According to the World Health Organization (WHO), employment and participation barriers for those with special needs are defined as factors limiting function and creating disability through their presence or absence. These factors create disadvantage. They are categorized as: physical, social, communication, attitudinal, policy, programmatic, and transportation and include the following barrier

• A physical environment that is not accessible
• Lack of assistive technology
• Stereotypes or negative attitudes about disability
• Services, systems, and policies that are nonexistent or hinder the involvement of all people with a health condition in all areas of life

Many employers recognize the need to for accessibility, the power in advocating for greater diversity in the workplace, and the importance of advancing opportunity for all. Thus, many employers are removing barriers for professionals with disabilities. 

Below is a list of companies honored for their efforts to foster more inclusive and accessible work environments. Beyond offering flexible jobs, these organizations have developed a range of policies, procedures, and programs designed to empower all individuals to achieve their goals and desires to thrive.

1. 3M

Along with flexible work arrangements and physical accommodations, 3M supports workers with disabilities by providing access to employee resource groups. One such group is the disAbility Awareness Network (dAN). Describing disabilities as strengths, the network promotes a workplace that embraces disabled people and seeks to increase education and awareness on disability issues in 3M’s culture.

2. Accenture

Distinguished with multiple awards for its disability inclusion advocacy efforts, Accenture provides disabled workers with the latest technology, tools, and training to create a barrier-free workplace. These efforts include leadership and career growth programs, Accessibility Centers, the use of artificial intelligence, and more. Beyond its own work environment, Accenture is committed to helping other enterprises support prospective and current team members with disabilities and build more inclusive cultures for all.

3. Boston Scientific

With the goal to change the lives of communities worldwide, Boston Scientific aims to hire people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with apparent and nonapparent disabilities. To facilitate a culture where everyone feels welcomed, valued, appreciated, and respected, the company provides accommodations for both current and prospective team members and offers a disability-related employee resource group. Additionally, Boston Scientific is a proud member of the U.S. Business Leadership Network and its Going for the Gold project. This project has led to an improved understanding of how to increase disability inclusion in the workplace.

4. Google

With the belief that disabled people “make great Googlers,” Google works to ensure its hiring process is fair and accessible and that its workplace “works for everyone.” The employer supports disabled employees and candidates with the necessary tools to perform their jobs, participate in activities and opportunities, and experience a barrier-free interview process. Google also offers the employee-founded Disability Alliance, which leads projects like accessible product hackathons and helps Google improve disability inclusion by building awareness at all levels of the organization.

5. Mathematica Policy Research

Mathematica is self-described as a steady leader in disability policy research. Through its Center for Studying Disability Policy, the company is driven to improve the lives of disabled people through effective programs and policies both within and outside the organization. Mathematica has been named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by the Disability Equality Index for its efforts to create an accessible workplace. It is also distinguished for its disability-related employee resource group, strong employment practices and leadership, supportive culture, and diversity council, which helps guide internal and external company initiatives.

6. Salesforce

With the belief that businesses can be powerful platforms for social change, Salesforce is passionate about driving “equality for all“ and wants to become the number one employer for people with disabilities. In 2019, the company joined The Valuable 500, a global call for 500 of the most influential businesses to include disability on their leadership agenda and to end biased attitudes toward disability in business. Salesforce is also proud to lead Abilityforce, its employee resource group dedicated to ensuring all employees feel empowered while advancing the company’s dialogue on accessibility and accommodation strategies.

7. State Street

According to State Street, companies are increasingly recognizing the value of a diverse workforce but tend to focus more on gender, race, and ethnicity than on disability. To place the “diversity spotlight” on those with disabilities, the company launched the Global Disability Taskforce in 2019—an initiative designed to generate greater disability awareness across its organization. State Street also works to maximize talents, develop more inclusive infrastructure and technology, and build a stronger foundation of comprehensive policies to better understand abilities. 

8. United Airlines

Committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and world, United Airlines was previously named to the Disability Equality Index with a perfect score of 100. The company was awarded for initiatives like running a business resource group for employees with disabilities and establishing allies to raise awareness and provide support for hiring, developing, and retaining talent. Additionally, United Airlines assembled an advisory board composed of experts living with disabilities who host learning sessions and provide accessibility training to employees, airport partners, and vendors. Also working to provide an inclusive travel experience, the company debuted an extensive suite of accessibility features on its seatback entertainment system in 2019.

9. UnitedHealth Group

According to the team at UnitedHealth Group, disability inclusion is central to who it is and provides crucial perspectives that innovate its services and the healthcare industry at large. To build an inclusive culture and encourage team members to be their authentic selves, UnitedHealth Group hosts the Disability Inclusion Internship Program and observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It also fosters enterprise-wide accessibility, community engagement and support services, sustainable career growth, and more.

10. Walgreens

Reflective of its founder’s strong commitment to creating equal opportunity, Walgreens is dedicated to integrating disabled people throughout its workplaces. The company has designed facilities and training programs to create opportunities for people with disabilities through its Transitional Work Group Program and its Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative. Through these programs, over 1,500 people with disabilities have completed customer service and retail skills training in stores across the U.S.

By placing disability inclusion at the heart of workplace and cultural design, employers can help empower all team members to fully participate on the job and in society.