Blind man hears, feels his way to mechanic degree

Greg Sorber / The Albuquerque Journal / AP

In this April 28, 2014, photo, Cliff Alderson of Alamagordo, N.M., loosens a bolt to let oil pour out during an oil change on a car. Alderson, who is blind, completed the two-year auto mechanic program at Dona Ana Community College. He earned his degree by listening and learning to feel his way around the vehicle, KOAT-TVreported.

Associated Press

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 | 2:08 p.m.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. A blind New Mexico man who recently earned an auto mechanics degree is looking for a job.

Clifford Alderson, 48, a graduate from a joint New Mexico State University-Dona Ana Community College program, earned his degree by listening and learning to feel his way around the vehicle, KOAT-TV reports.

Born with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease that led to his blindness, Alderson got his on-the-job training at a small auto shop in Alamogordo and plans on making a career out of his talents.

His mother has the disease, as does his 15-year-old daughter, Lydia.

"When I graduated it didn't feel like I graduated. I felt like I was in a dream," said Alderson, who walks with a collapsible cane.

Damian Orchard, of All Makes Automotive, says, for the most part, he could just tell Alderson what needed to be done on a car and Alderson takes care of the rest.

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Blind man hears, feels his way to mechanic degree