Dominion Energy Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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CAYCE, S.C. – On a summer day in 1981, Lewis Stephens’ life changed forever.

Stephens, a security background specialist at Dominion Energy, was just 20 years old when a diving accident left him paralyzed. After several challenging months of rehab in Greenville, South Carolina, he never looked back.

“After a while of feeling sorry for myself, my father pushed me to take back control over my life,” Stephens said. “I went back to school and didn’t let anything stop me.”

The Woodruff native graduated in 1985 from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in management science. That same year, he was hired at Dominion Energy, starting his nearly four-decade career with the company.

His passion is to help people who are unable to advocate for themselves.

“Inclusion in the workplace is more than just hiring people with disabilities,” he said. “It’s also about giving employees with disabilities all the right tools and resources that allow us the equal opportunity to succeed at work.”

Stephens is an active member of the Dominion Energy DiverseAbility employee resource group and serves as the business focus lead. The group’s goal is to recruit, support and retain employees with disabilities.

“It’s important to talk about how companies can create an inclusive environment for their employees,” he said. “I really don’t think about being disabled while I’m here at work. I have access to what I need, and I know my work is valued. It’s not like working for a big company; it feels like working with family.”

In and out of the workplace, Stephens is an advocate for people with disabilities. In addition to volunteering with DiverseAbility he is the chair-elect for the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association. He previously served as a commissioner for the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.

Stephens was a panelist at the recent 2023 Employer Summit hosted by Able South Carolina and presented by Dominion Energy during Disability Employment Awareness Month, a national observance held in October. The one-day conference offered business leaders and HR professionals insights on how they can improve their work environment for individuals with disabilities.

“There are so many people with similar disabilities that don’t work, either because they can’t find a job or aren’t motivated,” he said. “I want to remind them: They can do anything they set their mind to. I’m proof of it.”

Dominion Energy South Carolina President Keller Kissam was the keynote speaker.

“We want our family of employees to feel included and appreciated,” Kissam said. “I am humbled to work alongside such extraordinary men and women who inspire so many people as they put their diverse abilities to work to help serve our customers and make a difference in our communities.”

Dominion Energy is committed to cultivating a work environment where all employees can demonstrate their different talents and perspectives and are empowered to realize their true potential. To learn more about Dominion Energy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit DominionEnergy.com.