Rolla, Mo., (Nov. 15, 2024) —Daniel “Danny” Sisco serves as an example of what a person with truly professional attitude can gain as a participant in a disability placement program. For the past five years, he trained with Mark Twain National Forest, serving as a Customer Service Representative (CSR) at the Eleven Point Ranger District through the MERS Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). His successful performance and enjoyable presence during that time was honored with cake and friendly banter at the office in Doniphan, on a sunny fall day last week. Everyone in attendance celebrated him and the years he spent as part of the District’s team. Danny showed his coworkers how much an individual with a visual impairment was capable of accomplishing; and he demonstrated how a positive attitude translates to excellent service for our Forest’s visitors and other customers that stop by or call the front desk at our offices.
As a CSR, Danny answered phone calls, spoke with walk-in visitors, and assisted with all kinds of jobs that popped up around the office. Using assistive technology, like phone apps for the visually impaired and screen reading software on his computer, he was able to overcome visual challenges and accomplish administrative tasks necessary for CSR work. He mastered using his screen-reading program in conjunction with recreation spreadsheets to quickly find and provide updated information to the public on rec site statuses, pricing, and other details. Danny truly enjoyed his time in the SCSEP program training with the USDA Forest Service.
“One of my favorite things to do was help raise and lower the United States flag in front of the District Office,” said Danny.
He added that he never knew before doing that part of the job that the stars were embossed on official U.S. flags. He was able to feel the stars and utilize them to orient the flag and independently ensure it was hung correctly. When he talks about it, his feeling of pride is apparent. He appreciated the opportunity to work in a federal building in a public service capacity.
“I really enjoyed talking to people about the wide variety of topics that come up regarding Mark Twain National Forest,” shared Danny. He added, “I don’t think I ever had a ‘bad day’ while doing this work.”
As with any new CSR, he quickly learned that the Forest Service has a complex set of missions, serving a variety of publics. Outdoor recreation, wildlife, timber, forest health, firewood, and a million other topics came across his desk over the five-year period. He said the most interesting and surprising encounter was when a busload of people from Sweden stopped by the office on their way to view the 2024 solar eclipse.
SCSEP focuses efforts to provide people in the program with training and skills to find permanent jobs. One thing Danny worked on through this program was his typing capabilities. He was reaching close to 60 words-per-minute. Danny said that the program provided him with computer skills as well, allowing him to operate within modern software while using his accessibility technology and equipment. He added that the Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind gave him strong support too, providing him with equipment and additional training to ensure he was successful at doing his job with a high level of independence.
As people ate cake and shared stories with and about Danny during his going away gathering, a trend emerged. Danny was highly capable on his own, but employees were always happy to help hm out if he ever needed it. His coworkers also shared that it was tough to have a bad day when Danny was around the office to lighten the mood with his witty, yet kind, sense of humor and smile.
His wife Linda also supported Danny throughout this time. Even on his second to last day, she found a path around rising floodwaters to get Danny to work and back. Danny is unsure what will be next for him. He does not plan to retire and will continue to look for more opportunities to use his customer service skills.
“I enjoy demonstrating to people what someone with a disability can bring to the table, and hope I empower other people with disabilities to enroll in programs like MERS Goodwill—it has been a wonderful experience,” shared Danny.
His goals of demonstrating capabilities and learning were accomplished. There is now a District full of employees that have seen the benefit of having someone working the front desk through the SCSEP program. Many locals have stopped by the office and enjoyed interacting with Danny over the last few years; and at least one busload of people in Sweden can testify to Danny’s skills and capabilities.
