruck out of state i know many of deaf tired of law of federal and congress too my self hate law should change it !! we want all state 50 can allow it not just each one of state that bullshit we stand for it and fight back to our right hope in furture would be grow better for our deaf people and stand for it not gave up !!!!!!!! JUST WE WANT REMOVE TO FEDERAL LAW AND CONGRESS LAW !!!!!!!
My Name Is James Queen. I’m From here Florida. I M DEAF MYSELF ALSO I WEAR HEARING AIDE ON LEFT SIDE EAR. I real always want be TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER for long time. I m very pissed off with Fla State Laws & D.O.T LAWS, It real kinda of DISCRIMINTION ON DEAF PEOPLE cant to become a 18 WHEELER TRUCK DRIVER with CDL class A or CDL class B with air brake. That real stupid laws.
I went to truck driver school and for free lesson & free test drive 1 day. 5 different teacher trainers like to be challeage with me because they want see how deaf can to drive truck driver 18 wheeler. They say come on james. let rode in semi. and teacher was sit on passager and i was sit myself driver.. then I turn engine runs and put gear shift in. move on and drive on the road. The teacher was so excuited to see that way i do ” deaf can do it ” drive and shift super 10 speed. THEY SAY U ARE SO EXTELLENT DRIVER AND NO MISTAKE WITH SUPER 10 SPEED. THEY SAY U CAN DO IT NO MATTER DEAF IS.. Then they offer me want me take TRAINING AND CLASS. I told them Fine with me SURE … Then i went to DOT PHYSICAL EXAM AND HEARING AIDE PASSED BY 5 FEET BY WHISPER. iI was so very happy i got passed it then I went to Vocational reh. (V.R).. they are very happy heard that I passed with DOT physical exam and medical exam card. then VR went paid me to truck driver school for training and class.. THEN HAPPEN when i got arrived at TRUCK DRIVER SCHOOL. and Gave paper from VR paid approve to DIRECTOR OF TRAINER.. The DIRECTOR OF TRAINER say KNOW U JAMES. BUT HAVE TO TELL U .. ” U CANT TAKE CLASSES AND TRAINING SORRY, iI got pissed off and i show him that i PASSED DOT PHYSCIAL BY DR SIGN AND HAVE MEDICAL EXAM CARD. T he DIRECTOR OF TRAINER say know saw that … SORRY u cant take that classes and training truck driver. I asked WHY?? He say MUST USE A VERBAL COMMUNICATION AND CANT USE AN INTERPRETER IN CLASSES AND TRAINING DURING DRIVE SEMI. iI got worse angry and pissed off.. also what more is that what DIRECTOR OF TRAINER TOLD ME he have to follow by FLORIDA STATE LAWS.. I told him no different i passed DOT PHYSCIAL EXAM AND MEDICAL CARD TOO .. He knows remeber AMUST USE VEBAL COMMUNICATION AND CANT USE AN INTERPRETER. I was still pissed off and back to VR and tell my VR counlor what happen .. VR was upset then VR was called to FLA state and DOT. They still refuse give any waiver for deaf. Vr told them that i passed DOT PHYSICAL AND HAVE MEDICAL CARD. THEY say sorry. MUST USE A VEBAL COMMUNTICATION.. VR was try to fight for me . .still FAILURE. Now i m stuck no one can help and to fight with stupid federal laws and DOT too..
HEY EVERYBODY AND TRUCKERS.
I WOULD LIKE TO ASKING U. CAN GET ALL OF DEAF PEOPLE THAT WHO WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER FOR SERIOUS. I WOULD LIKE ASKING U FOR SUPPORT TEAM AND FIGHT UP TO CHANGE THE FEDERAL LAWS, DOT LAWS, UNTIED STATE CONGRESS TO REMOVE “5 FEET OF WHISPER” ALSO NEED TO CHANGE LAWS TO PERMIT DEAF PEOPLE TO BECOME A TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER FOR INTRSTATE AND INTERSTATE NO DIFFERENT. WE NEED MORE TEAMS DEAF TO SUPPORT AND FIGHT UP TO CHANGE LAWS!!
WHY NOT ALL DEAF PEOPLE GOING TO WASHINGTION D.C AREA FEDERAL LAWS, UNTIED STATE CONGRESS LAWS AND PLUS STRIKE AND STAND UP SPEAK OUT THERE FRONT OG FEDREALLAWS,US CONGRESS, US PRESIDENT TO REMOVE STUPID LAWS AND PERMIT ALLOW DEAF PEOPLE TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER FOR INTRSTATE & INTERSTATE FOR ALL 50 STATES. ALSO NEED US FEDERAL LAWS,US CONGRESS,DOT LAWS, AND US PRESIDENT TO CHANGE LAWS FOR TRUCKING COMPANIES INSURANCES TO PERMIT ACCPET ALLOW DEAF PEOPLE TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER …. DEAF CAN DO IT EQUAL SAME HEARING ! NO DIFFERENT
HOW TELL ME HOW MANY PERCENT(%) HEARING TRUCK DRIVER ACCIDENT HISTORY IN ALL US????
HOW TELL ME HOW MANY PERCENT(%) DEAF TRUCK DRIVER ACCIDENT HISTORY ??
I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY WHY FEDERAL LAWS AND DOT LAWS NOT PERMIT DEAF TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER AND CANT GET CDL ? HUH..
NO DIFFERENT.. MANY DEAF PEOPLE CAN DRIVE CARS,TRUCK (PICKUP), MOTORCYCLES,RECREATION MOBILEMOTOR, PULL BIG TRAILER TRAILER LIKE BOATS,RV TRAILERS, ETC REAL SAME AS 18 WHEELER
TRUCK DRIVER IS PART OF JOB FOR EARN MONEY FOR LIFE COST!!
MY DREAM ALWAYS WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER SO BADLY AND MY GOAL WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER SOON!!
DONT GIVE UP ! AND STAY STRONG & STRONG STAND UP TO FIGHT UP TO CHANGE LAWS , TRUCKING COMPNIES, TRUCKING COMPANIES INSURANCES TO PERMIT, ALLOW AND ACCPET DEAF PEOPLE IN!
ANY QUESTION?? COME DISCUSS & FEED BACK..
MY GOAL IS HOPE SOMEDAY IN FUTURE ALL DEAFIE PEOPLE CAN STAND UP AND FIGHT UP AT WASHINGTON D.C THAT WAY I LOOKING FOR WHO WILLING HELP ME AND SUPPORT TEAM TO FIGHT UP..
THANK
JAMES ” KEEP ON TRUCKIN” DEAF TRUCKER .. DEAF CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!
I KNOW SOME DEAFIE PEOPLE CANT AFFORD TO FLYING TO WASHINGTON DC AND SOME DEAFIE CAN AFFORD FLYING TO WASHINGTON DC TO FIGHT UP AND STRIKE TO COMPLAIN TO CHANGE LAWS.. THAT MY POINT …
HOPE CAN HELP EACHOTHER, SUPPORT LIKE A TEAM TO FIGHT UP TO CHANGE LAWS. THAT WHY I NEED UR HELP AND SUPPORT.. SAMETHING I DO HELP AND SUPPORT ALL OF U! TO GET SUCESSFULLY AND BE HAPPY PEACEFUL BECOME 18 WHEELER TRUCK DRIVER!
Not long ago, I were in Delaware 1976 to 1985. My deaf freinds and I were thinking take truck lesson. due of our passion see America ! we spoke with Driver Education teacher at Delaware school for the Deaf. He told us we can’t drive truck .. They expecting driver to hear drop pin on floor while drive truck !
YIKES ! How the world they expectational of hearing drop of pin while high level of nose while 18 wheel with desiel engine . It is NO WAY for hearing people could hear the drop of pin !!!!
Keep fighting until they hear our heart and mind !
TODAY’S WORLD HAVE MANY NEW TECHNOGOLY FOR DEAF STUFFS like sidekick 2 or 3 pager, emails, vrs, vp, pc.laptop, and etc …
also deaf can do it be truck drivers use that “Satellite TTY for Deaf Truck Drivers”
satellite TTY that use only for communicate to receive & reply messages from the head office in Winnipeg for pick up and drop off any load delivery across the provinces.
The satellite TTY is called Unicom not sure correct spelling. His company truck has a satellite dish on a roof of his truck. It is very expensive, costs lot. Amount approx. $5000.00 each.
It helps deaf truck driver lots that use to receive information picking up and dropping off any load delivery. Not use phone. It is very interesting what satellite TTY is.
THAT US TRUCKING COMPANIES NEED THAT FOR DEAF TRUCK DRIVERS IT REAL VERY SIMPLE. IT EASY TO DO . RIGHT !!!
THAT WHY STUPID LAWS!! NEED TO CHANGE LAWS SOON PLEASE! BE PROUD OF DEAF TRUCK DRIVERS TEAMS! YEAH!
CANT HELP IT BECAUSE I M REAL MAD, ANGRY AND PISSED OFF WITH LAWS. BECAUSE MY DREAM, MY GOAL AND I M KINDA OF PASSION & LOYAL OF 18 WHEELER THAT WHY I WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER IN MY RED HEART! AS SAME U!
KEEP UP AND DONT GIVE UP!
COME ON TO FIGHT UP SOON NOT TAKE LONG! DEAF CAN DO IT !!!
ANY QUESTIONS, ANY COMMENTS. ANY FEEDBACK?
THANKS JAMES
Hey James I agree with you.. Only way to email or contact your US CONGRESS. Also need to ask friends, families, and deaf commuties to support to fight that law it will get sucesss as long way!
KEEP EMAIL OR CALL US CONGRESS MANY AS YOU CAN!.. I going to email and work together with deaf trucker to fight to remove federal laws..
Also new truck have more techinal with air brake and Federal laws require air gauges & buzz and light on ( when air low) that no sense to not allow deaf person drive semi truck..
Hey John. thanks for support. How i can find email for US CONGRESS? I agree with u that NEW TRUCKS HAVE MORE MANY NEW TECHINALWITH AIR BRAKE SYSTEM. YES OF COURSE ALL SEMI HAVE MANY GAUGES & BUZZ PLUS LIGHT ON WHEN LOW OR LEAK AIR BRAKE SYSTEM.
THAT TRUE NO SENSE COMMON ” CANT DEAF TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER BECAUSE OF THAT AIR BRAKE SYSTEM? OR NOISE DURING DRIVE ON THE ROAD? THAT REAL SILLY…
DEAFIE HAVE VERY GOOD EYES ON ALL THE TIME TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING OK DURING DRIVE ON THE ROAD AND BEFORE GET READY GO ON THE ROAD . JUST CHECK ALL TIRES, LIGHTS, ETC.. THEN GOING ON THE ROAD. USE SENSE COMMIN ..
All Men who can drive truck as long they passed, same idea they passed with behind the wheel same idea they can do it with Truck driver.. i dont see any wrong.. as i Support John Grebenc hes Great driver and have no problem with it for long time .. same thing with other my friend David bateman too..
Now next Tony Anderson he passed everything and they wont allowed him to drive.. not make any sense.. he passed his behind the wheel same thing and he should pass the truck anyway..
I agree with you all MEN REMOVE the Federal Laws and contact US Congress about this.. with your RIGHTS !!
it make NO SENSE to everyone.. Cant drive trucks what a Joke.. i just cant believe they denied this.. i think its Stupid..
THEY CAN DO IT AND SUCCESSFUL plus fast worker what is their point.. Duh
All of you MEN Can DO IT DONT GIVE UP !!! i SUPPORT YOU GUYS.. = )
Hey john. thank for give me 2 different house and senate. i still thinking figure out how i tell them point and reason to remove? can u help me? thank for keep team help each other.
keep in touch
STAY STRONG, DONT GIVE UP , STRONG STAND UP SPEAK OUT! TO FIGHT OUT TO GET SUCESSFULLY! BE HAPPY PROUD DEAF TRUCKER
THANKS
JAMES
I read in FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINSTRATION REGULATIONS
The United States and Canada entered into a Reciprocity Agreement, effective March 30, 1999, recognizing that a Canadian commercial driver’s license is proof of medical fitness to drive. Therefore, Canadian commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are no longer required to have in their possession a medical examiner’s certificate if the driver has been issued, and possesses, a valid commercial driver’s license issued by a Canadian Province or Territory. However, Canadian drivers who are insulin-using diabetics, who have epilepsy, or who are hearing impaired as defined in §391.41(b)(11) are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Furthermore, Canadian drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provisions of the Canadian National Safety Code for Motor Carriers but who have been issued a waiver by one of the Canadian Provinces or Territories are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States.
———————————————————————————————–
Canadaian because they no long required to have in their possession a medical examiner’s certificate if the driver has been issued, and possesses, a valid commercial driver’s license issued by a Canadian Province or Territory.
“THAT WHAT WE NEED TO FIGHT TO GET WAIVER OFF MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CERTIFICATE FOR USA LIKE AS SAME CANADIAN WAY.”
other way i disagree with stupid USA that real discrimination on canadian drivers:
However, Canadian drivers who are insulin-using diabetics, who have epilepsy, or who are hearing impaired as defined in §391.41(b)(11) are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Canadian drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provisions of the Canadian National Safety Code for Motor Carriers but who have been issued a waiver by one of the Canadian Provinces or Territories are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States.
THAT REALLY STUPID SILLY USA LAWS IS SUCKS THAT REAL “DISCRIMINATION”….
THAT REAL NEED TO FIGHT WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINSTRATION REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINSTRATION TO REMOVE HEARING PROGRAMS & MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CERTIFICATE..
BUT SHOULD TO FIGHT TO CONGRESS?? OR WHAT??
ANY QUESTIONS, ANY FEEDBACK , ANY COMMENTS? ANY IDEA? ETC…
DONT BE GIVE UP AND STAY STRONG THINKING OF BE TRUCKER!!! THUMB UP..
James, glad that u posted about FMCSA rulings. I understand that you are frustrated, just like me with this outdated forced whisper hearing test. The sounds in 2000HZ range can be found in words, mostly.
Sirens, train horns, air horns, fog horns, and you can name any horns AND they are NOT in the 2000HZ range, not even that close. It is harder to hear the “alerting devices” when the windows are closed, like in wintertime. You can find the findings in the weblink at:
In my opinion, the people who conduct this research are somewhat biased.
Generally, almost all hearing people started to lose their ability to hear at 2000HZ when they get older. Truck drivers knows that for a long time due to excessive noises in the cab.
Pretrip inspection, you need to perform air test for any leakage before you take off. If it leaks, don’t drive and get it fixed. After a trip, you still need to do posttrip inspection. If you do lot of “drop-n-hook” you have extra responsiblity to ensure their trailer air system is good when you pick up the trailer. If you find anything goes wrong, get it fixed before you drive it.
We still need to have drivers that pass medical examiner tests because we have too many commerical vehicle accidents and it must be controlled by weeding out “body-unable” drivers out of the driver seat.
I think current FED DOT hearing test requirement are way outdated and needs to be revised to meet current demands for qualified truck drivers. They now communicate by devices such as Qualcomm. More and more companies are insisting that their drivers to communicate by text instead of using the cell phones.
We need to educate the hearing people that we have less chances of getting involved in accidents because we USE our “specialized” eyes, one of our basic 5 senses that automatically compensate when you lose your hearing. When I go on the OTR, I saw many silly accidents that is caused by hearing truck drivers. Lot of accidents I saw ARE preventable! I do not understand why hearing is more important than your eyes, your hands, and your foot!
You need your right foot to get your rig moved and still need a good right foot to get your rig to slow down or to stop safety! Of course, you need your left foot to “depress” the clutch. You can feel if the throw-out bearing is getting tired. You can feel if one of your u-joints is worn out. You can feel if one of your injectors is not working to the maximum, like 5 and half cylinders. You can feel if your fifth wheel is adjusted properly. You can look at the mirrors to make sure the wheels ain’t smoking. When tire blows, it gives you a good “bang” you would feel it instantly. If the tire lose air slowly, I bet you will never be able to hear tire that leaks air while cruising. One of the reason why we need to have tires checked every time we stop!
So, my burining question is why is the 2000HZ is reqired for safety to drive commerical vehicles?
We should not fight but to step in and to EDUCATE the DOT people and be friends with us. If you fight, they will fight you back and leave you in the cold. You gotta to remember that DOT can slap you with big fines if you don’t follow the their rules on the road.
We should write to our legislators to help them understand why the hearing test is outdated and needs to be updated.
Guess we have to keep trying, and try harder together to achrive what we want the fair opportunity to drive tractor-trailers, interstate and intrastate.
I have been driving for 3 years. I took driver training here in St. Cloud, MN with an interpreter. The teacher thought I did a good job in class, and would be a good driver. I passed the D.O.T. physical and told the Dr. that he needed to make sure it said i have a hearing device.(cochlear implant) I hired on with Swift in Inver Grove Heights, MN. On my first solo, trip after the 6 week training, I got pulled in to the weigh station in Colorado. The D.O.T. guy there saw that i had a medical alert on my drivers license as I can not have a MRI due to implant magnet. He tried everything he could to get me pulled off the road, but i was wayyyyy too smart for that guy(lol). when he turned his back to walk 12 feet away for the forced whisper, I turned my implant alllll the way up and told him exactly what he said. He was embarrassed as his co- workers were laughing at him because he had that mean attitude with me and I proved him wrong. But he just couldnt let it go so he called all over the state trying to find out if a cochlear implant was a hearing device. He even called all the way up to the Governors office, but C.I was not listed as a hearing device, he was so dissapointed that he could not issue me a real ticket, only a notice to have my medical card corrected. I am now driving flatbeds for a small carrier in MN and am driving all over the U.S. I enjoy driving trucks and proving to the hearing people that i can do this job just as good as they can.
Mitch
I see what is wrong with State discramation deaf driver truck as I understand that is real nonsense for this. I know what we have many deaf driver doing good job even better than hearing driver do. I hope the truck driver fight their right to have deaf driver truck so yell to senate or house about it hope they will see to it.
I am deaf myself and I have one son drive truck as he drive almost everywhere he can go so come on keep fight and speak up to senate and house that they must not push deaf truk driver out so, I see why they doing like this is really no sense for that as hearing is not count for that what count is eyes to look at as I see truck have techanical light that will let truck driver know what problem is so what is good about kick deaf out for. I see what we have is laptop, pager, some kind that deaf able to contact company by this. Think about it. We in Minnesota have many driver drive around so come on keep deaf driver going don’t give up so fight it up your pleasure to it.
I wanted to say thank you very much for bring up this topic, I really enjoyed it and can relate to it; because I own and run a towing company here in NC. USDOT and FMCA won’t let me drive my OWN tow truck across the state lines and in my state I am only allowed to tow trucks no more than 10,000 lbs. We drowned in legal battles over that federal regulation 391.41 section 11 which states that a CDL applicant must be able to hear a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away and must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in an auditory tests with or without hearing aids. Also you must have a medical card that certifies the hearing capabilities. That law was made in 1951!! No one has even bothered to bring that up to be reviewed, and never answered the most important question of “WHY”? We wrote our congressman Howard Coble and was able to have a personal visit with him. He is an important key player in DOT and FMCA issues. Even allowed a diabetic insulin dependent driver to drive, so hope he would help to get that regulation reviewed and revised. We were told that we should know by late March or early April 2007. We visited with congressman Howard Coble in OCT 2005. This has been a long battle. And to be blunt, NAD would not help at all!!! We already asked NAD in 2005 and found NAD already tried and lost few years ago and so they buried it!! they would not bother with that again but hope they can prove me wrong some day in future. again congrats Jack for brought this vlog up! thanks keep up the battles and do not give up as we never did until the DOT and FCMA get a black eye! thanks
My Twin Borther and My unlce drive 18 wheel truck long time and now both work own buseness but not truck. anyway my unlce tell me I should drive 18 wheel truck and not understand why let me drive long time ago. but sometime I want to drive 18 wheel truck. I did drive 18 wheel before but I should not do that but I did and I see myself not hurt to try I am half deaf not hear real good so pls let me drive 18 wheel truck smile see if I can remember I did drive 18 wheel that I did not have one smile and I see nothing wrong that I drive to me cool I see not afraid sorry I said that was long time ago and I still want to drive but not know where or to learn for 18 wheel hope yo got that my message
My Point is corncern about “WHY WHEN DEAF DROVE 18 WHEELER TO WEIGHT STATION. DOT MAN SPEAKED FIND OUT THAT U ARE” DEAF” TO GOT OUT OF TRUCK, U CANT TO DRIVE”.. THAT REAL DISCRAMINTION. ALSO OTHER POINT IS “WHY WHEN DEAF DROVE SEMI TO WAREHOUSE TO LOAD OR UNLOAD. THEN DISPITCHER FOUND OUT U ARE DEAF.. THEY WONT SIGN THE PAPER BEFORE U LEAVE AFTER LOAD OR UNLOAD.” THAT REAL DISCRIMINTION..
THAT WHY NEED TO CHANGE ALL US DOT, FMCSA, FEDERAL REGULATIONS TO REMOVE “must be able to hear a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away and must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in an auditory tests with or without hearing aids” THAT REAL VERY SILLY !!!
JUST FOR DEAFIES AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO PERMIT TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER AND 10 WHEELER LIKE DUMP TRUCK, STRAIGHT TRUCK, CRETE MIXER, WITH AIR BRAKE. NO MATTER DRIVE OVER THE STATE LINE..
STILL GOING OUT OF STATE LINE “INTERSTATE” AND IN STATE “INTRSTATE” NO MATTER ..
I DO AGREE WITH PHYSICAL EXAMINTION THAT FINE NOTHING WRONG TO CHECK TO PASS TO BECOME TRUCK DRIVER AND WITH MEDICAL EXAMINTION CERTIFICATED THAT FINE ..
JUST NEED ” REMOVE THAT STUPPID must be able to hear a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away and must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in an auditory tests with or without hearing aids..
DEAFIES AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE STILL USE HEARING AID OIR NOT NO MATTER . STILL DRIVE 18 WHEELER SO WHAT!! ..
HEARING PEOPLE TOO NOT NEED TO TAKE must be able to hear a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away and must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in an auditory tests with or without hearing aids…
KEEP UP !! DONT GIVE UP ! STAY STRONG AND GET SUCESSFULL! DEAF TRUCKER!
THANKS
2 days ago I started take CDL A classes, and yesterday they found out that I am hearing impaired through phyical test. Now they don’t want me anymore because of their stupid Insurance. I drove and never accident in 35 years. It does not make sense!!!
My dad was a truck driver for many years and my nephew, too. Now there are many ladies are truck drivers, too!! (better than me, scoff) I understand about train’s sound without sight and etc. You know what, they can fix everything for safety and be smart.
CONGRATS! LET TO FIGHT MAKE SUCESSFULLY!
DON’T GIVE UP MAKE DIFFERENT DRIVER LIKE SAME NOTHING WRONG TO TRAVEL ING TRUCK … I AM THINK AGREEMENT ALL DEAF BE UNFAIR .. I DID RENT U-HAUL TRUCK (17′ FT) FROM NEW JERSEY THUR DRIVE TO ILLIONIS I DID MADE DROVE TO BIG TRUCK .. I AM FEMALE CAN DO TO DRIVER ANY TRUCK COME ON EQUEL MEN … NEED BREAK ICE LAW !!
I am deaf and I drive 18 wheelers for a living. I got my CDL license 4 and 1/2 years ago without any problem. (yes with hearing aids)
However, I do recall my physician, who gave me my Medical Certification; she said “I don’t need D.O.T.’s permission to qualify you. If D.O.T. has a problem with my authorization in issuing you a Medical Certification, you can tell them to call me and I will blow smoke up their a***!!!!”
I’m like “WOW!!!” So, that day, I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get my CDL permit, they came up to me and said “You need to have a Medical Certification in order to receive this permit.” I just simply pulled out my MedCard and handed it to the worker at DMV, and he looked at it and said: “Oh. Well, he has a MedCard, so give him his permit.” Then the rest is history.
So, ever since, I’ve been driving trucks. Yes, 48 states, and of course Canada!
I have many many many many pictures of me driving my Semi truck all over the country, so if anyone wants to see if I’m for real, send me an email and I will be more than glad to show you pictures! Of course, I have many friends who rode with me on long trips…. so….
Yes, I know D.O.T. requires to have hearing loss no more than 40db, that is very true, unfortuately, but I’m at 35, and I’m legal to drive. I wish I could help you guys to remove that little paragraph where hearing is required. So, if there is anything I can do to help, I will do anything in my power to help everyone.
Scott,
congrat! yes, that’s true if you have a doctor who really work with u
and on your side to “nurse” your medical card that where you can get by,
I envy you, but speaking of going through proper legal channels that where we are trying to go through and break that barrier, I even own
a tow truck that I always have not drive it legally, I drove it illegally everyday by towing over 10,000 lbs trucks for good 3 years now, 10,000 lbs trucks are the dually trucks like Chevy 3500 or Ford F350 or 450 or Dodge Ram 3500 something like that which is that 10,000 lbs class trucks but I towed bigger than that like big single axle vans like Ryders, UHaul or Budget or landscraping or construction trucks even dump trucks and semi trucks as you see my tow truck (2000 international 4700) is under 26,000 lbs which is a non CDL truck in our state which I am able to drive it as I own it so what but come to “towage issue” come in the picture that come really stickly on me also across the states lines that area where I am doing that illegally everyday until I able to obtain a CDL without this regulation
I’ve never experience what it is like inside the cab. I don’t have CDL class A. All I have is merely California driver license class C. But I’ve always want and dreamed to be truck driver when I was a teen. I got a chance to drive full size Uhaul truck from Portland, Oregon to Fremont, California last Feb. 2006. I was so thrilled! I love it every bits! I never felt so good about it! I know it is not 18 wheeler but it is still a big deal to me! I’ve been applying for truck driver position today with few companies such as Schneider National, Interstate Distributor Co., Swift, and Knight Transportation. My dream is drive 18 wheeler rig across 48 states. But after watch your Vlog part one, part two, and comments about deaf truck driver tonight. I feel lost interest because I am full blown Deaf on both ears and I don’t use hearing aids. I don’t speak. I use ASL. I notice that many deaf drivers wear hearing aids. I feel that I will waste my time trying to get driver job. Should I still go ahead and try for it? What is your advice?
My suggest that you or someone who can draw the formal written letter for everyone of us can make copy of it and sign own name and sent it in to our district U.S. Congress to legalize deaf to drive 18 wheels rig across the 48 states.
i m glad that u made it fine with medical card and got CDL .. since 4 and 1/2 years. nothing problem with any DOT stop u check ur log and u ? anything say to u?? also any problem with weight station?
can u give me email address? i can keep in touch u scott..
what kind of company u work for ? werner? schrendier? or what?
i would like to see pic of u and ur 18 wheeler please. also are u solo driver or team driver?
where u from?
i did passed DOT physical exam and hearing test with hearing aid. problem with truck driver school dont allow me to get in .. because no permit interepet for training and class plus must use verbal communtion . i know that ” bullcrap” ..
that why i looking for where that place can accpet me to get in …
my friend paul fitzpatrick live in north carolina , he want get job for driver 18 wheels in nc. only and ask to CDL’s office in north carolina. they said, won’t let him driver 18 wheels in north carolina cuz, he is full deaf and not wear hearing aid. he feel bad cuz, it is very good pay per hour and benefil too wow.
HELLo i know about stupid LAW. IN Each STATE have differ kind of LAWS in any Where IN USA it will never 100 same law as other STATE!!!! I know Michigan deaf cant drive…. but can drive car van truck that it. That MY dream being drive sami-truck too. maybe in furture law will change one day??? IN MICHIGAN one new law add SAMI-truck MUST use 55 or less MPH anywhere in MICHIGAN. once TIME i went OTHER state for vist few STATE SAID nothing about sami_truck limit drive up to 55 mph!! so sami_truck can drive 70 mph if they want?? i guess that all i said! for now
oops one more add forgot to said.. ONE of deaf driver work for SAMI-truck i hear deaf news said. ” that guy who work 18 wheels cant said where he from. I know him shorty and I got word about 5 year ago.. he was trip vacction to fla to vist friend place for while.. then somehow HE almost arrive in hometown and HE feel sleeping while he drive and HE end up his LIFE?? i dont know if that fact? thanks but i total support who deaf can DO drive.. call to head of office for ” DCD” means DEAF CAN DO” they doing try working out with LAW.. why not call and bother them!
My friend from Orgeon, he is truck driver travels all over usa.. he have no problem. he works for his self empolyment. he don’t work for company. he s owner of trucker 18 wheels. I will ask him to share news with you from his experinece. Okay. Your explain is very good story.. I will keep you the post update news.
hello to all deaf and hard of hearing truckers,
I am deaf and have been driving truck for soon to be 10 years. My physical is due and made a dr appt and have been told that they cannot pass my physical because i am deaf. After all these years it was not a problem i am only driving local inthe state of Iowa and now I cannot get my physical passed. When did this all change.? My wife and my son in law went to meet Senator Grassley who happen to be in town at the elevator on farmers issues. My son in law said to Grassley that he finds it ironic that deaf can drive cars, motorhomes, boats and etc but cannot drive a 18 wheeler.Grassley said that the DOT made the regulation and that if we can get more of the deaf like National to come to his office in Iowa with this issue it can be and could be a easy doing to have this regulation changed. Who ever made the regualtion is labeling the daef and dumb and it needs to be removed. We need to get the head of National to go speak to him for us and turn this around. It will not work as an individual but as a group. If u know of anything pls let us truckers know we can do this together. I am not giving up and I know many of u don’t want to.
Does anyone here have enough computer experience to set up a site for deaf people to sign a petition? I am a good driver but I am lousy with the computer. If someone can get a sight set up for the petition we can have our hands heard by collecting as many signatures from deaf drivers and potential deaf drivers, who have been denied the chance to drive because of the ruling about hearing 40db or better. If we sign a petition and get enough signatures we can send it to all 100 senators and 486 congressmen and congresswomen and have our voices heard. If we show them we mean business by sending them the petition and then following up with letters they will know we aren’t just gonna throw in the towel and give up on our dreams to drive.
Know what?? Deaf people in highest percent have a best driving than hearing people in US. Why not NAD or DOT Inspection to figure this out that deaf people have a best skill for driving? WHY?? Deaf people’s eyes are very visual and paying attention very excellent if there is only no cell phone or pagers involved. I always seen hearing people with cell phones or pagers that are not even paying attention to the road! I strongly believe that if deaf people want to become truck drivers and they would be best truck drivers just like deaf people can ride motorcycles, atvs, cars, trucks, boats, and any of motion object. Deaf people can drive with shifts (stick) in trucks, cars, semi truck too! So, what is hearing people’s problem? I think because polices and semi-truck companies feel more difficult dues to communication. My opinion that all polices and semi-truck companies should provide wireless laptop for all deaf people that they can use email to communicating. It would be never having any problem for sure! Deaf people do have their common sense to use laptop at the right moment when they need to communicate with their companies. It does unnecessary to have hearing aids to pass semi-truck test. It is completely insane! I think that NAD should have done something hard enough for this. Anything relates with discrimation like ADA law and any of deaf organization should strongly support this. I think that is not good sign if not allowed deaf people to become semi-truck drivers and estimating that half of deaf people will be out of job because of that stupid law!
I WANT TO TELL U .. I NEED ALL TRUCK DRIVERS TO HELP AND FIGHT IT…. I M GOING FIGHT IT TOO COME DO IT TO FIGHT IT !!! REMEMBER LIFE IS SHORT!!!! NOT TAKE TOO LONG WAIT OK .. DO IT DO IT DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BE PROUD OF BE DEAF TRUCK DRIVER TEAM! COME COME ON DO IT DO IT TO FIGHT IT WITH DAMN FMCSA
THAT WAY FIGHT WITH THAT FMCSAMEDICAL BECAUSE THEY ARE KINDA OF RESPONSIBILELTY FOR REGULATIONS. BECAUSE US DOT medical qualifications for CDL
drivers. These qualifications are set by the US DOT in the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations which have been adopted by USA. The
legislature would have to make the changes to USA statutes.
that a leader person must go to legislative and file the bill about deaf law for deaf truckers and force to pass the law for dot etc…..legislative congress in D.C
I am try fight for school and driver truck plus my best friend will support how get pass something too dot physical too i am fight with wash D.C. too i hope willget pass with lawyer
(edit)
hello everyone I want to you send to me your name and email and address and i can send to paper sign paper and full name and we will start set up for member for ” Driver Truck For the DEAF and deaf of hearing Member Club” start set up and we will order machine sew picture of coat back show to people who can fight driver truck semi wheel and member will start set up please help to me and jack eyes I am start support with you and all everyone please start fund money for order coat and plus save money build for paid gas travel to wash D.C. so who have already truck semi bring to road to wash D.C. meet to me and jack eyes will start permit park to street show to white house and something support for deaf can do job driver truck i will start work picture semi wheel picture this week or next week please send to my email is Volvo492@aol.com jack eyes will help you and Ill help to you support alll everyone meet for club future build strong for deaf and can driver truck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you pal
TELL U THAT I M KINDA SUPPORT AND HELP FOR MIKE SMITH AND JACK EYE TO FIGHT UP WITH DOT FMSCA. TELL U THAT MIKE SMITH & JACK EYE ARE KINDA HARD WORK AND LOVE TO HELP AND SUPPORT FOR U AND ALL DEAFIES & HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO BECOME A TRUCKER.. THEY NOT KINDA OF SCAM FOR MONEY NOOO. WE NEED UR SUPPORT AND HELP TO BUILDING STRONGLY BE STAND UP TO SPEAK OUT TO DOT FMSCA AND WHITE CAPTIAL WHITE HOUSE IN WASHINGTON DC. ALSO WE NEED UR HELP AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER TO GET SUCESSFULLY TO GET ALLOW TO DRIVE TRUCK AND GET CDL CLASS A PLUS CHANGE NEW POLICY FOR DOT FMCSA TO ALLOW DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO DRIVE TRUCK PLUS ALLOW DRIVE INTERSTATE OUT OF STATE LIKE” ACROSS THE USA”..
BE STRONGLY & TRUST & BE STRONGLY FAITH IN US TO HELP AND SUPPORT THAT WHY..
REASON MONEY FOR SEND FOR SEW MACHINE FOR COAT THEN SEND U COAT AND GET READY BE TO FIGHT UP WITH DOT FMSCA AND CAPTIAL WHITE HOUSE THAT SHOW PROOF THAT ALL OF U REALL WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER, WANT DRIVE OVER THE STATE LINES ” INTERSTATE” PLUS GET CDL A TOO PLUS WAIVER ” HEARING PROGRAM” THEN U WILL FEELING GOOD AND HAPPY TO ALLOW GET BE TRUCK DRIVER ..
THAT U WANT RIGHT ???? WE ARE VERY VERY SERIOUSLY STEADY DO IT TO FIGHT UP AND STRONGLY PLUS STAND UP TO SPEAK OUT !!!
ALSO MONEY FOR HELP BUILDING FOR MEMBER CLUB FOR USA & CANADA DEAF & HARD OF HEARING TRUCK DRIVER MEMBER CLUB!
WE WANT SEE ALL OF U BE HAPPY AND FEEL GOOD PROUD THAT WAY U BECOME SUCCESSFULLY BEAT DOT FMSCA ! DOT FMSCA WILL GOING LOSER IF ALL OF U FIGHT UP AND STRONG STAY STAND UP SPEAK OUT THAT WAYTO SUCCESSFULLY !
DO U WANT FAILURE FOR UR DREAM AND GOAL BE TRUCK DRIVER ??? I DONT LIKE THAT !!!!
PLEASE COME COME BE STRONGLY , TRUST , FAITH IN US EACHOTHER PLUS HELP AND SUPPORT EACHOTHER LIKE A FAMILY TEAM BE STRONGLY..
WE SUPPORT AND HELP U PLUS WE NEED UR SUPPORT AND HELP TOO…
THAT WHY WE NEED ALL DEAFIES AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE GOING TO WASHINGTON DC AND FIGHT UP , PROOF THAT U WANT BE TRUCKDRIVER IN UR REAL DREAM AND GOAL! .. TRUCK DRIVER IS PART OF JOB TO EARN GREAT MONEY FOR UR LIFE NEEDS…
I M WANT BACK TRUCK DRIVER I MEAN IT THAT WHY NEED TO FIGHT UP WITH DOT FMCSA & CAPTIAL WHITE HOUSE.. TO GET SUCCESSFULLY AND BEAT TO WIN! BE HAPPY!!!!! BECOME TRUCK DRIVER , ETC!!!
PLEASE TRUST US… WE NOT KINDA OF JOKING , OR PLAY GAME AROUND U NO WAY .. WE ARE VERY DEEPLY SERIOUS STEADY !!! WE WANT SEE ALL OF U AND US TO GET SUCCESSFULLY AND STRONG LIKE ” BE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING PRIDE” BE EQUAL HEARING LIFE ! U WANT SEE GET GOOD MONEY DURING U DRIVE TRUCK !!! RIGHT !!!!
HOPE ALL OF U WILL DO IT AND HELP & SUPPORT EACHOTHER TO GET SUCCESSFULLY!!!! PLEASE !! THANKS…
WHICH ONE U WANT BE STRONGLY LIKE A EAGLE OF USA OR GIVE UP TO WEAK TO NOT GET SUCCESSFULLY?? WHICH ONE !!!
WE ARE BORN IN USA FREEDOM !!! BE STRONGLY LIKE EAGLE !!!!
THUMB UP!!! ALERT ALERT!!!!!!
KEEP UP DONT BE GIVE UP!!! STAY STRONGLY AND STAND UP!!!! OK THANKS
TELL U THAT MIKE SMITH AND JACK EYE ARE VERY HONSETLY AND WANT HELP & SUPPORT ALL OF U TO SUCCESSFULLY TO GET TRUCK DRIVER!!!
