To the average person, working in a print shop might sound like a mundane position, but the in-house print shop in the RISD Print Services Department is far from that. They serve the district and community; and printing is just the beginning of the tasks they undertake. It’s not just copy printing, almost anything you can think of, they print! Yet among the puzzles, stickers, yard signs, awards and cups, the Print Services department is making a true difference in the lives of many.
The print shop partners with the Work Ready program to give students with special needs the ability to learn and strengthen their life skills. The Work Ready program is part of transition services provided by the district to students who have completed their high school credits, but need additional support in developing job-related skills and independent living.
Throughout the program, one of the community businesses that students can work in is the print shop, three days a week. For the other two days, students take an employability skills class, along with a physical education class at Richland College. Work Ready focuses on teaching students skills like task analysis, employable skills, gross and fine motor skills, and communication skills. It also helps students gain independence through transportation skills like riding the DART.
The program isn’t just beneficial for the students, they are also a key feature to the shop’s operation. Nancy, one of the shop’s printers says, “It’s nice to have an extra pair of hands around, especially when we get really busy”. They help with the many aspects of operations, including cutting, binding, folding, sticker removal, and more.
RISD Print Services is home to state-of-the art technology that is rapidly changing to adapt to the fast changing world we live in. One thing that stays constant about the shop though is the familiar faces. Printers, Donny and Nancy, are both retiring this December, but have worked at the shop for four decades! The two discussed how much the shop had changed in those years in an interview. “When I started, the shop was in Richardson Heights Elementary”, Donny explained. Since then, the shop has been in 3 other locations before its current space in the Richardson ISD Operational Center on Greenville Ave.
Just like the location, the technology has evolved as well. In the 80’s, the shop would run entirely on offset presses. These machines were officially retired only five years ago, but would only be used regularly for large orders. Other than the technology and location, the shop has seen very little change. “The stability is what has kept me here,” explained Nancy. “I like the attitude we bring, we get our work done, but still have time to have fun”.
Both Donny and Nancy explained that the best part of their jobs though is knowing that they are able to make a difference in the teachers and students lives. “We try to do the best we can to serve the students,” Donny mentioned. Nancy followed by explaining, “I like to help the kids and be a reliable source for the teachers to count on”.
This feature was written by Lake Highlands High School senior Avery Till, who is a member of the RISD Professional Internship Program that allows students to gain experience in a field or industry of their choice. Avery is interning with the RISD Strategy & Engagement department. She plans to study Sports Marketing in University.
