Grant Thornton named to 2020 “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” list

Firm earns top-score of 100% on Disability Equality Index

CHICAGO — Grant Thornton LLP has earned a top-score of 100% on the 2020 Disability Equality Index® (DEI), a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to disability inclusion and workplace equality. The DEI is a joint initiative of two national leaders in disability advocacy: The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN.

Top-scoring businesses on the index — those scoring 80% or higher — were also recognized as “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.” This marks the second year in a row Grant Thornton has been named a best place to work for disability inclusion and represents a 20-point jump over the firm’s score last year.

“Globally, there are over one billion people with disabilities,” says Trent Gazzaway, Grant Thornton’s national managing partner of Audit Quality & Innovation — and a sponsor of the firm’s disability-focused business resource group, Diverse Abilities & Allies. “Grant Thornton takes pride in creating an inclusive environment where the firm’s professionals, including those with visible and invisible disabilities, can bring their whole selves to work.”

Grant Thornton CEO Brad Preber also signed the Disability:IN CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion to help advance equality and inclusion policies in corporate America. Preber explains that Grant Thornton’s diversity and inclusion efforts are a major contributor to the firm’s growth and ability to serve its clients: “Our focus on diversity and inclusion benefits our clients as much as it does our firm and helps spark real change in the communities we serve.”

The 2020 DEI measured a range of criteria, including: culture and leadership; enterprise-wide access; employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, and accommodations); community engagement; and supplier diversity.

Maria Town, president and CEO of AAPD, explains that “the Disability Equality Index top-scoring companies represent those businesses that have invested in accessibility and inclusion across their enterprise. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is wonderful to see the progress made by these companies, and we hope to see continued progress and support for the DEI over the next 30 years.”

“The best way to attract, retain and grow talent with disabilities is to create an accessible, inclusive workplace,” adds Jill Houghton, president and CEO of 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. We are proud to have developed strong partnerships with corporate allies who are committed to advancing disability inclusion and equality across their businesses in the United States and around the world.”

For more information on the 2020 DEI Report, visit www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

About the Disability Equality Index®

The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a national, transparent benchmarking tool that offers businesses an opportunity to self-report their disability inclusion policies and practices. It was developed by two national leaders, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, in consultation with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of experts in business, policy, and disability advocacy. 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, formerly known as the US Business Leadership Network, is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Partnering with more than 220 corporations, Disability:IN expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises. The organization and 30 affiliates raise a collective voice of positive change for people with disabilities in business. Through its programs and services, Disability:IN empowers businesses to achieve disability inclusion and equality, with the goal of advancing inclusion to the point when the organization is no longer necessary. Learn more at: www.disabilityin.org.

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