Firm earns second-straight top score of 100% on Disability Equality Index
CHICAGO — Grant Thornton LLP has earned a top score of 100% on the 2021 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 third-straight year Grant Thornton has been named a best place to work for disability inclusion, and it’s the second year in a row the firm has earned the highest score possible.
“The past year-and-a-half has been difficult for everyone — and even more so for individuals with disabilities,” said Brad Preber, CEO of Grant Thornton. “One of our guiding principles is to take care of our people, and that includes our professionals with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. We value all our colleagues for exactly who they are, and we want everyone to know they can always bring their whole selves to work at Grant Thornton.”
In addition to helping guide the firm to its top score on the Index, Preber has signed the Disability:IN CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion. This letter aims to advance equality and inclusion policies in corporate America.
“People want a kind, caring workplace that is dedicated to their wellbeing,” added Ken Cunningham, chief legal officer at Grant Thornton — and a sponsor of the firm’s disability-focused business resource group, Diverse Abilities & Allies. “That’s exactly the culture we strive every day to foster at Grant Thornton — one that creates an inclusive, equitable environment. When clients work with Grant Thornton, they know they’re working with a firm that embraces and celebrates professionals for their unique perspectives and wide range of talents.”
The 2021 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 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.”
“We are so pleased to partner with 319 companies this year on the Disability Equality Index,” adds Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN. “Part of corporate commitment to disability inclusion is recognizing your stance and using it as an ‘aha moment’ to drive the business investments needed to scale change. Inclusion and accessibility cuts across the enterprise, from cultural representation in the workforce, to technology acceleration, to incorporating supply chain diversity. These are tangible opportunities that leading companies can leverage to create sustainable impact for their business and brand.”
For more information on the 2021 DEI Report, visit www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.
About Grant Thornton LLP
Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is one of America’s largest providers of audit and assurance, tax and advisory services — and the U.S. member firm of the Grant Thornton International Ltd global network. We go beyond the expected to make business more personal and build trust into every result. With revenues of $2.4 billion for the fiscal year that ended July 31, 2023, and almost 50 offices nationwide, Grant Thornton is a community of more than 9,000 problem solvers who value relationships and are ready to help organizations of all sizes and industries create more confident futures. Because, for us, how we serve matters as much as what we do.
“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions.
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.
Contact:
Adam Bond
Grant Thornton LLP
Adam Bond
Chicago, Illinois
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