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An inclusive workplace has a positive impact on employees, caregivers and families.
This article is about:
Jacob Cornwell is an intern on our Diversity and Inclusion team and was hired through the Dominion Energy DiverseAbility Employment Initiative. Jacob and his dad, Mike, who also works at Dominion Energy, share about how the initiative has impacted them.Mike and Jacob Cornwell spend a lot of time together.
For starters, they’re related and live together. Mike is Jacob’s dad. They also work for Dominion Energy, making their commute to their respective downtown Richmond offices together.
Occasionally they even grab lunch together – taking the time to step away from their desks to break bread and see how their days are going.
Mike, who has spent nearly 40 years with the company, is the Director of Gas Supply, and Jacob has worked as an intern on the Diversity and Inclusion team for almost two years.
In so many ways, Mike has wanted for Jacob what every parent wants – to fit in, go to college, and be successful. Jacob has achieved all those things – he graduated from VCU and is using that degree today in his role at Dominion Energy.
But there have been challenges along the way.
Jacob has cognitive and mental disabilities, and as a family, Mike, his wife Cheryl, and Jacob, have experienced the stigmas and challenges that people with disabilities often face, especially when it comes to employment.
“We are so proud of Jacob and his accomplishments,” Mike explains. “He has faced many challenges that most cannot understand, fathom or even relate to unless they have their own experience to relate to. His accomplishments to date are truly remarkable.”
Even though the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nearly one in four adults in the United States is living with a disability, it is not uncommon for there to be a lack of education, empathy and accommodations from employers and for biases and prejudice to be prevalent in the workplace.
Building an inclusive workplace that supports and embraces people with disabilities has an impact that goes beyond just the individual, it also impacts parents, caregivers and families.
In January 2020, we launched the Dominion Energy DiverseAbility Employment Initiative in partnership with VCU’s Research Rehabilitation & Training Center (VCU-RRTC). The goal is to identify, hire and retain employees with disabilities. Jacob joined our Diversity and Inclusion team after being connected to the initiative by the staff at VCU-RRTC.
“It is the only employment Jacob has experienced where he feels confident, feels part of a team, feels his education is being used and where he is making an impact on society.”
And it doesn’t just start and stop with hiring. Other considerations such as training with leaders and employees around etiquette, empathy and communication are vital to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
When asked about what others should know about working with someone who has a disability, Jacob shared, “Just be patient and learn what makes a person with a disability learn the fastest and tailor your instruction that way. Make them feel valued and included. Everyone wants to contribute but it may be harder to express how they can do that.”
Mike adds, “Treat all people in the workplace, even those with disabilities, how you would like to be treated. Remember, many disabilities are invisible to others. You might be working with someone who has a disability and not even be aware of it.”
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