PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 16 2024) – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has been designated a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion, earning a  score of 100 on the 2024 Disability Equality Index®. This is the third consecutive year that BCBSRI received the top score, signifying that BCBSRI satisfied criteria that evolves year after year to reflect emerging best practices.

The index, a joint initiative administered by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, is a national benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to assess performance across industry sectors.

While each company receives a score between zero and 100, only those that earn 80 or above are designated Best Places to Work for Disability and Inclusion.

“We’re proud to receive a top score of 100 for the third year in a row and to be recognized on a national level as among the best employers for diversity, inclusion and equity,” said Carolyn Belisle, vice president of corporate social responsibility. “We work closely with our internal disability advocates and use our scored report to build a roadmap of tangible actions we can take to grow our commitment to disability inclusion and equity.” 

In 2024, Blue Cross was among 344 U.S. companies, and just a few from Rhode Island, to receive a top score of 100. This year, 542 business utilized the index to benchmark their diversity inclusion. The top rating underscores BCBSRI’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as evidenced by its robust programming and policies, including its:

• Disability Inclusion Network, an employee business resource group that promotes inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities and impairments.
• Project SEARCH program, a national affiliate hosted at BCBSRI that provides internships for high school students with intellectual or developmental disabilities and seeks to help find them employment after graduation at BCBSRI or other employers.
• Community support for people living with disabilities, including grants and in-kind support to Special Olympics Rhode Island, Best Buddies Rhode Island and Meeting Street.
• Commitment to inclusive hiring practices, such as the option for candidates to request interview accommodations when applying for jobs on the BCBSRI website.
• A supplier diversity program that is inclusive of the disability community. BCBSRI seeks to do business with disability-owned businesses, including in-partnership with Disability:IN, and has expenditures with disability-owned businesses.
• A commitment to disability inclusion from BCBSRI leadership, including having executive level associates who are visible allies of the disability community.

The 2024 index measured these categories: Culture & Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices (Benefits; Recruitment; Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement; Accommodations); Community Engagement; Supplier Diversity; and Responsible Procurement (Non-Weighted)

"On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today's global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN.

More information on the 2024 Disability Equality Index and the full list of top scoring companies can be found here. For more information about BCBSRI’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, visit www.bcbsri.com/about/diversity.

About the Disability Equality Index®

The Disability Equality Index is an objective, reflective, forward-thinking, and confidential disability rating tool designed to assist business in advancing inclusion practices. It is a comprehensive benchmark that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions across five scored categories. The Disability Equality Index has become the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs, and is now trusted by more than 70% of the United States Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500. 

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.

About Disability:IN®

Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 500 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index; best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.