I MEAN IT!! I M KINDA STRONGLY STAND UP ON MIKE SMITH AND JACK EYE’S SIDE.. PLSU I M STAND UP ON ALL OF U TOO!! WHY WE ARE HERE TO HELP AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER!!! TO GET SUCCESSFULLY AND WIN TO ALLOW ALL DEAFIES AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO BEOCME TRUCK DRIVER , GET CDL CLASS A, DRIVE OVER STATE LINE”INTERSTATE” PLUS WAVIER HEARING PROGRAM ” THAT WHY…
I CAN SEE MIKE SMITH AND JACK EYE’ S EYES REAL KINDA VERY SERIOUSLY AND HONESTLY PERSON!!
HOPE ALL OF U WILL HELP & SUPPORT EACHOTHER .. REMEMBER BE STRONGLY, FAITH IN , TRUST ARE VERY IMPORTANT KEYS.. PLUS++++ PLEASE DONT BE GIVE UP!!!!!
Yeah I worked at UPS and I always wanted to be a driver but I am aware of the federal law that prohibits deaf from driving 18 wheelers or over 10,000 pounds. In Canada all deaf are allowed to drive anything but they are not allowed to drive thru USA. They have to drive thru Canada only.
I know it sounds silly for deaf not to drive trucks if they are allowed to drive a big rental truck from U-Haul called 26′ Super Mover truck with 12,605 lbs empty weight. Law says we, Deaf, are not allowed to drive over 10,000 pounds. U-haul don’t care if you deaf or not they want business. I used it to move to new house. The transportation gov’t can kiss my ass.
hello jack this is paul langlois i from in celina ohio i just let you know that i want be drive truck with 26′ anyway i did went to hearing test it pass then i went to dr for dot physicals it pass then ready for go to school then i ask him can i get a interpreter then man said no dont need a interpreter bec you already pass for hearing test huh?? then what i do?? i still keep fight so what i said to him?? thank!!
I read all the comments with intrest because I myself drive for one of the country top 10 large trucking firm. I had been driving for almost 25 years starting at a lumber yard hauling lumber. I have been a local driver and an over the road driver. Currently I drive dedicated local hauling parts for Cummins Engine. I too am hard of hearing. I am able to pass the so called hearing test. I wear hearing aid in both ears. But I want to point out that over the years I have expirienced just about everything there is about trucking related to dry van freight. I can also tell you that the hearing impaired are capable of driving big rig semis as well as any one who is hearing, blind in one eye, an amputee, Yes amputee are allowed to drive, must be one limb. Blind in one eye, even heart attack victims, surprised Huh? though they are required to have an annual heart test. Partially hearing (many truckers do wear hearing aids though they are not deaf but have some form of hearing loss, it is common sight and many ask me about my hearing loss) My question is this. Why cant a fully healthy capable deaf person drive a semi rig?
Well what would prevent a hearing impaired person from driving big rigs? Communication ? Hearing air leaks? Hearing sirens? Hearing other rigs, machinery, automobiles passing you?
The problem is, is that it is a DOT regulation made up many years ago. And it is going to be as hard as it is to change the regulations as it is to change the white bed sheet regulation in the FMSCA rule book. White sheet regulation? Why yes there is a rule in the book requiring drivers of sleeper rigs to have white sheets. Sad truth is they dont enforce it but they enforce the whisper test. The DOT reguation rule book is as old as you might be. The purpose for the white sheets was for during the war that if it happened here in the states that truckers could provide first aid with the white sheets. And as with the military they had to be able to hear. I dont think the hearing rule has anything to do with the air brakes, it was more a military option than anything else. Dont take my word for it because I could be wrong. More research is needed to understand what the real reason for the ruling was for.
So if we can get to the bottom of this then maybe we can clarify the reason for the restriction for the hearing impaired. Can it be changed. Yes but only if all deaf truckers would unite with legal advisory then maybe the ruling can be changed.
Technology has been a plus for what it is worth. A modern semi rig is computer controled down to the foot pedal. You can set the computer to tell the truck what you want it to do. Like what rpm to top at in each gear, what speed in each gear, it even records your driving habits, how hard you brake, how fast you drive, what gear youre in and even turn your rig off so you cannot drive it. The satellite tecnology allows communication with your company you drive for and inputs your location stops length of driving etc. It even tells you when it is time for a PM ( preventive maintenance oil change). You almost dont need to hear to drive the big rig. All that is left to do is to be keenly aware of the mechanical needs of the big rig.
Ill tell you a little secret if you would not tell any one. I dont like hearing the loud noise in my rig with my hearing aid. Hearing people dont realize how loud a hearing aid is and how bothersome continuous loud noise can be. So I take my hearing aids off when I am driving to give my ears rest from the loud blasting noise a big rig can make. But you better have them back on when a cop or DOT pull you over for any infractions…..
You learn automatically to be keenly aware of your surrounding with your hearing aids off. For example, when I lost air to my brakes, the red light starts blinking and the buzzer buzzes but before that happens I sensed the rig start to strain for power because the brakes were automaticaly applying. But the weird thing about that is I nver heard air leaking while going down the road because the air leak was in the trailer 50 feet behind me….not 5 feet behind me but 50 feet going down the freeway at 65 mph, windows closed of corurse with the AC on and Led Zepplin blasting Stairway to Heaven on the radio….
I agree there should be no discrimintion of any kind. But there are a few deaf people who abuse the system by not telling the truth. And those are the people give the deaf community a bad image. I know for a fact that one of the deaf who claimes to drivin a 18 wheel and was hired, was in fact not. He has never drove an 18 wheeler.
that person is Calvin Haefner, he is not a truthful deaf person.
hey deaf people who want to fight very hard to become truck driver 18 wheeler like i do!!! i read every word you said and i strong agree. and my question is why can’t federdal law let see how is deaf and hard of hearing is doing on road better than doubt. let show them that we can do it and what federal law is afraid of on deaf??? deaf are not stupid and dumb come on!!! fedreal.n give us a damn chance to show u that deaf can do it without whisper test. all care is take physical test and check your drive record what is the promblem? for federal law. i can’t believe they gave deaf people a hard time to pay thier bills it ain’t right. i don’t like federal law laugh on deaf people who is complain.
Hey very intersting about deaf cant have cdl which I think is bull.
I have class a cdl in Florida for 24 yrs but never applied for 18 wheeler
Had my own business in New Jersey for 7 year which I had dump truck
trailor and ford backhoe. That time didnt require cdl license
i have read everyone comments about 18 wheeler truck drivers, after i retired from the company where i worked and as matter facts that i decided to go amarillo college trucking academy and to take 6 wks course training to be a truck driver and since i been doing that training and i dont have any problems passing all kind of testing which is the endorsement requires to take is the tanker, double/triple trailer, passenger, school bus and of course no haz mat which i dont need to take the wriiten test to recieved CDL A but i passed the test and went to take dot physcial exams and of course i passed the exams, so i also went to the recruiter to have interview with that man and he said you are hard of hearing which you can hear the air brakes with 4 to 5 feet of air that would be great, but back of my head why is he so concerned about the air brakes and of course i have 2 hearing aids i wore all the time and finally the company paid for the bus fares for me to go origination where the place to train and you have the chance go with co-driver ( trainer) to drive the truck and you have to earn your 15,000 miles before you will have your own truck to drive from coast to coast anywhere in the united states but no canada where the company dont allow their truckers go to canada as well, then after while i was driving the truck with my co-driver himself is hard of hearing and the only problems is that he can’t communicate is the cb radio and it is hard to hear what the communication mean mumble and jumbo words, so we both use the qualcomm to communition to our dispatcher in texas while we are on other side of united states which is good to use …. in the meantime he started to uncorrected me in our communicate that i must requires to use the citizen band (cb) to communicate outside of the truck which is unfair and i told him that you have not been using it while i rode the truck with you and he use the qualcomm to communicate and he called the company to discrimate me and to removed me from his truck and drop me off at iowa truckstop with no money for me to ride the bus back home ….. in meantime friend of mine saw me and he offered me a ride home because we both lived in same town, so when i got back home and the next thing that i call the company and i use my tty to call my dispatcher to told what is the story on between me and ex co-driver that he despised me and being jealous that i was a very good driver than he is, so year later i found a job and went to worked for cisd ( canyon i s d) in canyon, texas as a bus driver and been with them for almost 4 years and i traveled alot field trips with charter bus and 84 passenger yellow bird and blue bird , i want to say something to those both deaf bus drivers walker estes and paul lovell that they are doing good job to transports deaf kids to sport events or whatever the functions are and keep on bussing and jame queens you keep your faith and keep on try truckin along okay and that goes for every deaf truckers and also futures deaf trucker to keep on truckin and hammer down to the floorboard and keep pushin hard til success ………. jerry
I am a deaf person who wants to be a Deaf truck driver someday. I have found that I was not the only one and it might be a nationwide issue with deaf people who want to be truck drivers someday. I hope that you would be interested in assisting me.
At this time, I am trying to interview different Deaf people truck driver(s) and/or any friends who work with them to find out where the problem or barriers are. I hope you would be willing to email me back and allow me to interview you and your experience as a Deaf Truck Driver. Or, if you know any hearing people who think this Department of Transportation regulation is wrong.
I noticed that your, Jack Eye, VBlog has several stories of different deaf truck drivers would like to have them contact me as well. Or, if you know of other Deaf truck drivers out there who I could interview, please have them email me at bpalmigiano@yahoo.com.
I look forward to your respond soon and thank you for your time and patience.
I am a former truck driver. I drove for 14 years, been to all 48 states twice, and been to mexico border and canada country several times. I drove for 4 different companies. Schneider, JB Hunt, own truck with Transcorr, and Con-way pulling doubles.
Every two years have to take physical tests along with hearing test. Past year, my hearing declined above 40db. I had to leave.
This week I will meet with Lugar asst. to discuss about my experience as a truck driver and being deaf. I hope my 14 years will help open door to those who wants to be a trucker.
I look at 1940 trucks compares to today modern trucks. I see a huge difference. 1940 when federal law passed banning deaf from driving trucks, that 1940 trucks relies on air sound hissing for leaks. Modern trucks have gauges and warning that are required to be properly working before it drivable or the dot officers will shut down your truck and hefty fined.
Trucks are so loud that it makes my hearing aide bothers my ear. There are lots of times I had to leave them off. I depends my life on my mirrors.
Wish me luck helping deaf opening future trucking doors.
Thanks
Bill Warnock
Graduate Ind School for the Deaf (90/91)
I just found out about this website after i tried took trucker driver. This truck school says “just sign up for class and pay class remember there is no refund for any reason. I mean ANY REASON” I asked is there anything I need take before class. like medical exam or something? He says “Nah dont worry about it I’m sure you will pass it no problem.” So i sign up and pay over 3k for despoit. Then next thing i know he says “Oh i forget to tell you, deaf cant drive truck no matter what.” I was get really piss off for make me to pay class for no reason I demanding for refund. They refuse. I threating for suing. with good reason and I have copy of notebook that we has been writing on. I told him i could use it as prove to court. They refund half of them and refuse refund rest of money
Now… is there any DEAF TRUCK DRIVERS UNITED?? or something go group work up to get lift stupid law. I has been always do job that travel all over usa or world. like fly airplane (i’m private pilot FAA allow deaf fly small aircraft) or semi truck or cruise ship. I remember when I took FAA medical exam and i fail because I cant hear anything. not even pin or rocket engine. FAA says “dont worry just go to FAA HQ (in home state) they will give you waver as prove you’re deaf” and i get waver. So they should have waver or something. Also What gauge are for in drive seat. They will tell you if there something going on truck. We’re deaf not stupid nor blind.
Please let me know if there something about email to or something to get stupid law lift. Email me
Hello Jack’s Readers,
I thrilled to find topic about Deaf Truck Driver. At first thing I want to tell you about my old statehood of Alabama. I surprised to hear that Alabama has been discrimination on deaf truckers. Wow! Because when I was young I was told about two deaf Alabamian truckers with an 18 wheels were driving that allowed by Alabama. Confused me it was not allowed, not possible.
Now Guess what my hard-of hearing with ASL is driving 18 wheels with CDL from Alabama. Repeat puzzled me. He is from north Alabama. A serveal times we meet at truck stop in Lafayette, Louisiana. He works for the company name Arrow that the most he has loaded / unloaded from Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Flordia and some states.
I did asked some questions how how you got CDL that passed with DOT.. His simple answer was to be taken hearing and physical exams. Ofcourse, he wore hearing aid and said just heard the noise within about 5 feet. I told him a very luck, because I always wanted to be truck driver since I was ten years old by riding a big rigs with my brothers for years.
Anyway, I asked him he can find to information to see if deaf person can be hired as a truck driver. He asked his boss, class instructor or some truckers and what their responsed was “deaf can’t drive an 18 wheels, becuase of cannot heard”… I told him that’s a full of bullshit and deaf poeple are the BEST drivers in this country. I told I will research more to find out any deaf truck driver and suprised to see there are many. I am thrilled and want to invloved to get our RIGHTS to employee as a deaf truck driver!
I’d like to contact with Mike Smith and Randall ( missed his last name) my email address is silentworldream@gmail.com
POWER DEAF TRUCKERS!!! Keep fight and not give up! Thumb UP!!
Bruce
I am an Australian Deaf Truck Driver since November 2007 (9 months experience). A young 25 year old and maybe a bit too ambitious! I refuse to wear my hearing aids when I drive a truck, they are so annoying – the background noise, the engine noise, the wind noise…
Where is the National Deaf Truck Drivers Associaton and/or Group – is there one or not?
Who is the leader to drive this group of Deaf Truck Drivers? I am not sure if the WFD (World Federation of the Deaf) has the resources to take on this responsibility?
I drive a Heavy Rigid (HR) truck delivering building materials (polysterene pods for concretors) to construction sites and my employer is helping me build my way up to drive a Heavy Combination (HC) truck (A primemover with one freight trailer) to carry more freight / load. He has many concerns about me working my way up because I can’t hear a tyre blowout and/or an air leak and how this can be resolved and has addressed to me that he doesn’t want to ‘discriminate’ against me because I am Deaf.
I however have done some research and there are new technologies that can be installed on the dashboard…
Worried about a tyre blowout?:
There is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors tyre pressure, tyre temperature, detect leaks, detects a blowout even before it happens.
Worried about Air Brake failure?:
(IBWD) = Intelligent Air Brake Warning Device – For commerical use, for multiaxle vehicles, only current active warning is for LOW AIR PRESSURE, not for whole system.
Worried about reversing because being Deaf is a hazard?:
Top Watcher Warning Device for Trucks, device mountable on top of a truck cab, warns driver if truck body can clear underneath a bridge or overhead structure (by telescopic rod), device is only flashing light on dashboard
Some interesting facts:
On Feb 1, 2007 Greg Gunderson became the 1st Deaf NASCAR driver 🙂
i want to need students deaf/hard hearining driver trucking and i want to need cdl training driver school classes or hiring a job at trucking companies in alabama, all power deaf/hard hearining will fight power to speak washinighan,d.c and u.s sentae in washinighan,d.c. all many deaf/hard hearining will hoping to get win deaf power trucker beat up to fight do it.i i love all power many deaf/hard herarining is god bless at deaf power trucking.
all deaf and hard hearing will fight try washinigton,dc us .senate,us.commete will fair all people speak use trucking co,the deaf and hard hearing will fight ,fight,fight do it fair to hoping win ,win,win to get trucking wow right in the future.i will hoping to power all deaf and hard hearing both fair people speak hiring trucking co in the future god bless’good lucky ‘winning vitory the powers deaf ana hard hearing’.
I read some of your stories.
I am hard of hearing- I have CI and hearing aid. I am planning to get CDL. I tired of be laid off many times… time for me to change jobs..
Be a deaf person without hearing aid- Can’t get CDL..
Be hard of hearing with hearing aid either CI can get CDL..
Clean driving record can get CDL, no DUI and other violations can’t get CDL..
Some of the state, Deaf people ( WITH HEARING AID) allowed to drive bus, big rigs- Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont. I got it from (Deaf Bus Drivers Now!)- http:240i.com/Aoife/bus.html
I need more information what state there are current regulations and laws that are deaf CDL drivers…
Damn hearing people are making accuses to deaf people. Some hearing have been around deaf people who support deaf people. Some hearing people are afriad, feel like not to support deaf people.
Deaf drivers are better than hearing drivers….
*As a deaf people who we are- keep your driving record clean as possible to show hearing world deaf can do…. get your CDL as many deaf drivers to show the power as we are!!!! Stand up for yourself!!!
listen, ive been loking for work since i got my license in july. none of the major motor carriers have wanted to hire me, mainly in part because of my background. my last charge was a misdemeanor tresspassing that will be 2 yrs old in july of 09, and im still on probation on it till then. does this sound like something companies will do because of a tresspasing?
hey guys dont give up i understand how you guys feel I am now in trucking school for CDL license and it about almost done with school and about look for work so keep your chin high and mighty btw I currently living in california no problem here though but other states umm i wonder whats up with that .
hello everyone i am driver truck swift i get graduate from school and final found good school from CDL college very good school and help deaf get job for driver truck so please support for who want to driver truck or goal get C.D.L something i can help to you and when you get graduate from driver truck school i can help to you how use that log book and stuff thing god bless to you
Hi everyone, I am deaf and hard of hearing with a coclear implant. Wanted to let you know that I have successfully acheive a Class A Lisc. as of July 28th 2009. I pass the all three test without any fails. I am rooting for all driver deaf and hard of hearing to do anything they want to achieves. I am still in contact with truck driving school that I attended in Sacramento Ca. I can direct student to the school, It is 15 weeks course and it is held at Arco Arena driving pad. The school cost $1895, they take grant and so. I will find a job soon, I am going for my B lisc as well.
118 comments
Comments feed for this article
March 3, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Jay Croft
Yes, it is true that Alabama forbids Deaf persons to hold CDLs for trucks, citing Federal regulations.
The key would be to change the Federal rules, and the states will follow. This SHOULD be a priority for the National Association of the Deaf. However, since Deaf persons interested in interstate truck driving don’t attend NAD conventions in large numbers, this is not high on NAD’s priority list. That is understandable, given NAD’s limited resources.
March 3, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Mike Smith
my name is mike smith and i am deaf with two hearing aids I have C.D.L permit licnses driver truck and class A and i wentto swift AZ School for three week training went to class room not allow to Inrerprter for me class and not allow to driver truck because i get pass test for hearing aids i make it pass then went to D.O.T physical pass proof two hearing aids and allow to go work driver truck only nosie from truck running to noise like air brake or leak or fell off trailer something i can hear from noise and but i am hard time that problem with money payment for school but wont go to training to school
March 3, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Michele
I once knew a deaf man who drove trucks, his name was Ned Doland, I’m not sure if he is still driving trucks or not. I hope he will read your vlog and respond. Such a sad case, no wonder why people complain that deaf people are living on SSI, well because of the negative attitudes that are hampering deaf people from applying jobs that they can really do a good job on.
March 3, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Charles Thomas
Excellent as always, Jack. I hope you put up many more video blogs and keep people informed about these important deaf issues. I always enjoy seeing your new items.
