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Success Stories
Marguarite*: Pharmacy Technician, Harborview Medical Center
Born and raised in the Philippines, Marguarite began to lose her vision as a young girl due to an allergic reaction to aspirin. She worked as a certified pharmacist in Manila until 1995, when she moved with her family to Seattle, Washington. Marguarite contacted a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor of the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), who referred her to the agency's Orientation and Training Center (OTC). The training center accepted Marguarite into their six-month program, where Marguarite learned adaptive skills of daily living, such as white cane travel, Braille, and computer access technology. She learned many skills that enabled her independence at home, in school, and on the job. With support from her counselor, Marguarite completed the training program, and achieved employment as a Pharmacy Technician at Harborview Medical Center. The counselor assisted with her on-the-job accommodation by coordinating an Assistive Technology job site analysis, and a low vision evaluation; and by purchasing equipment and low vision devices. Marguarite continues to work as a Pharmacy Technician, however, currently she is studying to pass her boards to become a certified Pharmacist.
Jim*: Computer Technician, Boeing
At the age of 42, Jim developed Diabetes, which caused his low vision, neuropathy in his extremities, and amputation below his left knee. Concerned that he might lose his job at Boeing because of his visual impairment, Jim applied for services at the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB). His DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provided Jim with counseling and guidance in adjustment to vision loss; and referred him for a low vision evaluation and job site analysis with DSB's Assistive Technology Unit. This analysis determined which adaptive equipment Jim needed on the job. DSB purchased the low vision aids and Boeing purchased the necessary adaptive equipment. Then, DSB followed up with technical support and training. Not only was Jim able to keep his employment with Boeing, the company promoted him during this time!
Ted*: Lead Electrician, Grays Harbor County Public Development, SATSOP Development Park
Ted's progressive eye condition from Multiple Sclerosis caused his increased difficulty in reading blueprints and other written documents in his job as an electrician and building maintenance manager. His Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor of the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) coordinated the Assistive Technology assessment, the low vision evaluation, and the job site analysis. DSB granted to him low vision devices, computer screen enlargement software, and computer training. With DSB's services, Ted was able to perform all of his job's duties. In fact, he received a promotion to lead electrician!
Shay*: Certified Forms Consultant, SAFECO
As a 59 year-old woman with Diabetic Retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, Shay applied with the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) to assist her in retaining her employment as a Certified Forms Consultant in SAFECO's Printing Department. Shay's DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provided extensive counseling and guidance to help Shay address and overcome her devastated feelings about her vision loss. Upon referral by her counselor, the DSB Assistive Technology Unit assessed Shay's workstation and recommended various technology, equipment, lighting, and ergonomic and organization strategies that would enhance her work performance. The agency evaluated her low vision, and recommended and purchased devices that would increase her use of residual vision. To promote her independence, DSB provided white cane training for travel in the office building and also from home to work, training in adaptive skills for independence in self and home management, and training on computers using speech output and screen enlargement programs. The counselor conducted training on disability awareness and etiquette for her co-workers. Shay was pleased with the services she received from DSB. Now she is confident that she can continue to work until she is eligible for retirement.
Barry*: Telephone Surveyor, LiveBridge
Barry came to the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) in July of 1998, having recently been laid off from his machine operator job at the Lighthouse for the Blind. This was Barry's fifth Vocational Rehabilitation case with DSB. His stated desire was to return to machine shop employment. Barry presented many issues that created barriers to his return to employment. He was not a happy camper at this time in his life. He was angry about his job loss, his personal life, and his finances. Barry's blindness resulted from Retinitis Pigmentosa. In addition he was also diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, Obesity, Hypertension and Asthma.
In spite of these barriers, Barry presented himself as someone with motivation to return to employment, and the desire to improve his life circumstance. With counselor encouragement, he decided to engage in Anger Management Counseling and to consider a career change from Machining to Customer Service work. Consideration was given to his desires and ability, health issues, his advancing age, and the Labor Market. With this in mind, Barry decided to pursue a career change to Customer Service work. With his decision to change careers, Barry realized that he would need to work hard to overcome his barriers to employment. He addressed his sleep issues and started on a journey to a more healthful life. Barry engaged in extensive computer training, Braille skill development, and improving his other skills of blindness, including home management and Cane skills.
In September of 1999 he applied for and accepted a job with Telemark in Auburn as a Customer Service worker, conducting telephone surveys for a variety of product manufacturers. However, Telemark was converting their computer systems at the time, while trying to address Barry's access accommodation needs, with the support and encouragement of DSB's Assistive Technology unit. Barry's first day on the job was August 29th of 2000. He has remained successfully employed at Telemark, now called LiveBridge, for nearly two years.
LiveBridge is not the end of Barry's journey. His personal life has changed, having recently married and he has been recognized as the Graduate of the Year from Tacoma Goodwill's computer skills training program. He is pursuing career development in other areas too, in his quest for continuous self-improvement. Barry is proof that success is not a destination, but the lifetime journey through self-improvement and fulfillment. Barry is a success!
Marlena*: Park Ranger, National Park Service
Marlena was legally blind from rod cone dystrophy. She contacted the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) while she was a National Park Service Trainee. The Park Service was pleased with Marlena's work and wanted to hire her permanently, however, they were unsure as to the accommodations she would need to do the job. The DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor facilitated the job site analysis with recommendations by the DSB Assistive Technology Unit to assist the employer in obtaining the necessary equipment. The Park Service hired Marlena as a park ranger in the American Camp Park of the San Juan Island where she leads hikes and educates visitors about the park. She was featured in National Geographic Magazine for her accomplishment of being the first person with legal blindness to ski around Lapland!
* - Names have been changed.