With a maximum score of 100, North American high-performance polymers producer Covestro LLC (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA) announced its designation as a top scorer in the 2023 Disability Equality Index (DEI).
This recognition by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN marks Covestro’s third consecutive designation as a Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities.
The DEI measures a wide range of criteria within six categories related to disability equality, including culture and leadership, employment practices, community engagement, enterprise-wide-access, and supplier diversity. Previously, Covestro achieved maximum scores in each category with the lone exception of enterprise access. In 2023, the company achieved a maximum score there, as well.
“The Disability Equality Index indicates that we are evolving in the right direction, and I’m delighted to see our progress acknowledged,” says Jennifer Pannill, head of talent acquisition and employer branding. “With partnership and support from our IT and training teams, we improved our score in enterprise-wide-access and positively impacted our employees.”
According to Covestro, the company’s work to improve its score began with the Covestro accessibility resource effort (CARE) employee resource group. The CARE team, co-led by Jennifer Pannill and Nikki Stewart, aims to foster an environment that supports employees that have a disability, identify as neurodiverse, or who are a caregiver for someone with a disability or special needs.
The group’s goal is to raise awareness about disabilities—both visible and non-apparent—while also highlighting the unique abilities that people with disabilities possess.
“We are honored to receive a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index,” says Nikki Stewart, lead of HR (human resources) practices and employee investigations. “We recognize, though, that there is always more that can be done to support our employees, and perspective employees, whether it be education and awareness, increasing allyship, or changing corporate policies. We look forward to continuing the great work Covestro is doing around disability inclusion.”
Source: Covestro, www.covestro.us.