CT
March 3, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Mike Smith
D.O.T PHYSICAL HAVE PROOF YOUR HEARING AIDS TEST FOR PASS HEARING AIDSAUDIOLOGY FOR AVERAHE OF 500,1000,2000 HZ AIDSED SOUND FIELD TESTING TO PASS 40db less like 35 db will be pass test show to D.O.T PHYSICAL PROOF PAPER SHOW TO DR AND GET DOT CARD PHYSICAL AND GO TO SCHOOL DRIVER TRUCK SHOW TO PROOF AND WILL TRAINING TO SCHOOL AND DRIVER ROAD AND REAL TEST ROAD THEN GRAUDATE THEN GET JOB DRIVER TRUCK SEMI WHEEL TRAVEL
March 3, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Mike Smith
I AM SUPPORT FOR JACK BECAUSE TRY TO DEAF WORK JOB DRIVER TRUCK TRAVEL KNOW HOW CHECK WEIGHT AND COMPANY TERMAIL DROP OFF COMPANY AND OTHER LOAD TRAILER GO TO WORK THAT WHY I SUPPORT FOR JACK I AGREE WITH HIM RIGHT CIVIL RIGHT TO JOB DRIVER TRUCK MY OWN EYE LOOK TO ROAD AND CHECK MIRROR RIGHT SIDE AND LEFT SIDE KEEP EYE MPH AND KEEP EYE JOB AND GOOD DRIVER DONT SPEED OVER WILL LOSE TRAILER LOST CONTROL AND KEEP GOOD JOB FUTURE RETIRE GOOD PERSON SAFE AWARD SAFETY DRIVER
March 3, 2007 at 6:11 pm
dustin
my parent have been drive an semi truck for a many year and they were suggest me to go to private school to be a semi truck driver however, one thing which it wasn’t very impressive with the dot law in FLORIDA, THE FLA STATE LAW BY DOT SAID, DEAF PERSON SHALL NOT NOT A SEMI TRUCK UNDER BY CLASS A AS OF CDL. matter of the facts, because of the haring must be 40 db or better however, i totally disagreed as my parent agree with my comment. why? my parent said, can you drive a car? yes, can you drive a pick truck? yes, can you drive a bikecycle? yes then what the problem? that the question. my parent said, the only way to fight the law is to have all of them send it to your state of the captial and give them a clear message that deaf, hard of hearing, or loss hearing, whatever you name it and give them a message that this is a DISCRIMINATION! or live with all the pain if you don’t fight for it. i understood about it and the problem is, we don’t have the leader to stand for it and fight for it until the law to be change. that something have to be done! i born deaf and my parent understood about deaf background of what their rightness and fairness so my parent said this is a huge ( bull**** ) why would these people have to go through their hardness live for a simple reason. so hopeful if any of you really want to fight for your right then simple is to have all of your people in your state and give the state of capital a clear message that this is a PROBLEM that need to be fix. the same thing unity for gallaudet. that a good example that we want a fairness of our right to drive a semi truck as long anyone pass the exam. so the answer is, you people DO IT!!! i believe so!!!!
hopeful this will help out but don’t have very much information which the law seem so shadow of the information.
March 3, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Mike Smith
YES DUSTIN MUST LAW FOLLOW RULE FOR TWO HEARING AIDS WILL PASS TEST 40db WILL ALLOW TO DRIVER TRUCK IN THE COLORADO GO TO WEST SIDE ALLOW TO DRIVER TRUCK I AM DRIVER TRUCK SCHNEIDER NATIONAL WILLING TO TRAINING TO DRIVER NO SCHOOL I HAVE PASS TEST C.D.L. PERMIT CLASS A FLAT TRAILER OR DRY VAN TRAILER ONLY I CAN DO BECAUSE PROOF SHOW COMPANY D.O.T PHYSICAL CARD WITH HEARING AIDS FORM PAPER SHOW TO COMPANY WILL PASS GO WORK JOB TRAVEL
March 3, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Alan
Hmm…move to Idaho. Two of my classmates from high school are truck drivers. One for about 15 years now, the other for about 5 years. Both are doig great and have not had problems.
Alvin Shepherd
Wayne Carpenter
March 4, 2007 at 2:14 am
p.h.
Interest to what Jay Croft mention abt Ala. I lvied in Alabama and I saw many deaf have CDL licenses here in Ala, they attend deaf school in Talladega to have training for CDL Lic. JUst thought to share. Some states allow deaf to have CDL but unforuntaly most States not allow.
March 4, 2007 at 3:34 am
Bryan "Davidson" Duerst
Hello, all deaf truck drivers,
I used to work with larsen company in darien,wis near delavan
by north 5 miles. I was driving this semi truck as i was truck driver. I almost bought this semi is 85’s freightliner but I don’t have a C.D.L license. But I was going to C.D.L. training school. The teacher said that I can’t drive this semi truck due to new law. I feel like I am pissed off with this law for semi truck drivers who are deaf. Since the law changed, I have own business as handyman for long term time.
deaf people can do it any your`s job !!!!!! I wish I kick jackass to
a state of law and hearing ( unfair) why not hearing can`t a truck drivers
and new law deaf can truck driver.!!!! I wish! very dawn it
thank you to Jack Barr.
Handyman,
Bryan Duerst.
.
March 4, 2007 at 8:23 am
J.J. Puorro
Interesting vlog, Jack.
Looking forward to more stories like these…
March 4, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Jon Savage
If Deaf person can delivery pizza therefore CAN drive ANY vehicle!
Now, I wonder which is worst to allow deaf pilot in airplane or drive a 18 wheelers?
BTW, excellent vlog!
March 5, 2007 at 1:48 pm
HELENA
LET,SA KEEP UP THE FIGHT FOR OUTR GOD GIVEN RIGHTS, HIRE THE ACLU FOR THIS PR4OBLEM
March 5, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Anita S.
Hi, I rode with truck driver who is hard of hearing for almost 2 years, traveled all over in USA and he has no problem. His name is Peter Lirsch who works for Swift Company. Swift company hired 3 hard of hearing employees, one in Colorado, one in Ohio and other one in Kansas.
For Robert Knapp, try to apply at Swift Company in Colorado, Ohio, Kansas , Arizona, Calif, Washington state, North Carolina, Florida, or NY.
I am not sure about in Wisc that have Swift company. Wish you good luck!
Don’t give it up!
March 5, 2007 at 3:25 pm
SLW
Lon Smith of Mississippi is a 18-wheel-truck driver for more than 45 years. He is now 70 years young and he still drives from Mississippi to California, sometimes to the state of Washington every week….if he can, I am certain other deaf can, too.
March 5, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Len Green
Yes it’s true! I was a truck driver for R+L Transfer, Inc. based in Norwalk, Ohio working with them through someone close to the family in the Cleveland, Ohio distribution center. Worked for them for 3 and a half years until headquarters found out I was deaf. They forced me to get D.O.T. card and to receive that card for permit, I must pass the hearing test, with 35 db’s or lower, with or without hearing aids. I refused to accept their requests for me to take hearing tests which is bulls***!
If U-Haul allows deaf customers to rent their large trucks, then how the hell is this any different?
The United States AND State Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) really SUCKS!!!!
DEAF TRUCK DRIVERS UNITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 5, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Jack Kelsey
SLW, we should thank Bilbo Mongham (decreased). When Mississppi brought up a bill (1930’s) that Deaf could drive “auto, farm equipment and motorcycle” Bilbo requested “ANY VEHICLES” and got it passed. I guess Mississippi is the only state with “ANY VEHICLE” law and I am a proud Mississippian.
Jon, yeah, we don’t have any problem with FAA getting Private Pilot License. We do have a few Deaf with Commerical Ratings and some limitations (like no night flights or must have hearing as co-pilot) We hope that FAA will lift some restrictions so Deaf Commerical pilot can have equal rights with all advanced technology we have today. I have been flying over 40 Years.
Clyde Smith And I founded Deaf Pilots Association in 1994 at Knoxville, TN.
http://www.deafpilots.org
HEY!!!! Deaf Truckers, get organized and fight D.O.T. for our rights. You can not win as single but as a TEAM.
March 5, 2007 at 8:57 pm
H.W.Jascor
why not find out each state’s law and why did they bring up and what happen in past. Bosses have too many imaginary on deaf person who wants to drive.
March 5, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Tammy
Hi everyone, im a Deaf Employment Counselor in Canada. This vlog is good to know because I’ve been doing some research for my clients who are truck drivers. I’ve had two or three come back to me and tell me that they could not drive in the states any more.
I find it ironic that we are able to drive vehicles and even airplanes (as Jack Kesley mentioned above) but cant really drive 18 wheeler trucks in ALL of Amercia.
hmmmm….. we still have to keep fighting and be a team in this.
March 6, 2007 at 4:10 am
Randall Doane
Glad you guys present this vlog. I graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College as truck driver in 1999 with 3 endorsements, tankers, haz mat, and double/triple. First company was hard because it didn’t come with Qualcomm equipment but I made it. Had a close call in Nebraska scale where they almost pull me off the road but I made it. Second company was very good, 2000 Volvo with Qualcomm equipment and drove all over the country plus Canada until I got less days off then I quit in 2001. Moved to Texas and have to start truck driving school again because I haven’t driven more than 5 years. Graduated last month from Austin’s International Schools, now I have my CDL back. The real problem I have now is that almost every recruiter wants me to call with regular telephone, not VRS or emails. FYI I passed the minimum 40 dB pure-tone hearing test BUT always fail “forced whisper hearing test”. We need to get together to make some plans to advocate for better driving opportunity for hearing impaired drivers who cannot use regular telephone. Logged approx 195,000 miles under my belts. I have proof for that, of course my log books. Thanks for your vlog!!!!
March 6, 2007 at 5:31 am
Randall Doane
Hearing folks often look at forced whisper hearing tests and forget the minimum 40 dB average of 500HZ, 1000HZ and 2000HZ part. I tried to point that to the “hearing” and they often say that you need to be able to pass the forced whisper hearing test and I said what about the pure-tone hearing test that I passed. They said “Well, I need you to call me back with your telephone, not with VRS”
Check website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/hearing1.pdf.
You need to have at least 8th grade English to meet DOT’s English language requirement. I think it is time to get together and setup network of hearing impaired drivers who wish to drive commerical vehicles just like myself!
March 6, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Lisa Purnell Noll
Okay, here goes: I am a VR counselor in Pennsylvania. I am Deaf – capital “D”. I have hassled with this problem for the past 7 years and it is no fun to fight with the Feds. I even asked NAD to help out with this. Was told that we can not fight a Federal Law. However, we can fight at the local level which is the state level. Problem with this is that the state can do whatever they want – they can follow the federal law or bypass the federal law/waive the deaf to drive trucks.
In Pennsylvania, they abide by the Federal law. Sigh. Now, the tough part is this: A deaf person or a hard of hearing person who wears hearing aid/ can speak/use phone passes the CDL physical test. But, a Deaf who is an ASL user/not wear hearing aid, does not have this opportunity to be a truck driver. In Pennsylvania, the trucking industry is the 2nd TOP employment field to get into, next to Nursing in first place.
What an opportunity this would be for deaf people to earn money, be equal to hearing! It does not matter about hearing!!!!! So, my position is this: yes, fight this discrimination with or without NAD… Use the ACLU – pls. count me in to be a vocational expert in this!!!!!
March 6, 2007 at 1:27 pm
James DeMers
I know how deaf drivers are getting frustrating due to discrimination. I know there was deaf driver who drove trucks in California for many years. You may contact him at jameshighy@earthlink.net .
March 6, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Lisa Purnell Noll
Keep in mind that the law varies from state to state. It is time to stop it and go all the way to the Federal level for ALL people with hearing loss, regardless of ability to hear or not!!!!
March 6, 2007 at 5:01 pm
David Bateman
I am David Bateman from MN and have a CDL and DOT card for 9 years with no problem and I make about half millions miles with 5 different trucks with 18 wheels. I also do have waiver card for hearing program on state law which MN was adopted a own law after new law from federal law. Federal law sucks because it is kind of discrimintion on deaf people who want to drive semi truck and drive across line of state. My point on hearing program about 40db or less will pass for federal law. My is 45db, failed but MN have a law for deaf driver for only interastate and I make 12 hours a day, anyway point about hearing program is no difference because when the brake air lost, look at gauge to see any drop after hit the brake WILL tell it is air leak. I did many time with that problem. Those gauges is designing with warning device is for hearing and deaf driver, too.
March 6, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Jack Barr
Hi Everyone,
Thank you all for your wonderful comments! What I would like to do is to create a second part vlog with your comments in ASL so more deaf people can understand more on what is going on.
You can choose three ways for your comments to be displayed at my vlog:
1. Allow me to translate your comments to vlog
2. Make a vlog through your webcam and sent your video attachment to jackeyes@tds.net
3. I will call you through vp and record your VP conversation in my vlog. You can sent me an e-mail to asljack@yahoo.com with your vp number so I can schedule a time to call you.
Let me know what you prefer.
Thank you very much
Jack Barr
March 6, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Billy C.
HELLO EVERYONE…
HEY MINE IS WORST THAN ANYONE AND WILL SEND THE VIDEO 1978 I AM TRUCK DRIVING 18 WHEELERS SOON TKS BC
March 6, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Justin B. Potts
I think its wrong that deaf can’t get CDL I tried it myself. I cannot do no jobs that works with oil, natural gas, electric, water or sewer . That’s what I want do for living all requires CDL . That’s bull lets go fight the goverment s bull! I am piss off because of discrimation on my jobs interest !
March 7, 2007 at 1:27 am
Rocky D
Well , trying to tell you cuz i am full of ASL english…I work for city of flint , mich and state of mich call me for elevator on me . state of mich 6 peoples against me i am only one person with an interpreter . they asked me how did i become deaf . i told god put me deaf for their purpose . and I told them that i delivery my big trailer for race stuffs and i told them i have big truck with big fifth wheels ,, go to colorado with high mountain with many curves high up and down . no problem at all ..almost like length 65 feets semi truck no different then the state of mich gave accept me to drive up to 98,000 weight of semi truck with heavy loads . it is class A with air brake system . then i can drove straight truck with air brake it is class b with n .. N MEAN I CAN CARRY WITH HAZZARD LIQUIDS , in big city many cars around in city they allowed me drove … easy tell them that you drive one ton pull with fifth wheels for ur pleasuer vacation they will say no to u ???? they cant do that GOOD LUCK
March 7, 2007 at 1:43 am
c.e.rice
Hi, did you people ever think of going to your disability right center? There should one center in every state, where they will support you people in your battle against this discrimination. I have, a few year ago, joined a class action lawsuit against ups. Ups was doing the same thing and using dot as an excuse, even though, the job I was looking for, was for in state driving only. They did the whisper test for me, which of course, I failed and even over my protests, when hearing people wear headphones listening to music while driving. So get involve together and go to disability right center. They might get the aclu involved. Good luck.
March 7, 2007 at 3:49 am
Wayne Monahan
Hi everyone. I know about this as I did fight with US Dot in Washington DC. Long story, I will do later. anyway I am Wayne Monahan who still drive big truck or semi over 29 years from coast to coast in Canada as I am from Edmonton, Alberta. I had story on Silent News on June 1993 about it. hope to have my video. Short note, Right now I pull two 53 feet trailer called long vehicle combination with no problem. Lots of carriers are afraid to hire deaf, I did experience thru this kind. I still cant go to states. i am profoundly deaf. Agree about what different between pilot and trucker. Lots of idiot truckers got accident with trains, what damn! Also if I own freightliner with RV (5th wheel) for recreational with no problem, what different?
WM
March 7, 2007 at 6:02 am
A
50 states are not good and not worth it..
50 states are playing around on american people..
50 states are cause american people confuses and not fair law..
i rather america is ” AMERICA “..
good America law is better than 50 states laws..
March 7, 2007 at 9:28 pm
A
Each state has rights to govern itself, however I thought once you have a valid license (no matter which state) each state respects the license just like a regular drivers license and any other intra-state business travel and education because it is all ultimately under federal regulation when one state refuses to accept another states regulations.
March 7, 2007 at 10:17 pm
William Haab
This is Bill. I read this comments and video. I have problems with D.M.V They won’t allow me to get CDL part of class B and A drive lic because I cannot hear a forced whisper at 5 feet. Come ON !!!! I work at city of Shreveport. I work for draining and street. They announce free training class for CDL I sign up and I e mail to DMV but they did return my response. They said “If you are deaf ( cannot hear a forced whisper at 5 feet ) you do not meet the medical qualifications for a CDL.” I am current live in Louisiana. I ask my boss to removed where I sign up for free training because of DMV. SAD! I use to drive lic class “E” I decided to use class “D” to get extra money from work. But I wish use Class A or B to get more money from work that important for my living billing. it pass the test. I am driving as tractor with bush hog or bait wing. Sometime I use driving with small dump truck with 4 doors with air brake. It up to truck weight that class D limited up to 27,000 pound I can’t remember what book said.I relized hearing people who driving that truck with air brake. Mostly of time they cannot hear when air leak by engine area. Only they can hear at emergency brake yellow or red button has small leak. Only I can see gauge scale pressure to tell me warning. When you wear hearing aid, you won’t help that much to hear air leak. Can you hear bird’s whisper ? I don’t! I have been on road and I see two black mark with 1/4 miles on the road because back of 18 wheel trailer got lock up brake. How they can hear searrrrrccccchhhh with out stop then got flat tires finally stopped and pull over. I still cannot get class B and A. That make me upset.
March 8, 2007 at 2:01 am
Richard Haag
Iam Richard Haag from Kansas. Well, I heard so many times in the past, but I don’t know why the hearing people think that deaf people can’t able to do, like hearing people do their job.
For myself, I was looking for 16 feet flat bed trailer at the trailer dealership, that happen, the guy talked to me while he saw my hearing aid on and asked me “Are you deaf?” I said “I am hard of hearing.” He said “Well, it is against the law, because deaf driver is not allow to pull the trailer.” I won’t listen to him and left. I checked on the internet and there is no against the law for deaf driver to pull the trailer. Later, I looked at another place and purchased the trailer. The guy was so happy and filled out the paperwork for purchase the trailer.
Other story, I heard that some hearing real estate talked about not allow deaf people buy the farm. There is no illegal rule. I purchased ten acres farm and there is nothing wrong with that. My family love to live in country.
When you see the hearing people said something about against deaf people, I call “That is hearing people’s rules!” Our deaf people can have a right to do.
March 8, 2007 at 2:28 am
Jeff Willis
This is Jeff, 18 years ago I worked at Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport Refuel Truck Driver with 10,000 gallons capactiy for 4 years I never accident Traffic or planes. trucks has air brakes trouble never happen me also I never get CDL just took test passed at Employees out of business
many years I worked Mechanic Airlines different states out of business I moved to Wisc. close my family and old friends where I grew up in WI. 7 years I been hunting job too many discrimiations I try to application at Airlines in WI no one hire me. I cant back work like as McDonald that shit low salary! it s not fair hearing making lot of earn money than deaf people also I hard study in college gradauted for auto, diesel and airlines mechanic never get jobs if I owns business Airlines hires deaf people employee for bagges carriers, fuel, A&P mechanic not hire hearing people only hire pilots know asl. how feel hearing people not get job
March 8, 2007 at 4:06 pm
B. Taylor
I have been known 4 deaf driver in Virginia.
1. Jackie Owens had been owned 40 tons coal hauling truck (18 wheels). Jackie carried 40 tons coal hauling truck to TVA for 25 years. He sold his truck.
