"
The Disability Equality Index was originally developed as a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the
- A workforce where diversity, equity and inclusion are represented at all levels, across all locations
- A workplace culture where everyone feels valued, respected and welcomed and every colleague is empowered to reach their full potential
- A diverse, equitable and inclusive approach in the marketplace for all customers, suppliers and markets
Ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion work at
Ensuring benefits, along with recruitment, employment and accommodation practices fully consider and include individuals with disabilities
Internal training for colleagues on the benefits of disability hiring, accommodations and best practices for inclusion
Executive sponsorship and support for Forward Abilities, Associated's
In addition to traditional medical, dental and vision coverage, Associated offers competitive and comprehensive benefits including well-being programs and incentives, and an
Providing the opportunity for colleagues to voluntarily identify if they have a disability for better visibility and a more accurate portrayal of our workforce demographics
Ensuring all emergency preparedness policies and procedures are inclusive to people with disabilities
Remodeling bank branch facilities to improve accessibility to entryways and restrooms, as well as adding adjustable counters
Updating the Associated website and digital banking platforms for increased accessibility
Founding charter members of Disability:IN WI chapter with current active involvement and advocacy
In 2024, 542 corporations, including 71 Fortune 100 and 220 Fortune 500, utilized the index to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. By completing the Disability Equality Index, companies can demonstrate stakeholder commitment to disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issues, and enhance their reputation.
"On the tenth anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we're extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow," said
Globally, people with disabilities represent 1.3 billion individuals. Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and it crosses lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and other demographics.
The Disability Equality Index scores companies across five categories: culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement, and supplier diversity. Participating companies receive a score on a scale of zero to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion" for the benchmark year.
To learn more about Associated's disability inclusion efforts, visit www.associatedbank.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.
###
ABOUT
ABOUT THE DISABILITY EQUALITY INDEX®
The Disability Equality Index has become the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs, and is now trusted by more than 70% of the United States Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500. Such companies must increasingly consider how emerging global reporting directives and stakeholder expectations surrounding social and corporate governance factors impact their operational, cultural, reputational and financial performance.
The Disability Equality Index is an objective, reflective, forward-thinking, and confidential disability rating tool designed to assist business in advancing inclusion practices. It is a comprehensive benchmark that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions across five scored categories: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, and Supplier Diversity. Participating companies receive a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion" for the benchmark year.
Findings from a two-year Global Disability Equality Index pilot informed the launch of a scored benchmark that opened in 2024 to seven new countries in addition to
ABOUT
AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com
ABOUT Disability:IN®
Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 500 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world's most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index; best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN
.
(C) 2024 M2 COMMUNICATIONS, source