Alabama community college highlights CDL training program for wheelchair users

An Alabama community college is shining a light on its unique training program for people in wheelchairs who are looking to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Wallace State Community College, located in north central Alabama, says that it offers “a rare CDL program for wheelchair users.”

The Wallace State CDL program gives students access to specialized equipment during their training, including a lift to help them into the driver’s seat and trucks outfitted with hand controls surrounding the steering wheel and connected to the gas and brake pedals.

Wallace State recently highlighted the story of student Doug Teal, who worked as a truck driver for more than a year prior to sustaining a T6 spinal cord injury that caused him to require a wheelchair.

Two and a half years after sustaining the injury, Teal came upon an article highlighting Wallace State’s CDL program and he seized on the chance to reignite his trucking career. The school says that Teal is currently enrolled in the program with hopes to return to trucking after graduating.

“I hope my story inspires others to try to do the same and not give up,” said Teal.

Wallace State says that they have graduated three other wheelchair users from their CDL program, and that all three are currently employed as truck drivers.

In the video below, you can see how Wallace State’s lift helps CDL students access the cab of the truck for driver training.