2. Andrew King works as driver with 18 wheels truck for 20 years. He got promoted his job in office. He said that he need to rest. He used to drive big truck from east to west every time.
3. David Reedy (deceased) had more than 18 wheels of backhoe for 40 years. He always carried this truck with big backhoe for highway construction and some work in mountain.
4. Deaf man (unknown name) works as driving chartered bus (48 people) for commuter to Washington DC. Yes he often to use Bus travel tour in South. He live in Fredericksburg, Va. –Bus named Quick’s Bus Line.
Thanks
Billy
March 8, 2007 at 6:03 pm
William Haab
I am going to send fill out form to ACLU of Louisiana in New Orleans, La complain about that I cannot get become class CDL. Because Louisiana office of Motor Vehicles will not let me become class CDL because I am deaf.
March 8, 2007 at 10:33 pm
A
March 7th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
A
Each state has rights to govern itself, however I thought once you have a valid license (no matter which state) each state respects the license just like a regular drivers license and any other intra-state business travel and education because it is all ultimately under federal regulation when one state refuses to accept another states regulations.
i rather america driver license..no need state at all..
50 states of govern itself is playing around on american citizenship people..
i like one america govern is in washington, d.c..
March 8, 2007 at 11:06 pm
William Johnson
Hello Jack,
My name is William Johnson, I myself is a Full Blown truck driver w/doubles-triples endorsement, also with Haz-mat endorsement . I have a 110% loss in my Left ear, I have 60% loss in my right ear. 100% corrected
with use of an aid in right ear only. If i take my hearing aid off i am fully deaf. I have had my License since I was 20 yrs old. I took a home study course and then a driving class at the end of course.A Two week driving course.During my d.o.t. physical I explained to the Docter that i was deaf/hard-of-hearing. He says ok so if you can demonstrate a forced whisper for him he was satisfied with that. Plus I can also hear a forced whisper. Have no problem there. I myself have known sign language since i was 12 yrs. old. I now work for OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINES excellent job w/benefits and excellent pay. I work over-the -road from east -to west coast almost all states. I have held an adminstrative position / Operation manager/Driver /in San Diego for a postal Contracter for whom his parents owned the company was Deaf. (G.T.S.) I used to work for.
Anyways, I understand the frustration for the deaf/Hard-of Hearing. I have been there. I think it would be nice if one has an Trucking Operation that
would only Hire the deaf/Hard-of-Hearing. If one was to exist I would be happy to represent the company and or administrative part and advocate for the deaf. The deaf can do as a good job as hearing person can and if not a better job than the hearing can. I myself is proof! I agree on Lisa Purnell’s comments. I also agree with Dustin’s comments as well. And Jack that was an excellent vlog. Yes I agree that it destroys dreams for the deaf and to be able not to travel. It is time for someone to stand up and fight for the Deaf/Hard -of-Hearing rights to drive C.D.L. They already have a License to drive a vehicle. There is no discrimination there. But When it comes to a potential job for the deaf there again get slapped in the face because of one technicality which is by all means is DISCRIMINATION.I would say that maybe, A.D.A. could get involved. Well it was an interesting topic. If you need help in any way please feel free to e-mail me at wpjohnson@frontiernet.net I would be happy to assist. Bill Johnson
March 8, 2007 at 11:12 pm
William Johnson
I also believe that it would help alot of Deaf people get off Social Security benefits as well. Thanks bill
March 9, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Chris Kenopic
I have a good friend in Ontario Canada who is Deaf and has been driving 18 wheelers for the past 18 years. I know of 3 other Deaf truck drivers from Ontario and a few from across Canada. The only thing that’s unfortunate is that when they gotta carry a load into USA they have to be paired with a hearing driver to go too. This is crazy especially since the USA has its ADA, right!
Hopefully the States get up to speed on today’s society to ending this silly barriers! Get in touch with NAD or State Associations of the Deaf to get their support.
I’m not a truck driver but do support Deaf people can do any job given to them!
Chris Kenopic
March 10, 2007 at 2:13 am
C.R. Luckett
only a couple of things I have to say I own one of the finest 700 horse power cat on the road 325 inch w.b 119 inch bunk a 6000 dollar trick my truck paint job this truck is show truck all the way the kind of ride 99%of people only dream of well well well would you believe my partner and best friend is deaf deaf deaf and this 50 year young man has forgotten more about big power and show trucks and needless to say one of the finest and baddest 2006 379peterbilts in the United States and Canada today also this deaf man has never put one scratch on my pete also his driving record is prefect the bible I read says lend a hand or help a man in need by the way when he was 18 years old he was assigned to the 24 th marine regiment in Vietnam take a wild guess how my friend became 99%deaf he had an ear blown off by an a_k47 try his boots on.
Thank you,
C.R.
March 11, 2007 at 4:27 am
Walker Estes
I have read your comments about 18 wheelers. I don’t drive it but I do drive 77 passenger Thomas school bus. I do have CDL. For years, I have driven bus to Florida, North Carolina, Texas and several states. When CDL came into being, I was restricted to the state of Louisiana. I am not allowed to drive across state line anymore. I still drive buses almost everyday. Tried to get LAD and NAD to assist me but no luck…
Deaf Bus Driver
AWE
March 12, 2007 at 6:50 am
Janine
Hi Everyone…
Im not a truck driver..This is crazy..i truly believe deaf people can drive a semi truck…i dont see a reason not to…. something need to be done about this… we the deaf people are like any hearing people… .. i wish i have the power to fight for the people who want to drive or is a semi truck drivers… i support deaf people who want to drive semi truck and travel across USA …it does pissed me off when it come to confusion.. its not fair to deaf people… dont worry… have faith.. everything will gets better down the road.. we all need to be a team work and fight our way through this… by the way im deaf and from illinois…if there’s anything i can do to help.. pls feel free to let me know… i dont know what i can do to help but all i know i support semi truck drivers or who want to drive with CDL.. DONT GIVE UP.. FIGHT FOR WHAT U BELIEVE FOR UR RIGHTS ! REMEMBER BY LAW IT SAYS ” CANNOT DISCRIMANTED FROM ANY JOBS ”
SAMETHING GOES FOR ME TOO… I WANT O BE THE FIRST DEAF SINGER IN AMERICA.. I WAS TOLD I SING GOOD NOT PERFECT BUT YET GETTING THERE.. AND I KNOW HOW IT FEELS BEING REJECT JUST CUZ URE DEAF ! keep ur head up high !
March 12, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Larry Harris
Hi, myself introduce my name is Larry Harris who is deaf since he had expereince to working for Bus mechanic. They discrimation him after taking tests passed then had been to meet phyiscal exam but the doctor do not allow deaf work at CTA (Chicago transit Authority mean discrimation to not hire him.
He decided to contact ADA to get informations to violate because the CTA gave him tests passed then no reason for not allow hire deaf to work at city bus mechanic. After ADA lawyer worked hard to helping me to success to work for CTA in the 24 years and he had CTL license to drive bus and journeyman.
To support the deaf can drive trucks etc. Smile……
Larry Harris
March 13, 2007 at 4:34 am
Charles Oakley
I have been try to get class for truck driver. I love to drive long trip, nice work to earn better than my job which have been stressful for long time and money okay.
In MN, i was try talk for class, they keep same say deaf cant hear whisper for brake. I moved to Oregon and talk with dvr and same say about whisper brake, oh boy!!! why the world think deaf cant take job.
WHO CARE ABOUT STUPID WHISPER BRAKE however hearing people didnt listen whipser brake that they listen CB talking or loud radio HUH DUH!!!
March 13, 2007 at 9:54 pm
CALVIN HAEFNER
I HAVE BEEN DRIVE SEMI TRUCK (18 WHEELS) FOR A CONSTUCTION COMPANY IN KANSAS FOR COUPLES YEARS. I GOT NO PROBLEM WITH DISCRIMATION FOR MY BEING PROFOUND DEAF. POILCE STOPPED ME COUPLES TIMES AND SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH ME AS TRUCK DRIVER. I GOT NO SPECIAL TESTING, NO SPECIAL REQUIREMENT, NO PHYSICAL EXAM, ETC. I DROVE SEMI TRUCK ALL ACROSS 8 STATES. HOW DO I GOT THAT JOB AS TRUCK DRIVER? AT FIRST, THE CONSTUCTION COMPANY ASKED ME FIRST QUESTION, “HAVE YOU DROVE SEMI TRUCK BEFORE?” I SAID “NO, BUT I RAISED ON THE RANCH AND FARM WHICH I WORKED WITH MANY MACHINES SUCH AS TRACTORS, COMBINES, AND DROVE TRUCK TO TRANSPORTATION THE CATTLES AND CROPS, ETC ” THEY HIRED ME RIGHT THERE ON SAME DAY, NO MATTER WHAT. THEY NEVER MET DEAF PERSON LIKE ME BEOFRE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL HIRE ANYONE IMMEDIATELY WHO HAS BEEN WORKING ON THE FARM PREVIOUS. “WHY?… ALWAYS GOOD WORKER” SO I AM.
March 14, 2007 at 4:35 pm
John D. Grebenc
Hello My name is John D Grebenc and from Minnesota. I working as truck driver 18 wheeler full time for Pan O Gold Bakery ( Country Hearth ) for 3 years. I drive as local sometime drive to Iowa, Wisc, and North Dakota. so I have 8 years expernice.. First job I drive 18 wheeler Hauled sawdust, bark, chips, and logger from Canada to Minnesota for 4 yrs. I dont know if some of you know that State of Minn is allowing deaf can drive 18th wheeler ONLY in state but cant cross other state.. so state of Minn. allow deaf drive 18th wheeler without hazard materail and more than 15 passenager (bus) if want haul hazard materail and drive bus then have to meet with Federal physical, I passed federal physical so I have hazard materail. State of Minn changed law allow deaf driver ( 18 wheeler ) in 1995. I suggest all of deaf driver & dreamer be trucker have to email or call to pick on UNTIED STATE CONGRESS to remove federal law.. that law for hearing level test is 1968!! no one fight or want to remove it for almost 40 years! we have to fight and remove it then 50 states will have “GREEN LIGHTS” for deaf trucker go through any states without struggle with law enforncement or scale or any place.. I have story about one hearing man trucker.. he drive 18th wheeler for many many years.. one day USDOT inspect man’s truck and phycial.. and found he have right bad eye (20/60) ( I think) and usdot told him cant drive 18th wheeler and he very upset and he filed with lawyer to against usdot in court and few months or few yrs he WON! why? he have milllions millions miles with accident FREE and many safety awards and one of him to remove federal law with vision and he get waiver card from dr that he can driver truck.. so now FEDERAL have waiver for VISIONS and DIABETES but they DONT have waiver for deaf.. Are fair for deaf people?? HELL NO! but State of Minn have provide a waiver for deaf to drive 18th wheeler only in state of MInn. one day I drove from Canada to Minn and USDOT stop me and inspect me and they ordered me out of service I got puzzled why? I found out Doctor make mistake on physical exam card Dr unsure with my hearing so I called headquarter with DOT in St Paul, MN and explained situation I went to audiologist and passed it proof to usdot.. then and I learned from them too they say no one fight to removeor change federdal law with hearing test level, MEAN ? EVERY DEAF COMMUNITY & DEAF FRIENDS & FAMILIES HAVE TO FIGHT TO REMOVE FEDERAL LAW.. AND EMAIL & CALL YOUR UNTIED STATES CONGRESS TO REMOVE IT.. DONT EMAIL ONCE TO THEM, KEEP KEEP KEEP MANY TIMES AS YOU CAN! AND DONT GIVE YOUR DREAM & HOPE!
March 14, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Thomas Cahill
I trust that my best freind Jim Baronistill work 18 wheeler trucker at domiciks foods that he drive for 6 years plus old job still work at 28 yrs SO he is only deaf and can read their lipread
March 15, 2007 at 2:23 am
Paul Lovell
I have been same problems with other comments as Walker Estes’ comment. I drove the school bus for 12 years plus training other deaf drivers who participate as bus drivers at Texas School For the Deaf
In past DMV allowed deaf drivers to drive bus CDL B out of the states until now in year 1993 -1994 the DMV change law to restrict driving only interstate that make me frustrated. I felt like that they are putting us lower than hearing people, however hearing and deaf are the same.
My question is does hearing truck drivers(18 wheelers or more) actually able to hear the whisper noise? The facts that we depend on the light signals on that when it tells us that problems are brakes,oil, coolant, engine light,and many more included whisper noise.
Therefore I dont see any difference between cars and !8 wheelers.
Hope that helps
Former Bus Driver
Paul Lovell
March 15, 2007 at 3:39 am
JV
I’m Hard of Hearing drove 3 different types of garbage trucks 11 yrs & I’m sick of laws putting us down…no Medical Certificate, NO JOB!!!
The air leak EXCUSE…BIG F**KING BS, there are 3 types of devices all trucks come with for air brakes when losing below 65 lbs.,
1)air pressure gauge
2)red light
3)loud buzzing sound
and all come out warning same times….what more excuses are there(there’s none to me)???
Love to drive 18 wheels as Owner/Driver
The law SUCKS such as Helmet Law, too!!!
March 15, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Lyle Dougherty
Hello driver truck and everbody
My name is Lyle Dougherty and from Duluth in Minn
my self drive truck for 13 year and i was driver dump truck on hwy and free way for my Dad company Doughertys Truck been long time also I grow up with my family strong trucker then i went school in white bear lake 916 voctech for three year had took diffent class i pass whole thing i decide took test lic for A class i pass it also o pass everthing go on 18 wheeler i quit got new job bigest Company work for Norhland Const Company great benfit everthng too better that work any place small wage suck now i am driver bellydump haul many kind of gravel and hot blacktop i love those job smile my boss say to me they great of deaf can doing many kind on job and boss know that law is suck so am still on road bellydump next year in fall i will drive logger or some thing would have two job best i can do no matter what is deaf can doing it
i would love drivetruck out of state i know many of deaf tired of law of federal and congress too my self hate law should change it !! we want all state 50 can allow it not just each one of state that bullshit we stand for it and fight back to our right hope in furture would be grow better for our deaf people and stand for it not gave up !!!!!!!! JUST WE WANT REMOVE TO FEDERAL LAW AND CONGRESS LAW !!!!!!!
March 19, 2007 at 1:02 am
James Queen
hello truckers and everybody
My Name Is James Queen. I’m From here Florida. I M DEAF MYSELF ALSO I WEAR HEARING AIDE ON LEFT SIDE EAR. I real always want be TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER for long time. I m very pissed off with Fla State Laws & D.O.T LAWS, It real kinda of DISCRIMINTION ON DEAF PEOPLE cant to become a 18 WHEELER TRUCK DRIVER with CDL class A or CDL class B with air brake. That real stupid laws.
I went to truck driver school and for free lesson & free test drive 1 day. 5 different teacher trainers like to be challeage with me because they want see how deaf can to drive truck driver 18 wheeler. They say come on james. let rode in semi. and teacher was sit on passager and i was sit myself driver.. then I turn engine runs and put gear shift in. move on and drive on the road. The teacher was so excuited to see that way i do ” deaf can do it ” drive and shift super 10 speed. THEY SAY U ARE SO EXTELLENT DRIVER AND NO MISTAKE WITH SUPER 10 SPEED. THEY SAY U CAN DO IT NO MATTER DEAF IS.. Then they offer me want me take TRAINING AND CLASS. I told them Fine with me SURE … Then i went to DOT PHYSICAL EXAM AND HEARING AIDE PASSED BY 5 FEET BY WHISPER. iI was so very happy i got passed it then I went to Vocational reh. (V.R).. they are very happy heard that I passed with DOT physical exam and medical exam card. then VR went paid me to truck driver school for training and class.. THEN HAPPEN when i got arrived at TRUCK DRIVER SCHOOL. and Gave paper from VR paid approve to DIRECTOR OF TRAINER.. The DIRECTOR OF TRAINER say KNOW U JAMES. BUT HAVE TO TELL U .. ” U CANT TAKE CLASSES AND TRAINING SORRY, iI got pissed off and i show him that i PASSED DOT PHYSCIAL BY DR SIGN AND HAVE MEDICAL EXAM CARD. T he DIRECTOR OF TRAINER say know saw that … SORRY u cant take that classes and training truck driver. I asked WHY?? He say MUST USE A VERBAL COMMUNICATION AND CANT USE AN INTERPRETER IN CLASSES AND TRAINING DURING DRIVE SEMI. iI got worse angry and pissed off.. also what more is that what DIRECTOR OF TRAINER TOLD ME he have to follow by FLORIDA STATE LAWS.. I told him no different i passed DOT PHYSCIAL EXAM AND MEDICAL CARD TOO .. He knows remeber AMUST USE VEBAL COMMUNICATION AND CANT USE AN INTERPRETER. I was still pissed off and back to VR and tell my VR counlor what happen .. VR was upset then VR was called to FLA state and DOT. They still refuse give any waiver for deaf. Vr told them that i passed DOT PHYSICAL AND HAVE MEDICAL CARD. THEY say sorry. MUST USE A VEBAL COMMUNTICATION.. VR was try to fight for me . .still FAILURE. Now i m stuck no one can help and to fight with stupid federal laws and DOT too..
HEY EVERYBODY AND TRUCKERS.
I WOULD LIKE TO ASKING U. CAN GET ALL OF DEAF PEOPLE THAT WHO WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER FOR SERIOUS. I WOULD LIKE ASKING U FOR SUPPORT TEAM AND FIGHT UP TO CHANGE THE FEDERAL LAWS, DOT LAWS, UNTIED STATE CONGRESS TO REMOVE “5 FEET OF WHISPER” ALSO NEED TO CHANGE LAWS TO PERMIT DEAF PEOPLE TO BECOME A TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER FOR INTRSTATE AND INTERSTATE NO DIFFERENT. WE NEED MORE TEAMS DEAF TO SUPPORT AND FIGHT UP TO CHANGE LAWS!!
WHY NOT ALL DEAF PEOPLE GOING TO WASHINGTION D.C AREA FEDERAL LAWS, UNTIED STATE CONGRESS LAWS AND PLUS STRIKE AND STAND UP SPEAK OUT THERE FRONT OG FEDREALLAWS,US CONGRESS, US PRESIDENT TO REMOVE STUPID LAWS AND PERMIT ALLOW DEAF PEOPLE TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER FOR INTRSTATE & INTERSTATE FOR ALL 50 STATES. ALSO NEED US FEDERAL LAWS,US CONGRESS,DOT LAWS, AND US PRESIDENT TO CHANGE LAWS FOR TRUCKING COMPANIES INSURANCES TO PERMIT ACCPET ALLOW DEAF PEOPLE TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER …. DEAF CAN DO IT EQUAL SAME HEARING ! NO DIFFERENT
HOW TELL ME HOW MANY PERCENT(%) HEARING TRUCK DRIVER ACCIDENT HISTORY IN ALL US????
HOW TELL ME HOW MANY PERCENT(%) DEAF TRUCK DRIVER ACCIDENT HISTORY ??
I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY WHY FEDERAL LAWS AND DOT LAWS NOT PERMIT DEAF TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER AND CANT GET CDL ? HUH..
