Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island was recognized as a top workplace for hiring people with disabilities, scoring 100 on the 2024 Disability Equality Index.
PROVIDENCE – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island received a score of 100 on the 2024 Disability Equality Index, earning it recognition as a Top Workplace for Employers of People with Disabilities.
This marks the third consecutive year that Blue Cross has received the highest score.
The index, a joint initiative of the Americans with Disabilities and Disability:IN, is a national benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 companies to measure disability inclusion in the workplace. Each company receives a score between 0 and 100, but only those that score 80 or above are designated as a Great Place to Work for Disabilities and Inclusion.
“We’re proud to receive the highest score of 100 for the third consecutive year and be recognized as a top employer nationally for diversity, inclusion and equity,” said Carolyn Belisle, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Blue Cross. “We’re working closely with disability advocates across the company and using the scored report to develop a roadmap of concrete actions we can take to strengthen our commitment to disability inclusion and equity.”
This year, 542 companies used the index, and Blue Cross was one of 344 U.S. companies to receive a score of 100, including several in Rhode Island.
The 2024 index was measured based on the following categories: culture and leadership, company-wide access, employment practices (benefits, recruiting, hiring, training, retention and promotion, accommodations), community engagement, supplier diversity, and responsible sourcing (unweighted).
“As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we are incredibly proud of the 542 domestic and international companies that are taking an active role in leading progress towards disability inclusion and setting a benchmark for others to follow,” said Jill Horton, CEO and President of Disability:IN. “Their dedication to fostering inclusive work environments not only attracts top talent, but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today’s global marketplace. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive.”
Katie Castellani is a PBN staff writer and can be reached at [email protected].