Mega US carrier American Airlines has received the top score of 100 on the 2018 Disability Equality Index (DEI) and was also named among the “2018 DEI Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the third year in a row. The DEI is a joint initiative between the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
“We are honored to be awarded such a meaningful distinction,” said Suzanne Boda, senior vice president — Los Angeles, executive sponsor of the Disabilities Task Force and AAPD board member. “American Airlines is focused on continuous improvement in this area. From supplier diversity to community support and involvement, and the revision of rules surrounding emotional support animal carriage, American is proud to create an inclusive and respectful environment for our team and our customers.”
“American Airlines continues to show its commitment to disability inclusion by achieving the top score of 100 this year on the Disability Equality Index,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO, USBLN. “The DEI progresses each year, pushing companies to advance inclusion of people with disabilities. American Airlines earning a top score once again proves continual advancement for disability inclusion is possible.”
The index measures key performance indicators across organizational culture, leadership, accessibility, employment, community engagement, support services and supplier diversity. American is a founding partner of the Disability Equality Index survey.
From the team members American hires to the customers the airline serves, inclusion and diversity are foundational elements of the organization. One way that American brings this initiative to light is through the Abilities Employee Business Resource Group’s well-known program It’s Cool to Fly American. The program provides children who have autism and their families a simulated flight experience. From checking in at the ticket counter to going through security to boarding a plane, participants experience the unfamiliar aspects of air travel.
See the 2018 DEI Best Places to Work — a comprehensive list of DEI top scoring companies — on the DEI website or follow the conversation using #DEI18.
