Video fades to soft blue and white background with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) logo centered. Black text below the logo appears, “National Association of the Deaf.”
Video fades to white then fades to NAD Headquarters, front lobby area.
HOWARD: Hi!
Video freezes, Howard’s frame slowly grows bigger as his title ID appears, “Howard Rosenblum, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of the Deaf.”
HOWARD: Many of you have contacted the NAD because you want the right to drive trucks and were denied a license because you’re deaf. I’m here to make sure you have all the information you need regarding this issue.
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HOWARD: The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the federal government that requires a federal US Commercial Driver’s License (US-CDL) license for any truck drivers that cross state lines. The NAD has been proactive with this to get that rule revised.
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HOWARD: For many years, the DOT has refused to approve license applications for deaf and hard of hearing truck drivers because of the hearing requirement. We have told the DOT the hearing requirement is unnecessary because there are many deaf and hard of hearing truck drivers who know how to drive safely. In fact, there are many deaf and hard of hearing truck drivers who already drive within their state lines. Remember though, when they need to drive across a state line, they need to have the DOT’s special license, a US-CDL. To obtain such a license, they must apply with the DOT. So we’ve been working with the DOT vigorously and won 40 waivers. We’re proud to have been involved with that battle. However, after we finished that case, there were other deaf and hard of hearing truck drivers who wanted the same exemption but were worried DOT would not grant exemption for any more drivers – this is not the case. The NAD continues to work with the DOT to remove the hearing requirement rule so moving forward any deaf or hard of hearing person can apply based on their truck driving skills, not their hearing. That’s the way it should be, the NAD has hopes to see this happen. For now, what does this mean for the rest of the truck drivers? You can go ahead and submit your paperwork with us and we will advocate for your application with the DOT. Since the first original 40 was granted waivers, the DOT has granted nine additional exemptions, so we have a total of 49 deaf and hard of hearing CDL drivers. Again, if you’re a truck driver who wants an exemption or has been waiting to get exempted, contact us and we’ll take it to the DOT then eventually we hope they’ll grant your exemption based on your skills.
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HOWARD: Sometimes issues will still happen in your state regardless if you have a CDL already with more questions and tests. The NAD will ensure that gets resolved through the DOT as this issue this issue is their responsibility.
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HOWARD: The wait begins after you submit your application with the DOT. The DOT will have to process your application and might even contact you for more paperwork to be filled out. The process isn’t quickly completed within one or two weeks. As you know, the Government takes a while to process a lot of paperwork that has been submitted. We do not know how long the entire process will take; it could take many months or a year.
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HOWARD: The NAD advocates for equality for all deaf and hard of hearing truck drivers! Thank you.
Video fades to the same soft blue and white background with the NAD logo centered. Black text below the logo appears, “A production of The National Association of the Deaf (copyright) 2013 All rights reserved.”