Walmart, Walgreens among retailers earning top marks for disability efforts 

Five retailers rank among the country’s top companies when it comes crafting a culture of inclusion for people with disabilities.

Walmart, Walgreens, Lowe’s, CVS Health and Best Buy all earned a top score of 100% on the 2020 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a joint initiative by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities. The scores are based on such metrics as employment, accessibility, community engagement and support services. Meijer, Amazon and The Kroger Co. all had a score of  90%. Target scored 80%.

The 100% score doesn't indicate perfection, according to the index, but simply signals that a company “adheres to many of the numerous leading disability inclusion practices” recommended by the index operators. Any company that scores 80% or more is considered a DEI Best Place to Work.

“The best way to attract, retain and grow talent with disabilities is to create an accessible, inclusive workplace,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO, Disability:IN. “This year’s top scoring Disability Equality Index companies are demonstrating their commitment to many of the numerous leading disability inclusion practices featured in the DEI, recognizing that there’s still room for improvement.”

The DEI is considered the most comprehensive benchmarking tool for corporate disability inclusion and was developed by disability advocates and business leaders.  

“This honor affirms our commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are a priority in our search for talent, that we are creating a workplace culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and that we’re reflecting the communities we serve,” said Carlos Cubia, VP and global chief diversity officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. “Empowering people with disabilities in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, it’s good for business.”

Walgreens is being recognized for its transitional work group (TWG) program and the retail employees with disabilities initiative (REDI), which are designed to train potential hires, with the goal of hiring them for Walgreens stores and distribution centers once training is completed. Both programs are considered models for other companies. About 12% of employees at Walgreens distribution centers self-identify as having a disability.

• The 11-plus-year TWG program trains employees with disabilities to work at Walgreens distribution centers and regional warehouses. Earlier this year, TWG expanded to a ninth U.S. distribution center location.
• For its part, REDI offers training for potential positions in Walgreens stores, from working cash registers to stocking shelves. Through partnerships with community providers, REDI has expanded to over 270 stores in 37 states with over 1,400 trainees, as of August 2019. Graduates of the program can pursue job opportunities with Walgreens and other retailers as well.

Community providers play an integral role in Walgreens disability employment initiatives. Eleven years ago, Viability, a national nonprofit agency, helped Walgreens launch TWG:

“Walgreens has been at the forefront of disability inclusion efforts for many years,” said Carla Gaouette, Viabilty’s chief innovation division officer. “Our partnership with Walgreens has supported hundreds of people with disabilities nationally, helping them to find meaningful work and a sense of personal fulfillment and independence.”

To further support employees with disabilities, Walgreens’ Diversity & Inclusion division partners with the Disability Inclusion business resource group (BRG) to address workplace culture and education. In coordination with the Talent Acquisition team, the BRG also focuses on attracting job candidates. A similar BRG group has been established in WBA’s UK operations.