Joey Woodle is deaf and even though he grew up riding in big rigs with his father and uncle, dreaming of one day doing it himself, his hearing impairment prevented it.
That was until Central Alabama Community College, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and Easter Seals all teamed to give Woodle a fighting chance to achieve his dream.
Woodle graduated from CACC’s Truck Driver Training Program Wednesday, passing the test for his Commercial Driver’s License, clearing him to seek a job as a truck driver.
“Ever since I was little I had been interested because my dad and my uncle were truck drivers too, and I would ride along with them. I thought I could do that too,” Woodle said. “My dad showed me so many things about it and I kept thinking that I could do it – even though I was deaf. But I tried a lot of different things over the years and just couldn’t find a way.”
Getting into CACC’s program was challenging. He had to get a permit and health waiver because of his disability to get clearance. It took about six months, but with the help of Vocational Rehabilitation, interpreters like Liz Spiller from Easter Seals, all the hurdles were eventually cleared.
“I’m deaf and I want to show others who are deaf that they can learn to do this and be a truck driver, even the big trucks,” Woodle said. “I was really motivated to do that. I worked really hard for six weeks to get ready to take the test. I studied and studied because I wanted to learn and now I can get a job and get out on the road. Now I have my CDL and I can do that. It’s a great day and I’m ready to get a job. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Quinton at VR, Liz and my instructor Willie. I am so thankful for everyone.”
His trainer said they developed their own sign language on some things like when to slow down and ways to quickly communicate certain important things. There were times when we just had to pull over, slow down and with (the interpreter) go through things until we were all on the same page.”
He added that Woodle compensated by working harder, paying close attention and studying and watching to make sure he understood every little detail.
Spiller and fellow interpreter Carol Samelo worked as the communicators for Woodle through the six-week class. Through more than 60 hours in the classroom and hundreds in the truck, they found ways to communicate quickly, safely and effectively. Spiller said she feels like she is ready to tackle anything now.
“This will definitely go into the books as one of the biggest challenges, but one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had,” Spiller said. “I’m very proud of him.”
Source: The Outlook