UScellular Receives Top Score on Disability Equality Index 2022
Chicago (July 21, 2022) For the third consecutive year, UScellular has received a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI), the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for the Fortune 1,000 to measure disability workplace inclusion against competitors. In 2022, 415 corporations utilized the DEI to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. Of these participants, 240 companies received a score of 100, including UScellular.
The DEI was created by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts and disability advocates. Now in its eighth year, the DEI exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities. It was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business.
“We are honored by this recognition, and we will continue to strive for continuous improvement and excellence in all sectors of our workplace,” said Deirdre Drake, executive vice president and chief people officer for UScellular. “We recognize the importance of having a diverse workplace, and we are committed to utilizing our resources to pursue advancement in education, community, and common practices to ensure everyone feels included and valued.”
The 2022 DEI measured: Culture & Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices (Benefits, Recruitment, Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement, Accommodations); Community Engagement; Supplier Diversity; Non-U.S. Operations (Non-Weighted).
"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."
Globally, people with disabilities represent over one billion people. 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 religion. UScellular has been involved with Disability:IN since 2019 and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for individuals with disabilities. Its CapAble Associate Network (CAN) Associate Resource Group focuses on increasing awareness on individuals with disabilities and creating an optimal work environment for its associates, communities, and customers. In the spring of 2022, CAN surveyed associates to develop a better understanding of what UScellular can do to improve its disability equality efforts, and work is underway to address the feedback.
Additionally, in 2020, UScellular Chief Executive Officer, Laurent “LT” Therivel signed the Diversity Equality Index CEO Letter. Participation on this letter draws awareness to hiring inclusively, contracting with disability-owned business enterprises, and creating accessible tools and technology for all.
For more information about open positions and a career with UScellular, go to UScellular.jobs.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. Connect with UScellular on social media at facebook.com/uscellular, twitter.com/uscellular, instagram.com/uscellular, YouTube.com/uscellularcorp and linkedin.com/company/uscellular.
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 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 400 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 (DEI); best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.