Northwest Aerospace News December | January Issue No. 12 | Page 37

O’Hara said that it seems that the employees learn best in a peer-fo-
cused environment because they are competitive. “Our training
program has more than most; a person who is blind teaching a person
who is blind is more successful because (the new employee thinks), if
that person can do it, I can do it,” he said.
Employee longevity and loyalty is a big piece of the puzzle at Light-
house. O’Hara stated, “If they can make it a year, they’ll be here the
rest of their career.” Carter echoed that statement by saying, “There
are people who have been here 20, 30, 40 years.”
He added that meaningful work is the name of the game — and is
provided by the organization through their contracts. Carter feels
that, “Being disabled won’t affect your ability to do something like
machining.”
While Carter loves working at the Lighthouse, he has gained skills
and confidence that he believes are transferrable. “This has been a
great place to learn and I have the tools and support to do my work. I
know what I need to work on and get the support in the fields I need
to grow in. I can look at myself and shops where they wouldn’t hire
anyone with a disability, but I don’t think I’d have any problem going
anywhere else. Knowing what I am capable of now — what I wasn’t
capable of in the past — I know that I can continue to improve and
step up my game. I am confident in my skills,” he concluded.
O’Hara said that Carter’s experience is truly a model for the Light-
house, because it means more employment for skilled manufacturers
with disabilities.
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
6405 N. Addison Street
Spokane, WA 99208
Toll Free: [phone]
Main: [phone]
https://lhblind.org
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