NO DIFFERENT.. MANY DEAF PEOPLE CAN DRIVE CARS,TRUCK (PICKUP), MOTORCYCLES,RECREATION MOBILEMOTOR, PULL BIG TRAILER TRAILER LIKE BOATS,RV TRAILERS, ETC REAL SAME AS 18 WHEELER
TRUCK DRIVER IS PART OF JOB FOR EARN MONEY FOR LIFE COST!!
MY DREAM ALWAYS WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER SO BADLY AND MY GOAL WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER SOON!!
DONT GIVE UP ! AND STAY STRONG & STRONG STAND UP TO FIGHT UP TO CHANGE LAWS , TRUCKING COMPNIES, TRUCKING COMPANIES INSURANCES TO PERMIT, ALLOW AND ACCPET DEAF PEOPLE IN!
ANY QUESTION?? COME DISCUSS & FEED BACK..
MY GOAL IS HOPE SOMEDAY IN FUTURE ALL DEAFIE PEOPLE CAN STAND UP AND FIGHT UP AT WASHINGTON D.C THAT WAY I LOOKING FOR WHO WILLING HELP ME AND SUPPORT TEAM TO FIGHT UP..
THANK
JAMES ” KEEP ON TRUCKIN” DEAF TRUCKER .. DEAF CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!
March 19, 2007 at 1:28 am
James Queen
HEY THERE TRUCKERS AND EVERYBODY
I KNOW SOME DEAFIE PEOPLE CANT AFFORD TO FLYING TO WASHINGTON DC AND SOME DEAFIE CAN AFFORD FLYING TO WASHINGTON DC TO FIGHT UP AND STRIKE TO COMPLAIN TO CHANGE LAWS.. THAT MY POINT …
HOPE CAN HELP EACHOTHER, SUPPORT LIKE A TEAM TO FIGHT UP TO CHANGE LAWS. THAT WHY I NEED UR HELP AND SUPPORT.. SAMETHING I DO HELP AND SUPPORT ALL OF U! TO GET SUCESSFULLY AND BE HAPPY PEACEFUL BECOME 18 WHEELER TRUCK DRIVER!
KEEP IN TOUCH
JAMES
March 19, 2007 at 1:48 am
Chef Theo Burke
Not long ago, I were in Delaware 1976 to 1985. My deaf freinds and I were thinking take truck lesson. due of our passion see America ! we spoke with Driver Education teacher at Delaware school for the Deaf. He told us we can’t drive truck .. They expecting driver to hear drop pin on floor while drive truck !
YIKES ! How the world they expectational of hearing drop of pin while high level of nose while 18 wheel with desiel engine . It is NO WAY for hearing people could hear the drop of pin !!!!
Keep fighting until they hear our heart and mind !
Theo Burke
March 19, 2007 at 1:50 am
James Queen
TODAY’S WORLD HAVE MANY NEW TECHNOGOLY FOR DEAF STUFFS like sidekick 2 or 3 pager, emails, vrs, vp, pc.laptop, and etc …
also deaf can do it be truck drivers use that “Satellite TTY for Deaf Truck Drivers”
satellite TTY that use only for communicate to receive & reply messages from the head office in Winnipeg for pick up and drop off any load delivery across the provinces.
The satellite TTY is called Unicom not sure correct spelling. His company truck has a satellite dish on a roof of his truck. It is very expensive, costs lot. Amount approx. $5000.00 each.
It helps deaf truck driver lots that use to receive information picking up and dropping off any load delivery. Not use phone. It is very interesting what satellite TTY is.
THAT US TRUCKING COMPANIES NEED THAT FOR DEAF TRUCK DRIVERS IT REAL VERY SIMPLE. IT EASY TO DO . RIGHT !!!
THAT WHY STUPID LAWS!! NEED TO CHANGE LAWS SOON PLEASE! BE PROUD OF DEAF TRUCK DRIVERS TEAMS! YEAH!
KEEP IN TOUCH
JAMES “DEAF TRUCKER”
March 19, 2007 at 2:03 am
James Queen
CANT HELP IT BECAUSE I M REAL MAD, ANGRY AND PISSED OFF WITH LAWS. BECAUSE MY DREAM, MY GOAL AND I M KINDA OF PASSION & LOYAL OF 18 WHEELER THAT WHY I WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER 18 WHEELER IN MY RED HEART! AS SAME U!
KEEP UP AND DONT GIVE UP!
COME ON TO FIGHT UP SOON NOT TAKE LONG! DEAF CAN DO IT !!!
ANY QUESTIONS, ANY COMMENTS. ANY FEEDBACK?
THANKS JAMES
March 19, 2007 at 3:26 am
John D. Grebenc
Hey James I agree with you.. Only way to email or contact your US CONGRESS. Also need to ask friends, families, and deaf commuties to support to fight that law it will get sucesss as long way!
KEEP EMAIL OR CALL US CONGRESS MANY AS YOU CAN!.. I going to email and work together with deaf trucker to fight to remove federal laws..
Also new truck have more techinal with air brake and Federal laws require air gauges & buzz and light on ( when air low) that no sense to not allow deaf person drive semi truck..
March 19, 2007 at 3:46 am
James Queen
Hey John. thanks for support. How i can find email for US CONGRESS? I agree with u that NEW TRUCKS HAVE MORE MANY NEW TECHINALWITH AIR BRAKE SYSTEM. YES OF COURSE ALL SEMI HAVE MANY GAUGES & BUZZ PLUS LIGHT ON WHEN LOW OR LEAK AIR BRAKE SYSTEM.
THAT TRUE NO SENSE COMMON ” CANT DEAF TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER BECAUSE OF THAT AIR BRAKE SYSTEM? OR NOISE DURING DRIVE ON THE ROAD? THAT REAL SILLY…
DEAFIE HAVE VERY GOOD EYES ON ALL THE TIME TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING OK DURING DRIVE ON THE ROAD AND BEFORE GET READY GO ON THE ROAD . JUST CHECK ALL TIRES, LIGHTS, ETC.. THEN GOING ON THE ROAD. USE SENSE COMMIN ..
WHAT WRONG WITH ALL STUPID LAWS!
KEEP IN TOUCH
THANKS
JAMES
March 19, 2007 at 4:02 am
Vanessia Crago
All Men who can drive truck as long they passed, same idea they passed with behind the wheel same idea they can do it with Truck driver.. i dont see any wrong.. as i Support John Grebenc hes Great driver and have no problem with it for long time .. same thing with other my friend David bateman too..
Now next Tony Anderson he passed everything and they wont allowed him to drive.. not make any sense.. he passed his behind the wheel same thing and he should pass the truck anyway..
I agree with you all MEN REMOVE the Federal Laws and contact US Congress about this.. with your RIGHTS !!
it make NO SENSE to everyone.. Cant drive trucks what a Joke.. i just cant believe they denied this.. i think its Stupid..
THEY CAN DO IT AND SUCCESSFUL plus fast worker what is their point.. Duh
All of you MEN Can DO IT DONT GIVE UP !!! i SUPPORT YOU GUYS.. = )
March 19, 2007 at 4:11 am
James Queen
YEAH!! I AGREE WITH U VANESSIA. THAT WHAT WE NEED TO REMOVE ALL FEDREAL LAWS AND NEED TO CONTACT US CONGRESS..
KEEP HELP EACH OTHER TO GET SUCESSFULL!!
March 19, 2007 at 3:13 pm
John D. Grebenc
Here Email address for US CONGRESS
United States House of Representatives
http://www.house.gov
United Senate
http://www.senate.gov
when you enter that browse and find your state or your district.. then email to your congress..
KEEEP FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT UNTIL IT REMOVE.. then we can have mega party..
March 19, 2007 at 8:18 pm
James Queen
Hey john. thank for give me 2 different house and senate. i still thinking figure out how i tell them point and reason to remove? can u help me? thank for keep team help each other.
keep in touch
STAY STRONG, DONT GIVE UP , STRONG STAND UP SPEAK OUT! TO FIGHT OUT TO GET SUCESSFULLY! BE HAPPY PROUD DEAF TRUCKER
THANKS
JAMES
March 21, 2007 at 4:56 am
James Queen
I read in FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINSTRATION REGULATIONS
The United States and Canada entered into a Reciprocity Agreement, effective March 30, 1999, recognizing that a Canadian commercial driver’s license is proof of medical fitness to drive. Therefore, Canadian commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are no longer required to have in their possession a medical examiner’s certificate if the driver has been issued, and possesses, a valid commercial driver’s license issued by a Canadian Province or Territory. However, Canadian drivers who are insulin-using diabetics, who have epilepsy, or who are hearing impaired as defined in §391.41(b)(11) are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Furthermore, Canadian drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provisions of the Canadian National Safety Code for Motor Carriers but who have been issued a waiver by one of the Canadian Provinces or Territories are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States.
———————————————————————————————–
Canadaian because they no long required to have in their possession a medical examiner’s certificate if the driver has been issued, and possesses, a valid commercial driver’s license issued by a Canadian Province or Territory.
“THAT WHAT WE NEED TO FIGHT TO GET WAIVER OFF MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CERTIFICATE FOR USA LIKE AS SAME CANADIAN WAY.”
other way i disagree with stupid USA that real discrimination on canadian drivers:
However, Canadian drivers who are insulin-using diabetics, who have epilepsy, or who are hearing impaired as defined in §391.41(b)(11) are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Canadian drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provisions of the Canadian National Safety Code for Motor Carriers but who have been issued a waiver by one of the Canadian Provinces or Territories are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States.
THAT REALLY STUPID SILLY USA LAWS IS SUCKS THAT REAL “DISCRIMINATION”….
THAT REAL NEED TO FIGHT WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINSTRATION REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINSTRATION TO REMOVE HEARING PROGRAMS & MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CERTIFICATE..
BUT SHOULD TO FIGHT TO CONGRESS?? OR WHAT??
ANY QUESTIONS, ANY FEEDBACK , ANY COMMENTS? ANY IDEA? ETC…
DONT BE GIVE UP AND STAY STRONG THINKING OF BE TRUCKER!!! THUMB UP..
THANKS
JAMES
March 21, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Randall Doane
James, glad that u posted about FMCSA rulings. I understand that you are frustrated, just like me with this outdated forced whisper hearing test. The sounds in 2000HZ range can be found in words, mostly.
Sirens, train horns, air horns, fog horns, and you can name any horns AND they are NOT in the 2000HZ range, not even that close. It is harder to hear the “alerting devices” when the windows are closed, like in wintertime. You can find the findings in the weblink at:
Click to access hearing1.pdf
In my opinion, the people who conduct this research are somewhat biased.
Generally, almost all hearing people started to lose their ability to hear at 2000HZ when they get older. Truck drivers knows that for a long time due to excessive noises in the cab.
Pretrip inspection, you need to perform air test for any leakage before you take off. If it leaks, don’t drive and get it fixed. After a trip, you still need to do posttrip inspection. If you do lot of “drop-n-hook” you have extra responsiblity to ensure their trailer air system is good when you pick up the trailer. If you find anything goes wrong, get it fixed before you drive it.
We still need to have drivers that pass medical examiner tests because we have too many commerical vehicle accidents and it must be controlled by weeding out “body-unable” drivers out of the driver seat.
I think current FED DOT hearing test requirement are way outdated and needs to be revised to meet current demands for qualified truck drivers. They now communicate by devices such as Qualcomm. More and more companies are insisting that their drivers to communicate by text instead of using the cell phones.
We need to educate the hearing people that we have less chances of getting involved in accidents because we USE our “specialized” eyes, one of our basic 5 senses that automatically compensate when you lose your hearing. When I go on the OTR, I saw many silly accidents that is caused by hearing truck drivers. Lot of accidents I saw ARE preventable! I do not understand why hearing is more important than your eyes, your hands, and your foot!
You need your right foot to get your rig moved and still need a good right foot to get your rig to slow down or to stop safety! Of course, you need your left foot to “depress” the clutch. You can feel if the throw-out bearing is getting tired. You can feel if one of your u-joints is worn out. You can feel if one of your injectors is not working to the maximum, like 5 and half cylinders. You can feel if your fifth wheel is adjusted properly. You can look at the mirrors to make sure the wheels ain’t smoking. When tire blows, it gives you a good “bang” you would feel it instantly. If the tire lose air slowly, I bet you will never be able to hear tire that leaks air while cruising. One of the reason why we need to have tires checked every time we stop!
So, my burining question is why is the 2000HZ is reqired for safety to drive commerical vehicles?
We should not fight but to step in and to EDUCATE the DOT people and be friends with us. If you fight, they will fight you back and leave you in the cold. You gotta to remember that DOT can slap you with big fines if you don’t follow the their rules on the road.
We should write to our legislators to help them understand why the hearing test is outdated and needs to be updated.
Guess we have to keep trying, and try harder together to achrive what we want the fair opportunity to drive tractor-trailers, interstate and intrastate.
Randy
March 22, 2007 at 3:10 am
Mitchell Dillman
I have been driving for 3 years. I took driver training here in St. Cloud, MN with an interpreter. The teacher thought I did a good job in class, and would be a good driver. I passed the D.O.T. physical and told the Dr. that he needed to make sure it said i have a hearing device.(cochlear implant) I hired on with Swift in Inver Grove Heights, MN. On my first solo, trip after the 6 week training, I got pulled in to the weigh station in Colorado. The D.O.T. guy there saw that i had a medical alert on my drivers license as I can not have a MRI due to implant magnet. He tried everything he could to get me pulled off the road, but i was wayyyyy too smart for that guy(lol). when he turned his back to walk 12 feet away for the forced whisper, I turned my implant alllll the way up and told him exactly what he said. He was embarrassed as his co- workers were laughing at him because he had that mean attitude with me and I proved him wrong. But he just couldnt let it go so he called all over the state trying to find out if a cochlear implant was a hearing device. He even called all the way up to the Governors office, but C.I was not listed as a hearing device, he was so dissapointed that he could not issue me a real ticket, only a notice to have my medical card corrected. I am now driving flatbeds for a small carrier in MN and am driving all over the U.S. I enjoy driving trucks and proving to the hearing people that i can do this job just as good as they can.
Mitch
March 23, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Dana Dillman
I see what is wrong with State discramation deaf driver truck as I understand that is real nonsense for this. I know what we have many deaf driver doing good job even better than hearing driver do. I hope the truck driver fight their right to have deaf driver truck so yell to senate or house about it hope they will see to it.
I am deaf myself and I have one son drive truck as he drive almost everywhere he can go so come on keep fight and speak up to senate and house that they must not push deaf truk driver out so, I see why they doing like this is really no sense for that as hearing is not count for that what count is eyes to look at as I see truck have techanical light that will let truck driver know what problem is so what is good about kick deaf out for. I see what we have is laptop, pager, some kind that deaf able to contact company by this. Think about it. We in Minnesota have many driver drive around so come on keep deaf driver going don’t give up so fight it up your pleasure to it.
March 26, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Jack Kelsey
HELLO FRIENDS,
IT WILL BE BEST TO ORGANIZE “DEAF TRUCKERS ASSOCIATION” OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO NAME THEN GET ACLU TO HELP US OUT.
FROM THERE, YOU MAY BREAK THE BARRIER. DON’T BE SELFISH, DO IT FOR OUR FUTURE DEAF KIDS WHO MAY WANT TO DRIVE ANY VEHICLES.
DEAFPOWER ALL THE WAY……..
GOOD LUCK,
JACK
March 27, 2007 at 5:16 am
Morris
Hello,
I wanted to say thank you very much for bring up this topic, I really enjoyed it and can relate to it; because I own and run a towing company here in NC. USDOT and FMCA won’t let me drive my OWN tow truck across the state lines and in my state I am only allowed to tow trucks no more than 10,000 lbs. We drowned in legal battles over that federal regulation 391.41 section 11 which states that a CDL applicant must be able to hear a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away and must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in an auditory tests with or without hearing aids. Also you must have a medical card that certifies the hearing capabilities. That law was made in 1951!! No one has even bothered to bring that up to be reviewed, and never answered the most important question of “WHY”? We wrote our congressman Howard Coble and was able to have a personal visit with him. He is an important key player in DOT and FMCA issues. Even allowed a diabetic insulin dependent driver to drive, so hope he would help to get that regulation reviewed and revised. We were told that we should know by late March or early April 2007. We visited with congressman Howard Coble in OCT 2005. This has been a long battle. And to be blunt, NAD would not help at all!!! We already asked NAD in 2005 and found NAD already tried and lost few years ago and so they buried it!! they would not bother with that again but hope they can prove me wrong some day in future. again congrats Jack for brought this vlog up! thanks keep up the battles and do not give up as we never did until the DOT and FCMA get a black eye! thanks
March 27, 2007 at 9:12 am
Donald
My Twin Borther and My unlce drive 18 wheel truck long time and now both work own buseness but not truck. anyway my unlce tell me I should drive 18 wheel truck and not understand why let me drive long time ago. but sometime I want to drive 18 wheel truck. I did drive 18 wheel before but I should not do that but I did and I see myself not hurt to try I am half deaf not hear real good so pls let me drive 18 wheel truck smile see if I can remember I did drive 18 wheel that I did not have one smile and I see nothing wrong that I drive to me cool I see not afraid sorry I said that was long time ago and I still want to drive but not know where or to learn for 18 wheel hope yo got that my message
March 28, 2007 at 1:54 am
James Queen
hey truckers and everybody.
My Point is corncern about “WHY WHEN DEAF DROVE 18 WHEELER TO WEIGHT STATION. DOT MAN SPEAKED FIND OUT THAT U ARE” DEAF” TO GOT OUT OF TRUCK, U CANT TO DRIVE”.. THAT REAL DISCRAMINTION. ALSO OTHER POINT IS “WHY WHEN DEAF DROVE SEMI TO WAREHOUSE TO LOAD OR UNLOAD. THEN DISPITCHER FOUND OUT U ARE DEAF.. THEY WONT SIGN THE PAPER BEFORE U LEAVE AFTER LOAD OR UNLOAD.” THAT REAL DISCRIMINTION..
THAT WHY NEED TO CHANGE ALL US DOT, FMCSA, FEDERAL REGULATIONS TO REMOVE “must be able to hear a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away and must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in an auditory tests with or without hearing aids” THAT REAL VERY SILLY !!!
JUST FOR DEAFIES AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO PERMIT TO DRIVE 18 WHEELER AND 10 WHEELER LIKE DUMP TRUCK, STRAIGHT TRUCK, CRETE MIXER, WITH AIR BRAKE. NO MATTER DRIVE OVER THE STATE LINE..
STILL GOING OUT OF STATE LINE “INTERSTATE” AND IN STATE “INTRSTATE” NO MATTER ..
I DO AGREE WITH PHYSICAL EXAMINTION THAT FINE NOTHING WRONG TO CHECK TO PASS TO BECOME TRUCK DRIVER AND WITH MEDICAL EXAMINTION CERTIFICATED THAT FINE ..
JUST NEED ” REMOVE THAT STUPPID must be able to hear a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away and must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in an auditory tests with or without hearing aids..
DEAFIES AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE STILL USE HEARING AID OIR NOT NO MATTER . STILL DRIVE 18 WHEELER SO WHAT!! ..
