United Airlines earns top marks on Disability Equality Index

PRNewswire

CHICAGO - United Airlines achieved the top score of 100 percent on the 2016 Disability Equality Index, a benchmarking metric that rates U.S. companies on their disability inclusion policies and practices.

The designation also earns United a place on DEI's 2016 "Best Places to Work" list.

The DEI, a joint initiative by the American Association of People with Disabilities and the U.S. Business Leadership Network, evaluates companies based on four categories: culture and leadership, enterprisewide access, employment practices and community engagement and support services.

"This recognition is the result of the dedication from our employees all around the world that help ease travel for our customers, and build a culture that embraces our employees with disabilities," said Mike Bonds, United's executive vice president of human resources and labor relations. "We continue to invest in technology, and training programs that improve accessibility, and remain committed to promoting an inclusive work environment."

United is one of 42 Fortune 1000 companies that received 100 percent on the 2016 DEI. The perfect score is partly due to advancements in United's e-commerce and digital accessibility, as well as giving employees the option to a voluntarily disclose disabilities on an internal human resources portal.

United has created programs, including its Accessible Travel Advisory Board, to educate employees and identify policies and procedures that will help make travel more accessible for people with disabilities.

The company also participates in the Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (COSD) annual conference. Through the relationship with COSD, United actively recruits students with disabilities to join the United team.