Taxi Driver Online

Deaf driver overcomes the doubters at Derby minicab firm


A DEAF man who struggled to get a job for four years is believed to have made history by becoming a minicab driver.

Muneeb Ahmed said he had found his disability a barrier to getting work but the 25-year-old now drives for Pride Executive Cars in Derby.

He regularly drives clients to Heathrow Airport and his bosses said he is one of the firm's most popular drivers.

Muneeb said: "When I was applying for jobs, I sent off over 500 applications but I never heard back. I guess it's because I was deaf and it was a very challenging time.

"I'm very proud to be the first deaf driver – because I know it's not happened before – but it's been a good challenge."

Muneeb, of Burton, said the company heard about what he was going through and wanted to give him the unique opportunity to drive. And Muneeb passed his licensing test in March last year – at the second attempt.

He said: "It's a really hard test because you have to remember different places like schools and pubs but in the end I passed. I was really pleased when I did."

Muneeb has a sign in his vehicle which explains that he is deaf. He uses special software which is linked back to the controller at the office who tells him where to go.

Company owner Mohammed Yasin said he was keen to take Muneeb on when he started because he could see the benefits a deaf driver could bring.

But, one of the firm's partners, Dianne Finney, was originally against the move.

She was not the only one.

Muneeb said: "When I first started to work, I was so confused and found it very difficult in my first week.

"I was very nervous but the controller always helped me a lot and it made things a lot easier for me.

"I had to be strong and positive at first but, after a few months, I started to feel great and connect with the staff.

"One or two customers would complain about me at first when I used to go the wrong way but it was just mistakes.

"I'd like to say a huge thanks to everybody at the business for giving me the opportunity."

Despite the early odd complaint now he is one of the customers' favourite drivers, and some even call to ask especially for him now.

Dianne said she regretted her early negativity. She said: "When I heard a deaf driver was coming, I was very doubtful and, in the first few weeks, there were a few complaints.

"But now he is one of our best drivers and he has proved me totally wrong."


Read more: http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Deaf-dr ... z2y1cnQVf0

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Well obviously

_________________
There's no excuse for animal abuse. If you ain't vegan you are an animal abuser.

You couldn't make it up could you.

_________________
Grandad,

I don't think that has anything to do with being deaf mate. We have all had that.

_________________
Grandad,

Can you lip read using a rear view mirror at driving speed, it might increase your chance of driving into something if your looking at your rear view mirror all the time....may be a tad problematic if you cant hear your punters behind you, they may have changed their plans on where they'd like to go and if they didn't know the area wouldn't know you were heading off in the wrong direction of travel.

I would imagine. He'll be using some sort of computer voice-recognition software, screen and keyboard.

_________________
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

I wish the fella well.

_________________
IDFIMH