OSU-OKC to offer motorcycle training to deaf drivers

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City’s Center for Safety and Emergency Preparedness is offering a motorcycle safety course geared specifically toward deaf participants scheduled for later this month.

The course, sponsored through a grant from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, will take place June 28-30 at the Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) Public Safety Training Center, 3501 W. Reno Ave. The course is the only class of its kind offered in the state.

The Deaf Basic Motorcycle Rider Training Course will cover all of the introductory material included in the university’s Center for Safety and Emergency Preparedness (CSEP) Basic Rider Course, including an introduction to motorcycle operation, avoiding obstacles, street strategies, and more. Expert instructors will teach this one-of-a-kind learning experience, while American Sign Language-certified interpreters will interpret class content to students. The structure allows for all participants to learn together and benefit from each other’s questions. 

“We are very serious about the safe operation of motorcycles at CSEP,” said RuthAnn Baugh, OSU-OKC CSEP director. “The ability to offer this important course to deaf members of the community will allow us to offer the best learning environment possible that leads to safer roads.”

Since practice motorcycles are provided, this free course is limited to 12 participants. To sign up for the course, visit osuokc.edu/motorcycle.