NCCC Success Story

Where are you from?
My name is Martin Lopez. I was born in Highland Park, Illinois, and I attended Grayslake North High School.

What is your degree program?
I am pursuing a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology and expect to graduate in Spring 2027.

What is your primary communication style—ASL, spoken English, both, or another language?
I primarily use ASL, but at home I use spoken language. My family is hearing, and I am the only deaf person in my family.

Tell us the date of your co-op/internship, your position title, and the company you worked for.
I completed three co-ops with Ludlow Manufacturing in Waukegan, Illinois.

• Summer 2023: CNC Machinist
• Summer 2024 & Summer 2025: Quality Control Inspector

What was your role and what kinds of projects or tasks did you work on during your co-op/internship?
As a CNC Machinist, I worked closely with the metal fabrication machines. I received parts from other companies and programmed the CNC machines to create specific components from the materials provided. As a Quality Control (QC) Inspector, I inspected all parts produced by the company as well as machine components. I communicated with customers about parts that needed to be 3D printed, created blueprints, attended meetings with my supervisor, and collaborated with the shipping department. During customer meetings, we reviewed blueprints, developed project plans, and confirmed production requirements.

How did your experience at RIT/NTID prepare you for this job?
NTID helped me tremendously. The engineering faculty and staff provided relevant coursework, real-world advice, and strong support. The technical skills and knowledge I gained here were directly applicable to my work as both a CNC Machinist and a QC Inspector.

What skills did you gain or strengthen during your time at the company?
My communication skills improved the most. I wasn’t very confident in communicating when I was younger, but through each co-op experience I became more comfortable. I learned how to navigate different situations, overcome language barriers, and pick up new technical skills on the job. Ludlow played a big role in strengthening these abilities.

Did this experience change or confirm your career goals? If so, how?
Yes. When I first started at Ludlow, I didn’t have a full understanding of the industry. My early work involved manufacturing car parts and robotics components. By the end of my third co-op, I had a much clearer picture of how the industry works and how my degree and skills fit into real-world projects. The experience helped confirm my interest in this career path.

What communication tools or accommodations helped you do your best work?
I didn’t use accommodations when working directly with coworkers; we communicated closely and effectively. During meetings, Zoom transcripts and live captions helped me follow the conversation. The company was very supportive—especially the owner, who had a hard-of-hearing son—which made the environment inclusive and comfortable for me.

What advice would you give to other deaf and hard-of-hearing students preparing for their first co-op or internship?
Don’t feel discouraged because of your disability. Many deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals struggle with job opportunities, but deafness does not limit what you can achieve. Be open to learning new things, trying new roles, and taking on challenges. You won’t grow unless you try.