Disability:IN has revealed this year’s disability inclusion champions, during its annual conference taking place this week (12-15 July).
As well as spotlighting the Disability Inclusion Award winners, the event also unveiled the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion, which achieved the top scores on its 2021 Disability Equality Index (DEI). The DEI was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD); and is acknowledged today as on of the most robust disability inclusion assessment tools in business.
A total of 319 companies participated in this year’s DEI; a 29% year-over-year growth, up from 247 participants in 2020. “We are so pleased to partner with 319 companies this year on the Disability Equality Index. Part of corporate commitment to disability inclusion is recognising your stance and using it as an ‘aha moment’ to drive the business investments needed to scale change,” said Jill Houghton, President & Chief Executive Officer of Disability:IN. “Although the index saw a fantastic growth in participation, 80% of Fortune 1000s have yet to utilise the DEI to identify the tangible actions they can take to advance disability inclusion across their enterprises.”
DISABILITY INCLUSION BENEFITS
The 2021 Annual DEI findings show that one year after the pandemic, companies that execute on disability inclusion priorities are better positioned for growth and long-term sustainability as the global economy recovers and as more institutional investors are tying ESG efforts to disability. In fact, companies that champion disability inclusion “significantly outperform their peers across key financial indices including revenue, net income, profit margins and shareholder returns”, according to Ted Kennedy, Jr, Board Chair of AAPD and Co-Chair of the DEI. “AAPD is proud to collaborate with the business community to prioritise industry-wide disability inclusion practices.”
The survey also highlighted that only 10% of businesses have a senior executive who identifies as a person with a disability. And although disclosure is tied to job satisfaction and engagement, only 5% of employees on average disclose their disability.
To make progress in disability inclusion, “companies must treat it as a business priority with goals, plans, measurement and accountability”, highlighted Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture; which scored 100% this year on the DEI. “The Disability Equality Index is critical to measuring progress, and in connecting business leaders to best practices and each other as we strive to advance disability inclusion and equality. It has never been more urgent for business to lead change on disability inclusion; and we can only succeed in making progress if we work together.”
100% DISABILITY INCLUSION
This year, 191 companies of the 319 participants, received a score of 100; 58 companies received a score of 90, and 23 companies received a score of 80. Companies achieving 100% in 2021’s Disability Equality Index, include Southwest Airlines, Synchrony, PPL Corporation, Southern Company, Dow, American Electric Power, BMO Harris Bank, Fannie Mae, Accenture, Boeing, Best Buy, Chevron, GSK, Mastercard, Microsoft, Pfizer, Sony, Uber, Starbucks, Merck and P&G.
Both American Electric Power (AEP) and BMO Harris Bank received a score of 100 and were named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for the sixth consecutive year. “AEP is proud to receive a top score on the DEI and be recognised as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for the sixth year in a row,” stated Nicholas K Akins, AEP’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This honour is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive work environment for all employees. We’ll continue to transform our company culture and examine our policies and benefits; to ensure they empower our colleagues with disabilities.”
At BMO, “our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in Business and Life underscores our commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone is respected, valued and heard”, commented Tracie Morris, US Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Inclusion Officer at BMO Financial Group. “We are proud to earn a 100 on the DEI list for the sixth consecutive year; and remain dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace culture.”
TOP FOR DISABILITY INCLUSION
Every year since the DEI’s inception in 2015, Southern Company has been listed among the top-ranked companies; and earned a score of 100% for the past five years. “Southern Company is honoured to be recognised as one of the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion. This recognition is a testament to creating an inclusive culture where every employee can reach his or her full potential,” said Sloane Drake, Senior Vice President of Human Resources. “We believe diversity in all forms is one of our core strengths; and we are committed to advancing disability inclusion and equality across our businesses.”
Dow has also received a top score on DEI for the fifth consecutive year. “Dow’s top rating on the 2020 Disability Equality Index is recognition of the Company’s commitment to building an inclusive culture and advancing disability inclusion,” explained John Sampson, executive sponsor for Dow’s Disability Employee Network and Senior Vice President of Operations, Manufacturing and Engineering. “People living with disabilities are an important source of talent who can, and are, delivering substantial value to our company, our customers and our communities.”
WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT
“Southwest Airlines was founded on the principle of putting People first,” added Southwest Airlines’ Vice President and Chief People Officer, Julie Weber. “We believe in providing our Employees an inclusive and welcoming environment, valuing them for their unique skills, perspectives, and abilities they bring. By doing our best as an employer, we create an environment where our People can do their best.”
Synchrony is also “proud and honoured to be recognised as a great place to work for people with disabilities,” added DJ Casto, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Synchrony. “Since Synchrony’s founding, we have been intentional in creating a caring, inclusive culture that drives innovation and diversity of thought. By offering opportunities for all, our people are able to advance their careers and make a difference in our communities.”
ACCOMODATING & INCLUSIVE
PPL’s has been committed to creating an accommodating and inclusive environment for people with disabilities in the workplace, for the fourth year running, “We want all individuals to realise their full potential and no barrier – visible or invisible – should get in the way of that,” remarked PPL President and Chief Executive Officer Vincent Sorgi. “We’re proud of the work we have done to provide new opportunities and pathways to success for many facing challenging situations. We also realise that our work is not done and we will continue to find new ways to break down barriers; and help all our employees, colleagues and friends in our communities grow and thrive.”
Fannie Mae’s Vice President, Office of Minority & Women Inclusion Kenneth Imo said the company was also “honoured to again be included on the 2021 Disability Equality Index and named a best place to work for disability inclusion. Fannie Mae promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion because they are central to our culture, business, and mission, and are integral to facilitating equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality affordable rental housing across America”.
DISABILITY INCLUSION CHAMPIONS
The 2021 Disability:IN Inclusion Award winners are recognised as visionary brands and individuals that are advancing disability inclusion. This year’s award winners across all 11 categories include:
- Top Corporation for Disability-Owned Businesses: Merck
- John D. Kemp Leadership Award: Catherine P. Bessant, Bank of America
- ERG/BRG of the Year: Intel
- NextGen Alum of the Year: Ike Tallerine, Accenture
- Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year: Kimberly Marcus, AARP
- Supplier of the Year: Certify My Company
- Marketplace Innovator of the Year, Advertising/Marketing Category: Comcast
- Marketplace Innovator of the Year, Product Category: Google
- 2021 Employer of the Year: Salesforce
- ERG/BRG Executive Sponsor of the Year: Alleace Gibbs, Northrop Grumman
- Affiliate of the Year: Disability:IN Wisconsin
Click here for more information about the winners.
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