RANGELY | On the path to your goals, there will be challenges for you to overcome. Stephen Arellano doesn’t let anything prevent him from becoming who he is, which now includes being a CDL-licensed truck driver. Arellano is deaf — he communicates through American Sign Language and an interpreter.
In fifth grade, his family moved to Rangely and has lived between here and Colorado Springs. In Colorado Springs, he attended the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. During his childhood, he was a wrestler and won second place in the state. He lives and works here in Rangely with his wife and children, who are now mostly adults.
Arellano saw a sign from Sage Truck Driving School in Grand Junction about earning his CDL through a program out of Craig, Colorado, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Arellano expressed gratitude for the program and all the resources they had available to assist him with the tools and resources to accomplish his achievement.
Throughout his life activities, especially in truck driving, Arellano depends on his sharp visual skills. In driving, there are technologies available to support drivers to increase the highest level of safety.
Arellano lives close to Main Street in Rangely and witnessed the number and frequency of trucks that drive through and was inspired to get involved. Through his experience, he made connections with other deaf folks and especially truck drivers.
Before Arellano was in training for his CDL, he was a professional roofer at a young, agile 45 years old, and excited for his future. He is proud of his accomplishments and grateful for the opportunities offered to him.
BY KATIE FAYE KING | Special to the Herald Times
