UScellular Recognized as Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion
For the second year in a row, UScellular has earned a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI), the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for measuring disability workplace inclusion against competitors. Of the 319 participants, UScellular is one of 191 companies to receive a score of 100.
The 2021 DEI measured culture and leadership; enterprise-wide access; employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, accommodations); community engagement; supplier diversity; non-U.S. operations (non-weighted).
“From the commitment of our Executive Leadership Team to our recent self-identification campaign, we strive to represent more voices, focusing on career development support and augmenting our benefits for the diverse needs of our associates,” said Deirdre Drake, executive vice president and chief people officer for UScellular. “We push ourselves to be accessible and harness the technology that allows us to do so.”
The DEI 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.
“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,” said Maria Town, president and chief executive officer of AAPD.
Throughout the year, UScellular maintains the CapAble Associate Network (CAN), an employee-led group which provides educational and developmental resources to increase the awareness of matters that affect people with disabilities. This year, the UScellular CAN group led Autism Awareness and Mental Health Awareness campaigns. Last year they provided mentorship opportunities through Disability:IN’s NextGen Leaders Initiatives and plan to do the same in 2022.
UScellular’s commitment to a culture of inclusivity has garnered several awards over the past year, including the Multicultural Woman’s Award, Forbes list of Best Employers for Diversity and Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.
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 is building a stronger network with the latest 5G 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, promos and videos, connect with UScellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
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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PRESS CONTACT
Bridget Ballek, UScellular, bridget.ballek@uscellular.com
Becky Kekula, Disability Equality Index, Becky@DisabilityIN.org