While it is challenging to identify specific events at the 2015 Great American Trucking Show (GATS) that focused exclusively on deaf truckers, several indicators suggest that members of the deaf trucking community were present and making progress during this period.

Deaf Truckers United (DTU) involvement: Deaf Truckers United, an organization dedicated to supporting deaf individuals in obtaining Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and achieving success in trucking careers, was active in 2015. Given the organization’s mission and engagement with the trucking industry, it is plausible that DTU representatives or members attended GATS as part of their outreach and networking efforts.

Increase in deaf CDL holders: Around this time, there was a noticeable rise in the number of deaf individuals pursuing and earning CDLs. This trend was supported by evolving federal regulations designed to better accommodate deaf drivers, which further expanded opportunities for them within the trucking profession. This momentum would have made participation in a large-scale industry event such as GATS both relevant and beneficial.

Emphasis on communication accessibility: Industry discussions and case studies from the mid-2010s increasingly highlighted the importance of effective communication methods during training and daily operations for deaf drivers. These conversations signaled a growing recognition of the needs of deaf truckers and the implementation of strategies to promote their integration into the workforce. It is reasonable to infer that such awareness and advocacy would extend to major industry gatherings like GATS.