Blind mechanic fixes cars by sense of touch

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.

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 took care of the rest. Orchard said that among the repairs Alderson could tackle were brake jobs, shocks, water and power steering.

Joe Retana, a professor at the auto mechanics program, said Alderson was an enthusiastic person who never let any disability get in the way.