HEARING PEOPLE TOO NOT NEED TO TAKE must be able to hear a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away and must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in an auditory tests with or without hearing aids…
KEEP UP !! DONT GIVE UP ! STAY STRONG AND GET SUCESSFULL! DEAF TRUCKER!
THANKS
March 28, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Jack Noble
2 days ago I started take CDL A classes, and yesterday they found out that I am hearing impaired through phyical test. Now they don’t want me anymore because of their stupid Insurance. I drove and never accident in 35 years. It does not make sense!!!
March 29, 2007 at 1:51 am
Jack Noble
My dad was a truck driver for many years and my nephew, too. Now there are many ladies are truck drivers, too!! (better than me, scoff) I understand about train’s sound without sight and etc. You know what, they can fix everything for safety and be smart.
March 30, 2007 at 4:08 pm
DIANE FORTI
CONGRATS! LET TO FIGHT MAKE SUCESSFULLY!
DON’T GIVE UP MAKE DIFFERENT DRIVER LIKE SAME NOTHING WRONG TO TRAVEL ING TRUCK … I AM THINK AGREEMENT ALL DEAF BE UNFAIR .. I DID RENT U-HAUL TRUCK (17′ FT) FROM NEW JERSEY THUR DRIVE TO ILLIONIS I DID MADE DROVE TO BIG TRUCK .. I AM FEMALE CAN DO TO DRIVER ANY TRUCK COME ON EQUEL MEN … NEED BREAK ICE LAW !!
March 31, 2007 at 2:29 am
Scott Friede
***NEWFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH***
I am deaf and I drive 18 wheelers for a living. I got my CDL license 4 and 1/2 years ago without any problem. (yes with hearing aids)
However, I do recall my physician, who gave me my Medical Certification; she said “I don’t need D.O.T.’s permission to qualify you. If D.O.T. has a problem with my authorization in issuing you a Medical Certification, you can tell them to call me and I will blow smoke up their a***!!!!”
I’m like “WOW!!!” So, that day, I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get my CDL permit, they came up to me and said “You need to have a Medical Certification in order to receive this permit.” I just simply pulled out my MedCard and handed it to the worker at DMV, and he looked at it and said: “Oh. Well, he has a MedCard, so give him his permit.” Then the rest is history.
So, ever since, I’ve been driving trucks. Yes, 48 states, and of course Canada!
I have many many many many pictures of me driving my Semi truck all over the country, so if anyone wants to see if I’m for real, send me an email and I will be more than glad to show you pictures! Of course, I have many friends who rode with me on long trips…. so….
Yes, I know D.O.T. requires to have hearing loss no more than 40db, that is very true, unfortuately, but I’m at 35, and I’m legal to drive. I wish I could help you guys to remove that little paragraph where hearing is required. So, if there is anything I can do to help, I will do anything in my power to help everyone.
KEEP ON TRUCKING
Scott Friede
March 31, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Morris
Scott,
congrat! yes, that’s true if you have a doctor who really work with u
and on your side to “nurse” your medical card that where you can get by,
I envy you, but speaking of going through proper legal channels that where we are trying to go through and break that barrier, I even own
a tow truck that I always have not drive it legally, I drove it illegally everyday by towing over 10,000 lbs trucks for good 3 years now, 10,000 lbs trucks are the dually trucks like Chevy 3500 or Ford F350 or 450 or Dodge Ram 3500 something like that which is that 10,000 lbs class trucks but I towed bigger than that like big single axle vans like Ryders, UHaul or Budget or landscraping or construction trucks even dump trucks and semi trucks as you see my tow truck (2000 international 4700) is under 26,000 lbs which is a non CDL truck in our state which I am able to drive it as I own it so what but come to “towage issue” come in the picture that come really stickly on me also across the states lines that area where I am doing that illegally everyday until I able to obtain a CDL without this regulation
April 1, 2007 at 4:40 am
Jack Noble
To whom it may concern:
Anyone who can train me get CDL A, let me know, Thanks
Jmanpower71@aol.com Jack
April 1, 2007 at 7:30 am
Renny
Hello Jack Barr,
I’ve never experience what it is like inside the cab. I don’t have CDL class A. All I have is merely California driver license class C. But I’ve always want and dreamed to be truck driver when I was a teen. I got a chance to drive full size Uhaul truck from Portland, Oregon to Fremont, California last Feb. 2006. I was so thrilled! I love it every bits! I never felt so good about it! I know it is not 18 wheeler but it is still a big deal to me! I’ve been applying for truck driver position today with few companies such as Schneider National, Interstate Distributor Co., Swift, and Knight Transportation. My dream is drive 18 wheeler rig across 48 states. But after watch your Vlog part one, part two, and comments about deaf truck driver tonight. I feel lost interest because I am full blown Deaf on both ears and I don’t use hearing aids. I don’t speak. I use ASL. I notice that many deaf drivers wear hearing aids. I feel that I will waste my time trying to get driver job. Should I still go ahead and try for it? What is your advice?
My suggest that you or someone who can draw the formal written letter for everyone of us can make copy of it and sign own name and sent it in to our district U.S. Congress to legalize deaf to drive 18 wheels rig across the 48 states.
Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!
Renny Kassel
Fremont, California
April 2, 2007 at 4:29 am
James Queen
HEY SCOTT FRIEDE,
i m glad that u made it fine with medical card and got CDL .. since 4 and 1/2 years. nothing problem with any DOT stop u check ur log and u ? anything say to u?? also any problem with weight station?
can u give me email address? i can keep in touch u scott..
what kind of company u work for ? werner? schrendier? or what?
i would like to see pic of u and ur 18 wheeler please. also are u solo driver or team driver?
where u from?
i did passed DOT physical exam and hearing test with hearing aid. problem with truck driver school dont allow me to get in .. because no permit interepet for training and class plus must use verbal communtion . i know that ” bullcrap” ..
that why i looking for where that place can accpet me to get in …
keep in touch thumb up keep in trucking!
thanks
james
April 2, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Paul Fitzpatrick jr.
my friend paul fitzpatrick live in north carolina , he want get job for driver 18 wheels in nc. only and ask to CDL’s office in north carolina. they said, won’t let him driver 18 wheels in north carolina cuz, he is full deaf and not wear hearing aid. he feel bad cuz, it is very good pay per hour and benefil too wow.
thanks,
pat
April 3, 2007 at 7:19 am
Steven H
HELLo i know about stupid LAW. IN Each STATE have differ kind of LAWS in any Where IN USA it will never 100 same law as other STATE!!!! I know Michigan deaf cant drive…. but can drive car van truck that it. That MY dream being drive sami-truck too. maybe in furture law will change one day??? IN MICHIGAN one new law add SAMI-truck MUST use 55 or less MPH anywhere in MICHIGAN. once TIME i went OTHER state for vist few STATE SAID nothing about sami_truck limit drive up to 55 mph!! so sami_truck can drive 70 mph if they want?? i guess that all i said! for now
April 3, 2007 at 7:25 am
Steven H
oops one more add forgot to said.. ONE of deaf driver work for SAMI-truck i hear deaf news said. ” that guy who work 18 wheels cant said where he from. I know him shorty and I got word about 5 year ago.. he was trip vacction to fla to vist friend place for while.. then somehow HE almost arrive in hometown and HE feel sleeping while he drive and HE end up his LIFE?? i dont know if that fact? thanks but i total support who deaf can DO drive.. call to head of office for ” DCD” means DEAF CAN DO” they doing try working out with LAW.. why not call and bother them!
April 5, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Rebecca Rossi
My friend from Orgeon, he is truck driver travels all over usa.. he have no problem. he works for his self empolyment. he don’t work for company. he s owner of trucker 18 wheels. I will ask him to share news with you from his experinece. Okay. Your explain is very good story.. I will keep you the post update news.
April 5, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Roger Boge
hello to all deaf and hard of hearing truckers,
I am deaf and have been driving truck for soon to be 10 years. My physical is due and made a dr appt and have been told that they cannot pass my physical because i am deaf. After all these years it was not a problem i am only driving local inthe state of Iowa and now I cannot get my physical passed. When did this all change.? My wife and my son in law went to meet Senator Grassley who happen to be in town at the elevator on farmers issues. My son in law said to Grassley that he finds it ironic that deaf can drive cars, motorhomes, boats and etc but cannot drive a 18 wheeler.Grassley said that the DOT made the regulation and that if we can get more of the deaf like National to come to his office in Iowa with this issue it can be and could be a easy doing to have this regulation changed. Who ever made the regualtion is labeling the daef and dumb and it needs to be removed. We need to get the head of National to go speak to him for us and turn this around. It will not work as an individual but as a group. If u know of anything pls let us truckers know we can do this together. I am not giving up and I know many of u don’t want to.
April 8, 2007 at 4:14 am
Mitchell Dillman
Does anyone here have enough computer experience to set up a site for deaf people to sign a petition? I am a good driver but I am lousy with the computer. If someone can get a sight set up for the petition we can have our hands heard by collecting as many signatures from deaf drivers and potential deaf drivers, who have been denied the chance to drive because of the ruling about hearing 40db or better. If we sign a petition and get enough signatures we can send it to all 100 senators and 486 congressmen and congresswomen and have our voices heard. If we show them we mean business by sending them the petition and then following up with letters they will know we aren’t just gonna throw in the towel and give up on our dreams to drive.
April 8, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Anonymous
Know what?? Deaf people in highest percent have a best driving than hearing people in US. Why not NAD or DOT Inspection to figure this out that deaf people have a best skill for driving? WHY?? Deaf people’s eyes are very visual and paying attention very excellent if there is only no cell phone or pagers involved. I always seen hearing people with cell phones or pagers that are not even paying attention to the road! I strongly believe that if deaf people want to become truck drivers and they would be best truck drivers just like deaf people can ride motorcycles, atvs, cars, trucks, boats, and any of motion object. Deaf people can drive with shifts (stick) in trucks, cars, semi truck too! So, what is hearing people’s problem? I think because polices and semi-truck companies feel more difficult dues to communication. My opinion that all polices and semi-truck companies should provide wireless laptop for all deaf people that they can use email to communicating. It would be never having any problem for sure! Deaf people do have their common sense to use laptop at the right moment when they need to communicate with their companies. It does unnecessary to have hearing aids to pass semi-truck test. It is completely insane! I think that NAD should have done something hard enough for this. Anything relates with discrimation like ADA law and any of deaf organization should strongly support this. I think that is not good sign if not allowed deaf people to become semi-truck drivers and estimating that half of deaf people will be out of job because of that stupid law!
April 17, 2007 at 6:18 pm
James Queen
HEY ALL TRUCKERS AND EVERYBODYS
I WANT TO TELL U .. I NEED ALL TRUCK DRIVERS TO HELP AND FIGHT IT…. I M GOING FIGHT IT TOO COME DO IT TO FIGHT IT !!! REMEMBER LIFE IS SHORT!!!! NOT TAKE TOO LONG WAIT OK .. DO IT DO IT DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BE PROUD OF BE DEAF TRUCK DRIVER TEAM! COME COME ON DO IT DO IT TO FIGHT IT WITH DAMN FMCSA
HERE EMAIL ADDRESS
fmcsamedical@dot.gov OR fmcsamedical@fmcsa.dot.gov
THAT WAY FIGHT WITH THAT FMCSAMEDICAL BECAUSE THEY ARE KINDA OF RESPONSIBILELTY FOR REGULATIONS. BECAUSE US DOT medical qualifications for CDL
drivers. These qualifications are set by the US DOT in the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations which have been adopted by USA. The
legislature would have to make the changes to USA statutes.
that a leader person must go to legislative and file the bill about deaf law for deaf truckers and force to pass the law for dot etc…..legislative congress in D.C
http://www.senate.gov
http://www.house.gov
please do it!!!!!!! that way u want become a truck driver right? then do it to fight it to changes !!! ..
keep in touch
any questions
keep going !!!
Keep on truckin!
James
April 22, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Mike Smith
I am try fight for school and driver truck plus my best friend will support how get pass something too dot physical too i am fight with wash D.C. too i hope willget pass with lawyer
April 26, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Mike Smith
April 24th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Mike Smith
(edit)
hello everyone I want to you send to me your name and email and address and i can send to paper sign paper and full name and we will start set up for member for ” Driver Truck For the DEAF and deaf of hearing Member Club” start set up and we will order machine sew picture of coat back show to people who can fight driver truck semi wheel and member will start set up please help to me and jack eyes I am start support with you and all everyone please start fund money for order coat and plus save money build for paid gas travel to wash D.C. so who have already truck semi bring to road to wash D.C. meet to me and jack eyes will start permit park to street show to white house and something support for deaf can do job driver truck i will start work picture semi wheel picture this week or next week please send to my email is Volvo492@aol.com jack eyes will help you and Ill help to you support alll everyone meet for club future build strong for deaf and can driver truck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you pal
May 3, 2007 at 11:24 pm
James Queen
HEY ALL TRUCKERS & EVERYBODY…
TELL U THAT I M KINDA SUPPORT AND HELP FOR MIKE SMITH AND JACK EYE TO FIGHT UP WITH DOT FMSCA. TELL U THAT MIKE SMITH & JACK EYE ARE KINDA HARD WORK AND LOVE TO HELP AND SUPPORT FOR U AND ALL DEAFIES & HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO BECOME A TRUCKER.. THEY NOT KINDA OF SCAM FOR MONEY NOOO. WE NEED UR SUPPORT AND HELP TO BUILDING STRONGLY BE STAND UP TO SPEAK OUT TO DOT FMSCA AND WHITE CAPTIAL WHITE HOUSE IN WASHINGTON DC. ALSO WE NEED UR HELP AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER TO GET SUCESSFULLY TO GET ALLOW TO DRIVE TRUCK AND GET CDL CLASS A PLUS CHANGE NEW POLICY FOR DOT FMCSA TO ALLOW DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO DRIVE TRUCK PLUS ALLOW DRIVE INTERSTATE OUT OF STATE LIKE” ACROSS THE USA”..
BE STRONGLY & TRUST & BE STRONGLY FAITH IN US TO HELP AND SUPPORT THAT WHY..
REASON MONEY FOR SEND FOR SEW MACHINE FOR COAT THEN SEND U COAT AND GET READY BE TO FIGHT UP WITH DOT FMSCA AND CAPTIAL WHITE HOUSE THAT SHOW PROOF THAT ALL OF U REALL WANT BE TRUCK DRIVER, WANT DRIVE OVER THE STATE LINES ” INTERSTATE” PLUS GET CDL A TOO PLUS WAIVER ” HEARING PROGRAM” THEN U WILL FEELING GOOD AND HAPPY TO ALLOW GET BE TRUCK DRIVER ..
THAT U WANT RIGHT ???? WE ARE VERY VERY SERIOUSLY STEADY DO IT TO FIGHT UP AND STRONGLY PLUS STAND UP TO SPEAK OUT !!!
ALSO MONEY FOR HELP BUILDING FOR MEMBER CLUB FOR USA & CANADA DEAF & HARD OF HEARING TRUCK DRIVER MEMBER CLUB!
WE WANT SEE ALL OF U BE HAPPY AND FEEL GOOD PROUD THAT WAY U BECOME SUCCESSFULLY BEAT DOT FMSCA ! DOT FMSCA WILL GOING LOSER IF ALL OF U FIGHT UP AND STRONG STAY STAND UP SPEAK OUT THAT WAYTO SUCCESSFULLY !
DO U WANT FAILURE FOR UR DREAM AND GOAL BE TRUCK DRIVER ??? I DONT LIKE THAT !!!!
PLEASE COME COME BE STRONGLY , TRUST , FAITH IN US EACHOTHER PLUS HELP AND SUPPORT EACHOTHER LIKE A FAMILY TEAM BE STRONGLY..
WE SUPPORT AND HELP U PLUS WE NEED UR SUPPORT AND HELP TOO…
THAT WHY WE NEED ALL DEAFIES AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE GOING TO WASHINGTON DC AND FIGHT UP , PROOF THAT U WANT BE TRUCKDRIVER IN UR REAL DREAM AND GOAL! .. TRUCK DRIVER IS PART OF JOB TO EARN GREAT MONEY FOR UR LIFE NEEDS…
I M WANT BACK TRUCK DRIVER I MEAN IT THAT WHY NEED TO FIGHT UP WITH DOT FMCSA & CAPTIAL WHITE HOUSE.. TO GET SUCCESSFULLY AND BEAT TO WIN! BE HAPPY!!!!! BECOME TRUCK DRIVER , ETC!!!
PLEASE TRUST US… WE NOT KINDA OF JOKING , OR PLAY GAME AROUND U NO WAY .. WE ARE VERY DEEPLY SERIOUS STEADY !!! WE WANT SEE ALL OF U AND US TO GET SUCCESSFULLY AND STRONG LIKE ” BE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING PRIDE” BE EQUAL HEARING LIFE ! U WANT SEE GET GOOD MONEY DURING U DRIVE TRUCK !!! RIGHT !!!!
HOPE ALL OF U WILL DO IT AND HELP & SUPPORT EACHOTHER TO GET SUCCESSFULLY!!!! PLEASE !! THANKS…
WHICH ONE U WANT BE STRONGLY LIKE A EAGLE OF USA OR GIVE UP TO WEAK TO NOT GET SUCCESSFULLY?? WHICH ONE !!!
WE ARE BORN IN USA FREEDOM !!! BE STRONGLY LIKE EAGLE !!!!
THUMB UP!!! ALERT ALERT!!!!!!
KEEP UP DONT BE GIVE UP!!! STAY STRONGLY AND STAND UP!!!! OK THANKS
ANY QUESTION ???
KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ 10-4
BE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING TRUCKER PRIDE” YEAH!
KEEP IN TOUCH!!!
THANKS
“RUBBER DUCK” CONVOY JAMES
May 3, 2007 at 11:25 pm
James Queen
HEY TRUCKERS AND EVERYBODY…
TELL U THAT MIKE SMITH AND JACK EYE ARE VERY HONSETLY AND WANT HELP & SUPPORT ALL OF U TO SUCCESSFULLY TO GET TRUCK DRIVER!!!
I MEAN IT!! I M KINDA STRONGLY STAND UP ON MIKE SMITH AND JACK EYE’S SIDE.. PLSU I M STAND UP ON ALL OF U TOO!! WHY WE ARE HERE TO HELP AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER!!! TO GET SUCCESSFULLY AND WIN TO ALLOW ALL DEAFIES AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO BEOCME TRUCK DRIVER , GET CDL CLASS A, DRIVE OVER STATE LINE”INTERSTATE” PLUS WAVIER HEARING PROGRAM ” THAT WHY…
I CAN SEE MIKE SMITH AND JACK EYE’ S EYES REAL KINDA VERY SERIOUSLY AND HONESTLY PERSON!!
HOPE ALL OF U WILL HELP & SUPPORT EACHOTHER .. REMEMBER BE STRONGLY, FAITH IN , TRUST ARE VERY IMPORTANT KEYS.. PLUS++++ PLEASE DONT BE GIVE UP!!!!!
ANY QUESTIONS ?
