Fall 2003

Lighthouse Employee Enters Computer Training Program

Maria McCully will be pulling double duty as both a student and employee this fall as she enters the Adult Computer Education (ACE) program while working the second shift in the Injection Mold Department.

The Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind offers two computer skills training courses for working-age blind adults in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB). ACE focuses on general computer knowledge and an introduction to the job seeking process. Service Office Systems (SOS) builds upon the groundwork laid out in ACE by specializing in computer skills needed for customer service positions. People wishing to attend the programs are referred by DSB.

Maria contacted her vocational rehabilitation counselor at DSB, reopened her case file and asked to enter the ACE/SOS computer training program. “I decided to go into it now because I thought, well, I want to better myself and improve my skills,” says Maria. “I decided I might as well do it now while I’m thinking about it instead of later.”

Legally blind due to retinopathy of prematurity, Maria attended public school in Palm Springs, California. “I was the first grandchild to graduate from high school, which is a really big deal in my family,” Maria says. During high school Maria developed her writing ability and love of history, combining the two in writing plays taking place in medieval times.

After moving to Washington, Maria attended part of the ACE program in 1997, but felt she “wasn’t ready for it yet.” After working at McDonald’s briefly, she was hired as a production worker in the Injection Mold Department of the Seattle Lighthouse. “It felt so good to get a job on my own,” she says, adding “I’m looking forward to a very nice retirement.”

Don Helsel, director of manufacturing, praises Maria’s work ethic and attitude. “Maria is very dependable and quickly learns any new job. She always has a smile on her face and really enjoys her work at the Lighthouse,” Don says. “She has been a great addition to second shift.”

While continuing her great work in the Injection Mold Department, Maria hopes to expand her professional skills and possibilities for employment as well. While she says she looks forward to “just learning some new things,” she also has a goal in mind. “I want to eventually work in customer service,” she reveals.

Maria will begin attending the first ACE module in the daytime while working for the Lighthouse in the evening. After completing the ACE program, she will continue in the SOS courses focusing on customer service. Maria says she’s feeling good about the classes and looking forward to “seeing old friends.”

“Maria has had some exposure to the ACE program,” says Tim Hindman, ACE/SOS program manager. “Now that she’s interested in focusing on customer service, she’s taking the personal initiative which is the first step in employment training. We’re happy to welcome her back.”

When not in classes or at work, Maria cultivates an active interest in history. “I like to learn about different countries and royalty,” she smiles. “I drive my husband crazy because I love history.”

Maria met her husband, Craig McCully, while working at the Lighthouse. The couple currently works in the Injection Mold Department together.  They celebrated their first wedding anniversary in August.

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