Grant Thornton named to 2021 "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion" list
Grant Thornton LLP has earned a top score of 100% on the 2021 Disability Equality Index® (DEI), a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to disability inclusion and workplace equality. The DEI is a joint initiative of two national leaders in disability advocacy: The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN.
Top-scoring businesses on the index ? those scoring 80% or higher ? were also recognized as "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion." This marks the third-straight year Grant Thornton has been named a best place to work for disability inclusion, and it's the second year in a row the firm has earned the highest score possible.
"The past year-and-a-half has been difficult for everyone ? and even more so for individuals with disabilities," said Brad Preber, CEO of Grant Thornton. "One of our guiding principles is to take care of our people, and that includes our professionals with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. We value all our colleagues for exactly who they are, and we want everyone to know they can always bring their whole selves to work at Grant Thornton."
In addition to helping guide the firm to its top score on the Index, Preber has signed the Disability:IN CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion. This letter aims to advance equality and inclusion policies in corporate America.
"People want a kind, caring workplace that is dedicated to their wellbeing," added Ken Cunningham, chief legal officer at Grant Thornton ? and a sponsor of the firm's disability-focused business resource group, Diverse Abilities & Allies. "That's exactly the culture we strive every day to foster at Grant Thornton ? one that creates an inclusive, equitable environment. When clients work with Grant Thornton, they know they're working with a firm that embraces and celebrates professionals for their unique perspectives and wide range of talents."
The 2021 DEI measured a range of criteria, including: culture and leadership; enterprise-wide access; employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, and accommodations); community engagement; and supplier diversity.
Maria Town, president and CEO of AAPD, explains that "the Disability Equality Index shines a spotlight on companies that believe they have a stake in creating a more equitable society for people with disabilities. It is a conduit for our work championing disability rights for the 60 million Americans with disabilities and knocking down barriers to employment, technology and healthcare, and we're thrilled to see the progress being made today."
"We are so pleased to partner with 319 companies this year on the Disability Equality Index," adds Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN. "Part of corporate commitment to disability inclusion is recognizing your stance and using it as an 'aha moment' to drive the business investments needed to scale change. Inclusion and accessibility cuts across the enterprise, from cultural representation in the workforce, to technology acceleration, to incorporating supply chain diversity. These are tangible opportunities that leading companies can leverage to create sustainable impact for their business and brand."
For more information on the 2021 DEI Report, visit www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.
About Grant Thornton LLP
Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world's leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton, which has revenues of $1.92 billion and operates more than 50 offices, works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.
"Grant Thornton" refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another's acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.
About the Disability Equality Index®
The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion."
The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation's largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.
About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
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 50+ 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 270 corporations trust Disability:IN to activate and achieve disability inclusion across their enterprise and in the broader corporate mainstream. Through the world's most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking; best-in-class conferences and programs; and expert counsel and engagement, Disability:IN works with leading businesses to create long-term business and societal impact. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.
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