KEEP IN TOUCH
THANKS
JAMES “RUBBER DUCK” CONVOY TRUCKER
June 21, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Billy Clark
Hello Jack’s Eyes
Please right away contact me wscjr51@aol.com if not answer then you will be too late ok Tks
September 18, 2007 at 9:46 pm
DeafMICAN
Yeah I worked at UPS and I always wanted to be a driver but I am aware of the federal law that prohibits deaf from driving 18 wheelers or over 10,000 pounds. In Canada all deaf are allowed to drive anything but they are not allowed to drive thru USA. They have to drive thru Canada only.
I know it sounds silly for deaf not to drive trucks if they are allowed to drive a big rental truck from U-Haul called 26′ Super Mover truck with 12,605 lbs empty weight. Law says we, Deaf, are not allowed to drive over 10,000 pounds. U-haul don’t care if you deaf or not they want business. I used it to move to new house. The transportation gov’t can kiss my ass.
September 18, 2007 at 9:53 pm
DeafMICAN
I know one deaf lucky pass truck driver certification cuz he can read lips and talk good and they had no idea he’s fully deaf in Mich. Lucky guy!
October 23, 2007 at 1:59 am
paul langlois
hello jack this is paul langlois i from in celina ohio i just let you know that i want be drive truck with 26′ anyway i did went to hearing test it pass then i went to dr for dot physicals it pass then ready for go to school then i ask him can i get a interpreter then man said no dont need a interpreter bec you already pass for hearing test huh?? then what i do?? i still keep fight so what i said to him?? thank!!
paul
November 1, 2007 at 1:58 am
truckdrivindave
I read all the comments with intrest because I myself drive for one of the country top 10 large trucking firm. I had been driving for almost 25 years starting at a lumber yard hauling lumber. I have been a local driver and an over the road driver. Currently I drive dedicated local hauling parts for Cummins Engine. I too am hard of hearing. I am able to pass the so called hearing test. I wear hearing aid in both ears. But I want to point out that over the years I have expirienced just about everything there is about trucking related to dry van freight. I can also tell you that the hearing impaired are capable of driving big rig semis as well as any one who is hearing, blind in one eye, an amputee, Yes amputee are allowed to drive, must be one limb. Blind in one eye, even heart attack victims, surprised Huh? though they are required to have an annual heart test. Partially hearing (many truckers do wear hearing aids though they are not deaf but have some form of hearing loss, it is common sight and many ask me about my hearing loss) My question is this. Why cant a fully healthy capable deaf person drive a semi rig?
Well what would prevent a hearing impaired person from driving big rigs? Communication ? Hearing air leaks? Hearing sirens? Hearing other rigs, machinery, automobiles passing you?
The problem is, is that it is a DOT regulation made up many years ago. And it is going to be as hard as it is to change the regulations as it is to change the white bed sheet regulation in the FMSCA rule book. White sheet regulation? Why yes there is a rule in the book requiring drivers of sleeper rigs to have white sheets. Sad truth is they dont enforce it but they enforce the whisper test. The DOT reguation rule book is as old as you might be. The purpose for the white sheets was for during the war that if it happened here in the states that truckers could provide first aid with the white sheets. And as with the military they had to be able to hear. I dont think the hearing rule has anything to do with the air brakes, it was more a military option than anything else. Dont take my word for it because I could be wrong. More research is needed to understand what the real reason for the ruling was for.
So if we can get to the bottom of this then maybe we can clarify the reason for the restriction for the hearing impaired. Can it be changed. Yes but only if all deaf truckers would unite with legal advisory then maybe the ruling can be changed.
Technology has been a plus for what it is worth. A modern semi rig is computer controled down to the foot pedal. You can set the computer to tell the truck what you want it to do. Like what rpm to top at in each gear, what speed in each gear, it even records your driving habits, how hard you brake, how fast you drive, what gear youre in and even turn your rig off so you cannot drive it. The satellite tecnology allows communication with your company you drive for and inputs your location stops length of driving etc. It even tells you when it is time for a PM ( preventive maintenance oil change). You almost dont need to hear to drive the big rig. All that is left to do is to be keenly aware of the mechanical needs of the big rig.
Ill tell you a little secret if you would not tell any one. I dont like hearing the loud noise in my rig with my hearing aid. Hearing people dont realize how loud a hearing aid is and how bothersome continuous loud noise can be. So I take my hearing aids off when I am driving to give my ears rest from the loud blasting noise a big rig can make. But you better have them back on when a cop or DOT pull you over for any infractions…..
You learn automatically to be keenly aware of your surrounding with your hearing aids off. For example, when I lost air to my brakes, the red light starts blinking and the buzzer buzzes but before that happens I sensed the rig start to strain for power because the brakes were automaticaly applying. But the weird thing about that is I nver heard air leaking while going down the road because the air leak was in the trailer 50 feet behind me….not 5 feet behind me but 50 feet going down the freeway at 65 mph, windows closed of corurse with the AC on and Led Zepplin blasting Stairway to Heaven on the radio….
Enough said I guess…………..
November 4, 2007 at 4:30 pm
roger
I agree there should be no discrimintion of any kind. But there are a few deaf people who abuse the system by not telling the truth. And those are the people give the deaf community a bad image. I know for a fact that one of the deaf who claimes to drivin a 18 wheel and was hired, was in fact not. He has never drove an 18 wheeler.
that person is Calvin Haefner, he is not a truthful deaf person.
November 10, 2007 at 9:15 pm
marcus jackson
hey deaf people who want to fight very hard to become truck driver 18 wheeler like i do!!! i read every word you said and i strong agree. and my question is why can’t federdal law let see how is deaf and hard of hearing is doing on road better than doubt. let show them that we can do it and what federal law is afraid of on deaf??? deaf are not stupid and dumb come on!!! fedreal.n give us a damn chance to show u that deaf can do it without whisper test. all care is take physical test and check your drive record what is the promblem? for federal law. i can’t believe they gave deaf people a hard time to pay thier bills it ain’t right. i don’t like federal law laugh on deaf people who is complain.
November 30, 2007 at 3:36 am
Martin Bystrycki
Hey very intersting about deaf cant have cdl which I think is bull.
I have class a cdl in Florida for 24 yrs but never applied for 18 wheeler
Had my own business in New Jersey for 7 year which I had dump truck
trailor and ford backhoe. That time didnt require cdl license
December 20, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Melina
very interesting. i’m adding in RSS Reader
January 20, 2008 at 7:43 am
JERRY FERGUSON
i have read everyone comments about 18 wheeler truck drivers, after i retired from the company where i worked and as matter facts that i decided to go amarillo college trucking academy and to take 6 wks course training to be a truck driver and since i been doing that training and i dont have any problems passing all kind of testing which is the endorsement requires to take is the tanker, double/triple trailer, passenger, school bus and of course no haz mat which i dont need to take the wriiten test to recieved CDL A but i passed the test and went to take dot physcial exams and of course i passed the exams, so i also went to the recruiter to have interview with that man and he said you are hard of hearing which you can hear the air brakes with 4 to 5 feet of air that would be great, but back of my head why is he so concerned about the air brakes and of course i have 2 hearing aids i wore all the time and finally the company paid for the bus fares for me to go origination where the place to train and you have the chance go with co-driver ( trainer) to drive the truck and you have to earn your 15,000 miles before you will have your own truck to drive from coast to coast anywhere in the united states but no canada where the company dont allow their truckers go to canada as well, then after while i was driving the truck with my co-driver himself is hard of hearing and the only problems is that he can’t communicate is the cb radio and it is hard to hear what the communication mean mumble and jumbo words, so we both use the qualcomm to communition to our dispatcher in texas while we are on other side of united states which is good to use …. in the meantime he started to uncorrected me in our communicate that i must requires to use the citizen band (cb) to communicate outside of the truck which is unfair and i told him that you have not been using it while i rode the truck with you and he use the qualcomm to communicate and he called the company to discrimate me and to removed me from his truck and drop me off at iowa truckstop with no money for me to ride the bus back home ….. in meantime friend of mine saw me and he offered me a ride home because we both lived in same town, so when i got back home and the next thing that i call the company and i use my tty to call my dispatcher to told what is the story on between me and ex co-driver that he despised me and being jealous that i was a very good driver than he is, so year later i found a job and went to worked for cisd ( canyon i s d) in canyon, texas as a bus driver and been with them for almost 4 years and i traveled alot field trips with charter bus and 84 passenger yellow bird and blue bird , i want to say something to those both deaf bus drivers walker estes and paul lovell that they are doing good job to transports deaf kids to sport events or whatever the functions are and keep on bussing and jame queens you keep your faith and keep on try truckin along okay and that goes for every deaf truckers and also futures deaf trucker to keep on truckin and hammer down to the floorboard and keep pushin hard til success ………. jerry
April 14, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Brenda
I am a deaf person who wants to be a Deaf truck driver someday. I have found that I was not the only one and it might be a nationwide issue with deaf people who want to be truck drivers someday. I hope that you would be interested in assisting me.
At this time, I am trying to interview different Deaf people truck driver(s) and/or any friends who work with them to find out where the problem or barriers are. I hope you would be willing to email me back and allow me to interview you and your experience as a Deaf Truck Driver. Or, if you know any hearing people who think this Department of Transportation regulation is wrong.
I noticed that your, Jack Eye, VBlog has several stories of different deaf truck drivers would like to have them contact me as well. Or, if you know of other Deaf truck drivers out there who I could interview, please have them email me at bpalmigiano@yahoo.com.
I look forward to your respond soon and thank you for your time and patience.
Thank you
Brenda Palmigiano
Deaf Advocate
May 26, 2008 at 6:15 am
Bill Warnock
Hello
I am a former truck driver. I drove for 14 years, been to all 48 states twice, and been to mexico border and canada country several times. I drove for 4 different companies. Schneider, JB Hunt, own truck with Transcorr, and Con-way pulling doubles.
Every two years have to take physical tests along with hearing test. Past year, my hearing declined above 40db. I had to leave.
This week I will meet with Lugar asst. to discuss about my experience as a truck driver and being deaf. I hope my 14 years will help open door to those who wants to be a trucker.
I look at 1940 trucks compares to today modern trucks. I see a huge difference. 1940 when federal law passed banning deaf from driving trucks, that 1940 trucks relies on air sound hissing for leaks. Modern trucks have gauges and warning that are required to be properly working before it drivable or the dot officers will shut down your truck and hefty fined.
Trucks are so loud that it makes my hearing aide bothers my ear. There are lots of times I had to leave them off. I depends my life on my mirrors.
Wish me luck helping deaf opening future trucking doors.
Thanks
Bill Warnock
Graduate Ind School for the Deaf (90/91)
June 13, 2008 at 9:19 am
Earl Patterson
Guys…
I just found out about this website after i tried took trucker driver. This truck school says “just sign up for class and pay class remember there is no refund for any reason. I mean ANY REASON” I asked is there anything I need take before class. like medical exam or something? He says “Nah dont worry about it I’m sure you will pass it no problem.” So i sign up and pay over 3k for despoit. Then next thing i know he says “Oh i forget to tell you, deaf cant drive truck no matter what.” I was get really piss off for make me to pay class for no reason I demanding for refund. They refuse. I threating for suing. with good reason and I have copy of notebook that we has been writing on. I told him i could use it as prove to court. They refund half of them and refuse refund rest of money
Now… is there any DEAF TRUCK DRIVERS UNITED?? or something go group work up to get lift stupid law. I has been always do job that travel all over usa or world. like fly airplane (i’m private pilot FAA allow deaf fly small aircraft) or semi truck or cruise ship. I remember when I took FAA medical exam and i fail because I cant hear anything. not even pin or rocket engine. FAA says “dont worry just go to FAA HQ (in home state) they will give you waver as prove you’re deaf” and i get waver. So they should have waver or something. Also What gauge are for in drive seat. They will tell you if there something going on truck. We’re deaf not stupid nor blind.
Please let me know if there something about email to or something to get stupid law lift. Email me
Nykus79@aol.com
Thanks
Earl
July 13, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Bruce Dunn- Louisiana
Hello Jack’s Readers,
I thrilled to find topic about Deaf Truck Driver. At first thing I want to tell you about my old statehood of Alabama. I surprised to hear that Alabama has been discrimination on deaf truckers. Wow! Because when I was young I was told about two deaf Alabamian truckers with an 18 wheels were driving that allowed by Alabama. Confused me it was not allowed, not possible.
Now Guess what my hard-of hearing with ASL is driving 18 wheels with CDL from Alabama. Repeat puzzled me. He is from north Alabama. A serveal times we meet at truck stop in Lafayette, Louisiana. He works for the company name Arrow that the most he has loaded / unloaded from Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Flordia and some states.
I did asked some questions how how you got CDL that passed with DOT.. His simple answer was to be taken hearing and physical exams. Ofcourse, he wore hearing aid and said just heard the noise within about 5 feet. I told him a very luck, because I always wanted to be truck driver since I was ten years old by riding a big rigs with my brothers for years.
Anyway, I asked him he can find to information to see if deaf person can be hired as a truck driver. He asked his boss, class instructor or some truckers and what their responsed was “deaf can’t drive an 18 wheels, becuase of cannot heard”… I told him that’s a full of bullshit and deaf poeple are the BEST drivers in this country. I told I will research more to find out any deaf truck driver and suprised to see there are many. I am thrilled and want to invloved to get our RIGHTS to employee as a deaf truck driver!
I’d like to contact with Mike Smith and Randall ( missed his last name) my email address is silentworldream@gmail.com
POWER DEAF TRUCKERS!!! Keep fight and not give up! Thumb UP!!
Bruce
July 29, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Phil Brown
I am an Australian Deaf Truck Driver since November 2007 (9 months experience). A young 25 year old and maybe a bit too ambitious! I refuse to wear my hearing aids when I drive a truck, they are so annoying – the background noise, the engine noise, the wind noise…
Where is the National Deaf Truck Drivers Associaton and/or Group – is there one or not?
Who is the leader to drive this group of Deaf Truck Drivers? I am not sure if the WFD (World Federation of the Deaf) has the resources to take on this responsibility?
I drive a Heavy Rigid (HR) truck delivering building materials (polysterene pods for concretors) to construction sites and my employer is helping me build my way up to drive a Heavy Combination (HC) truck (A primemover with one freight trailer) to carry more freight / load. He has many concerns about me working my way up because I can’t hear a tyre blowout and/or an air leak and how this can be resolved and has addressed to me that he doesn’t want to ‘discriminate’ against me because I am Deaf.
I however have done some research and there are new technologies that can be installed on the dashboard…
Worried about a tyre blowout?:
There is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors tyre pressure, tyre temperature, detect leaks, detects a blowout even before it happens.
Worried about Air Brake failure?:
(IBWD) = Intelligent Air Brake Warning Device – For commerical use, for multiaxle vehicles, only current active warning is for LOW AIR PRESSURE, not for whole system.
Worried about reversing because being Deaf is a hazard?:
Top Watcher Warning Device for Trucks, device mountable on top of a truck cab, warns driver if truck body can clear underneath a bridge or overhead structure (by telescopic rod), device is only flashing light on dashboard
Some interesting facts:
On Feb 1, 2007 Greg Gunderson became the 1st Deaf NASCAR driver 🙂
Yours in Trucking… STAND TALL!
Mr Phil Brown
July 31, 2008 at 9:01 pm
david morgan
i want to need students deaf/hard hearining driver trucking and i want to need cdl training driver school classes or hiring a job at trucking companies in alabama, all power deaf/hard hearining will fight power to speak washinighan,d.c and u.s sentae in washinighan,d.c. all many deaf/hard hearining will hoping to get win deaf power trucker beat up to fight do it.i i love all power many deaf/hard herarining is god bless at deaf power trucking.
August 1, 2008 at 12:21 am
david morgan
i will get a job part-time trucking company keep in the future is all many power deaf/hard hearing will win,win to glad do it.
August 16, 2008 at 4:39 pm
david morgan
all deaf and hard hearing will fight try washinigton,dc us .senate,us.commete will fair all people speak use trucking co,the deaf and hard hearing will fight ,fight,fight do it fair to hoping win ,win,win to get trucking wow right in the future.i will hoping to power all deaf and hard hearing both fair people speak hiring trucking co in the future god bless’good lucky ‘winning vitory the powers deaf ana hard hearing’.
September 20, 2008 at 3:43 pm
matt
I read some of your stories.
I am hard of hearing- I have CI and hearing aid. I am planning to get CDL. I tired of be laid off many times… time for me to change jobs..
Be a deaf person without hearing aid- Can’t get CDL..
Be hard of hearing with hearing aid either CI can get CDL..
Clean driving record can get CDL, no DUI and other violations can’t get CDL..
Some of the state, Deaf people ( WITH HEARING AID) allowed to drive bus, big rigs- Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont. I got it from (Deaf Bus Drivers Now!)- http:240i.com/Aoife/bus.html
I need more information what state there are current regulations and laws that are deaf CDL drivers…
Damn hearing people are making accuses to deaf people. Some hearing have been around deaf people who support deaf people. Some hearing people are afriad, feel like not to support deaf people.
Deaf drivers are better than hearing drivers….
*As a deaf people who we are- keep your driving record clean as possible to show hearing world deaf can do…. get your CDL as many deaf drivers to show the power as we are!!!! Stand up for yourself!!!
November 15, 2008 at 12:34 pm
John587
If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
cheap phentermine
[URL=http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131382]cheap phentermine[/URL]
http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131382
tramadol
[URL=http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131372]tramadol[/URL]
http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131372
levitra
[URL=http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131381]levitra[/URL]
http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131381
cialis
[URL=http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131384]cialis[/URL]
http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131384
buy viagra
[URL=http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131380]buy viagra[/URL]
http://forum.indya.com/member.php?u=131380
December 19, 2008 at 8:59 pm
sal
listen, ive been loking for work since i got my license in july. none of the major motor carriers have wanted to hire me, mainly in part because of my background. my last charge was a misdemeanor tresspassing that will be 2 yrs old in july of 09, and im still on probation on it till then. does this sound like something companies will do because of a tresspasing?
April 7, 2009 at 12:43 am
ivani
Oi achei voce , me mande um imail
April 11, 2009 at 3:11 pm
kevin
hey guys dont give up i understand how you guys feel I am now in trucking school for CDL license and it about almost done with school and about look for work so keep your chin high and mighty btw I currently living in california no problem here though but other states umm i wonder whats up with that .
May 8, 2009 at 2:29 am
Mike V Smith
hello everyone i am driver truck swift i get graduate from school and final found good school from CDL college very good school and help deaf get job for driver truck so please support for who want to driver truck or goal get C.D.L something i can help to you and when you get graduate from driver truck school i can help to you how use that log book and stuff thing god bless to you
August 2, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Shawn Hill
Hi everyone, I am deaf and hard of hearing with a coclear implant. Wanted to let you know that I have successfully acheive a Class A Lisc. as of July 28th 2009. I pass the all three test without any fails. I am rooting for all driver deaf and hard of hearing to do anything they want to achieves. I am still in contact with truck driving school that I attended in Sacramento Ca. I can direct student to the school, It is 15 weeks course and it is held at Arco Arena driving pad. The school cost $1895, they take grant and so. I will find a job soon, I am going for my B lisc as well.