For the seventh year in a row, American Airlines received a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index® (DEI) and was named one of the best places to work for disability inclusion in 2022. Now in its eighth year, the DEI exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities.
Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) first launched the Disability Equality Index (DEI) in 2015. Today, the DEI is acknowledged as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. By taking the Disability Equality Index (DEI), companies demonstrate their commitment to disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issues, and enhance their reputation.
“At American Airlines, our mission is to care for people on life’s journey, and that starts with our team members,” said Cedric Rockamore, Chief Diversity Officer. “We have been intentional in creating an inclusive culture where people of all abilities feel welcomed, and American is proud to receive this prestigious recognition.” Globally, people with disabilities represent more than 1 billion people across all lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and religion.
“There is no single best way to practice disability inclusion, however, the companies taking the DEI share the desire to create a workplace that fosters the concept of bringing your whole self to the office,” said Maria Town, President and CEO of AAPD. “We look forward to working with all of the participants to help identify meaningful ways to build upon their current practices as we continue on the disability inclusion journey together.”
American CEO Robert Isom also recently signed the CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion as a part of Disability:IN’s global CEOs Are IN campaign. In the letter, CEOs call on peers to follow their lead and evaluate their corporate inclusion progress by taking the Disability Equality Index (DEI).
