OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For three years running, Sprint (NYSE: S) has been recognized by the Disability Equality Index (DEI) as one of the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” – earning a top score of 100 for its commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming work environment for people with disabilities. The achievement highlights Sprint’s continued dedication to being inclusive and accessible throughout all aspects of business.
Each year the DEI, a joint initiative between the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), evaluates whether companies have practices in place to promote equal opportunity employment, embrace diversity, encourage people with disabilities to be themselves and have comprehensive policies in place to assist people with disabilities.
“We’re so proud to once again be recognized with this honor from DEI because it showcases our deep commitment to disability inclusion,” said Ismat Aziz, Sprint’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “We firmly believe that the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our partners makes Sprint a great place to work.”
Since the DEI’s inception in 2015, Sprint has been listed among the top ranked companies every year, earning three straight DEI scores of 100 for demonstrating significant business leadership, going beyond compliance activities, and driving business success through leading disability inclusion policies and practices.
“We applaud those companies that are advancing their disability inclusion efforts across the business,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of USBLN. “Taking the DEI is an important step within the journey, backed with concrete data and insight. The release of this report, and the 68 leading companies, challenges other companies to fill in those critical gaps, and realize the possible results by being inclusive to people with disabilities, throughout the workforce, marketplace and supply-chain.”
Earning a top DEI score three years running shows Sprint’s continued success in developing a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity. Employee Resource Groups like REAL DEAL – Resourceful, Empowering, Awareness, Limitless (REAL) for Disabled Employees Accessing Life (DEAL) – recognize and praise the many contributions of people with disabilities, while utilizing their collective experiences and knowledge to make Sprint a better place to work.
“AAPD proudly recognizes this year's top DEI scorers,” said Helena Berger, President and CEO of AAPD. “On the heels of the 27th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we should all take a moment to celebrate our achievements but also reflect on the fact that employment outcomes for Americans with disabilities have remained unchanged. Employment is a pathway to the American Dream, and the DEI is an effective, non-punitive tool that builds partnerships between the disability and business communities to ultimately expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and embrace the talents and skills we bring to the workplace. Working together, we can help ensure no one is left behind or unable to pursue their dream because of a disability.”
About Sprint:
Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 53.7 million connections as of June 30, 2017 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the past five years. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
About the DEI:
The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a unique, joint project of US Business Leadership Council and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). It serves as the nation’s most trusted annual benchmarking tool allowing America’s leading corporations to self-report their disability policies and practices. This evolving survey then scores each corporation on a scale from 0 to 100—100 representing the most inclusive. The DEI was developed by the two national leaders in consultation with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse and voluntary group of experts in business, policy, and disability advocacy.
About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD):
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As a national crossdisability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 56+ million Americans with disabilities.
About the US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®):
USBLN (US Business Leadership Network) unites business around disability inclusion in the workplace, supply chain and marketplace. USBLN has more than 130 corporate partners spanning the technology, healthcare, financial, transportation, entertainment, and retail industries. USBLN serves as a collective voice of nearly 50 Business Leadership Network Affiliates across the United States, representing over 5,000 businesses. USBLN has various nationally recognized tools and programs, such as the Disability Equality Index and the leading disability-owned business enterprise (DOBE) certification program, to bridge inclusive companies with people and organizations within the disability community.
