Case Study: Can Deaf Truck Drivers Be Trained in a Reasonably Safe Manner; An Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Suit

Two separate cases with two deaf individuals filed a claim against a trucking company alleging that their applications for employment had been rejected due to their hearing impairment. The defendants argued that their company could not reasonably accommodate deaf drivers during their required internal training and thus could not hire the individuals for a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver position. In the subject cases, we reviewed the communication methods and channels available for CMV employers to safely employ hard-of-hearing/deaf employees during the on-the-road training program. After a review of relevant standards, regulations, and literature we recommended multiple methods for communication including simple graphical symbols used in roadway signage presented through handheld signs or electronically. Advances in current technology provide simpler and more familiar presentation methods for trainers and students, which would make the analysis and presentation of convincing arguments for matters like this easier if similar foundational steps are taken.