27019627
Craig Stephens sits behind his desk at the Columbus Boulevard Photo License Center, taking pictures of people getting or renewing their driver’s licenses. Once he snaps the photo, he displays the image on his computer screen to make sure the driver is satisfied with it. Stephens will take up to four photos to ensure his customer leaves happy.
It’s all routine, except perhaps for the fact that Stephens does all this while sitting in a wheelchair. He is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the birth defect spina bifida.
Stephens says he has always tried to live as normal a life as possible while dealing with the effects of his condition, which created a hole in his back and caused nerve damage.
"Nothing stops me from doing what I want," the shy Stephens says as he takes a break from his job. "I don’t let my handicap get in the way of doing anything."
The 29-year-old’s gutsy attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed. In June, the Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicapped named Stephens the recipient of the Nettie Mann Achievement Award, given to someone who demonstrates outstanding individual achievement and exceptional character in living and coping with a disability, particularly in the workplace. The award’s namesake died in a 1993 car accident after being named Pennsylvania’s Handicapped Worker of the Year. Tammy Sloyer, associate director of the Philadelphia Development Disabilities Corp., nominated Stephens for the honor.
Stephens didn’t even know he was nominated for the award, and says he was pretty much speechless when he received word of his win in April.
The resident of the 2600 block of South Percy Street felt like a local celebrity after an interview on WURD 900-AM and a profile in the Daily News. Stephens also received an all-expense-paid trip to Harrisburg for himself and a guest to attend the PIBH award dinner. The event highlighted the many achievements and contributions of disabled workers throughout the state.
Stephens, who admits he doesn’t like talking in front of big crowds, prepared an acceptance speech, but ended up forgetting it. He gave a 30-second version instead.
"I just ad-libbed and thanked everybody for nominating me for this award," says Stephens, who received $500 and a personalized plaque.
His mother, younger sister and brother-in-law attended the event. The memorable night included meeting Robert David Hall, who plays coroner Dr. Robbins on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which is one of Stephens’ favorite shows along with CSI: Miami and the Law & Order franchise. Hall, who had both his legs amputated after an auto accident, is an advocate for positive changes in employment for the disabled.
From an early age, Stephens sought out activities in which he could participate despite his condition. He attended the Widener Memorial School in Olney — a School District of Philadelphia facility for mentally and physically challenged students — from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Besides enjoying history classes, Stephens became involved with the Special Olympics. He competed in the softball throw, Frisbee throw and the 100-yard wheelchair races, winning his share of first-place prizes. The student also joined the school’s weightlifting club.
Stephens says his part-time job now brings him the most joy in life. He started working at the photo license center seven-and-a-half years ago, and says he enjoys interacting with the customers and his coworkers during his 12 hours a week.
But his job — and everything else — nearly came to an end one night in November 2001.
Stephens was getting ready for bed, and suddenly his arms went numb. He couldn’t lift them. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia — the site of many of his previous operations — where his conditioned worsened. Stephens suffered a stroke and went into a coma for 33 days. His heart stopped twice within a 12-hour period. Each time, he had to be resuscitated, and the doctors started to worry whether Stephens would pull through.
His mother, two older brothers and sisters were there by his side the whole time. But all Stephens remembers of the month of darkness is people saying they didn’t think he would make it.
When he finally woke up, he had to undergo extensive rehabilitation, learning how to speak, eat and lift his arms all over again. Getting back to work served as his motivation through the whole recovery process.
"From the time they told me that I have to go to rehab, I told them I want to get back to work as fast as I can," Stephens recalls. "I wanted them to take care of the problem right there and right then. By staying at home I am not accomplishing anything."
Stephens, who lives with his mother, is once again finding satisfaction on the job. He is in the process of learning some of the new technology involved with his position, as well as dealing with all the paperwork. Someday soon, the photo technician would like to fix computers for a living. The key is finding someone to give him a chance despite his disability.
"How do they know I can’t do it unless they let me try?" Stephens questions.
For now, he is quite content taking pictures at the Columbus Boulevard Photo License Center. In his free time, Stephens likes to play video games on Xbox and surf the Internet. He is also a big WWE wrestling fan and roots for Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Undertaker every week on television.
Stephens might not agree that his everyday activities warrant an award, but he would encourage others in his position to follow his example.
"I try to tell people with any disability that you have to at least try and make an effort to go to work," he says.
