Retailers recognized as Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion
Eighteen retail companies received a score of 80 or above on the annual Disability Index Equality Index, giving earning them the title of “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”
The DEI is a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). It measures key performance indicators across organizational culture, leadership, accessibility, employment, community engagement, support services and supplier diversity.
"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.
The retailers who received the Best Place to Work designation in 2022 are listed below.
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- CVS Health
- Giant Eagle
- J.C. Penney
- Kohl’s
- Lowe’s Cos.
- lululemon
- Meijer
- Nike
- Sephora
- Starbucks
- Target
- Kroger Co.
- Walgreens
- Walmart
The Disability Equality Index 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."
"We appreciate the ongoing recognition of our efforts to sustain a culture of inclusion that celebrates and supports our team members and customers with disabilities," said Timothy Williams, VP of diversity and inclusion, Meijer, which was recognized for the sixth consecutive year. "So much of our success is a direct result of the passion our team members bring to supporting the disability community across our six states, especially through the Meijer Disability Awareness and Advocacy Group."
The mission of the Meijer team member resource group "mDAAG" is to advance the company's commitment to respecting and valuing diversity and inclusion by serving as a resource and liaison on issues of disability inclusion and equality. In 2020, mDAAG led Meijer to partner with Aira to provide blind and low vision customers free access to the live visual support app in all its stores, making Meijer one of the first retailers in the Midwest to offer such a service.
To see all the companies recognized in 2022, visit disabilityin.org/what-we-do/disability-equality-index/2022companies.