Sensing Success

FVTC truck driving grad with hearing-impairment hits the road to a better career.

Suzie Helgerson of Waupaca is the first deaf woman in Wisconsin to receive a commercial license to become a truck driver, and only the fifth in the nation.

Helgerson completed Fox Valley Technical College’s 10-week Truck Driving program and now spends up to 10 hours a day driving over-the-road for CH Hall Trucking headquartered in Stillman Valley, Illinois.

Recently the United States Department of Transportation lifted the ban on allowing deaf people to obtain commercial licenses for truck driving. With assistance from several resources, including FVTC’s Educational Support Services department, interpreter Kris Orkin, and a dedicated team of instructors, Helgerson’s driving skills are serving as an inspiration to others of similar distinction.

With the help of Orkin, Helgerson told college officials and members of the media that she wants others who are hard of hearing to realize they can earn a rewarding career behind the wheel.

In The News:

Deaf woman becomes first in Wisconsin with a CDL (Fox 11) >>

Hearing-impaired truck driver receives commercial license through FVTC (Insight on Business) >>