Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has been named to the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.
Excellus received a top score of 100% on the 2023 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a national benchmarking survey by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
The DEI is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score on a scale of zero to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”
“Being named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for the third consecutive year reflects the dedication, passion, and work of so many throughout our organization — guided by a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access,” said Sady Alvarado-Fischer, vice president, diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Our continued application to the Disability Equality Index allows us to learn, identify opportunities for positive change, prioritize universal design practices, and combat stigma and biases.
“We are proud of this designation, while recognizing there is always more to do to drive more inclusive and accessible experiences for our employees, members, and the communities we live in and serve,” she added.
The DEI is a joint initiative of the AAPD, the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complimentary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates.