ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - For the first time in New Mexico’s history, a Deaf individual has earned a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), marking a significant milestone for both the state and the Deaf community.

Fernando Ramirez-Savon, the trailblazer behind this achievement, shared the inspiration that fueled his pursuit of a trucking career. “The reason I wanted to learn to be a truck driver is because, when I was young in Cuba, my father drove trucks. He taught me how to do that,” Ramirez-Savon explained.

Growing up, Fernando watched his father skillfully operate large vehicles, sparking a lifelong fascination with the profession. That early exposure planted the seeds of determination, eventually leading him to navigate the rigorous process of CDL training and certification, an undertaking that can be especially challenging for Deaf drivers due to communication and accessibility barriers.

By successfully obtaining his CDL, Fernando not only fulfilled a personal dream but also broke new ground for Deaf drivers in New Mexico. His accomplishment serves as a testament to perseverance, skill, and the belief that passion can overcome obstacles, inspiring others in the Deaf community to pursue careers in commercial transportation.