FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Airlines (Nasdaq:AAL) received the top score of 100 on the 2017 Disability Equality Index® (DEI®), and was named a “2017 DEI Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the second year in a row. The DEI is a joint initiative between the US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
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“We are honored to be awarded such a meaningful distinction,” commented Suzanne Boda, senior vice president – LA, Executive Sponsor of the Disabilities Task Force and board member of the American Association of People with Disabilities. “Here at American we truly believe the best solutions can only be found after people who see things and experience life differently have contributed to the discussion.”
“American Airlines has shown its commitment to disability inclusion by not only becoming a Founding Partner of the DEI, but by working towards achieving the top-score of 100,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of USBLN. “We applaud American Airlines for stepping up and recognizing that not only are other benchmarking tools inadequate for measuring disability inclusion efforts, but that there needs to be more done in the airline industry to include people with disabilities across the business.”
American is a founding partner of the Disability Equality Index survey. The survey gives companies an opportunity to reevaluate policies and practices and determine where they stand as it relates to being a best–in-class organization for disability inclusion practices. American is one of just 68 companies nationwide to receive the top score.
From the team members American hires, to the customers the airline serves, inclusion and diversity are foundational elements of the organization. One way that American brings this initiative to light is through the Abilities EBRG’s well-known program, It’s Cool to Fly American. The program provides children who have autism and their families a simulated flight experience; from checking in at the ticket counter, to going through security, to boarding a flight, all aspects of travel are included in their experience. Another is through American’s Supplier Diversity program. American seeks out small businesses and certified disability, service disabled veteran, veteran, minority, women, and LGBT-owned businesses that can provide quality products and services, reflecting our diverse team member and customer base.
A comprehensive list of DEI top scoring companies deemed “2017 DEI Best Places to Work” can be found on the DEI website or follow the conversation using #DEI17.
About American Airlines Group
American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 1,000 destinations with about 14,250 daily flights to over 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015, its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.
About the DEI®
The Disability Equality Index® (DEI®) is a unique, joint project of US Business Leadership Council and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). It serves as the nation’s most trusted annual benchmarking tool allowing America’s leading corporations to self-report their disability policies and practices. This evolving survey then scores each corporation on a scale from 0 to 100—100 representing the most inclusive. The DEI was developed by the two national leaders in consultation with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse and voluntary group of experts in business, policy, and disability advocacy.
About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As a national cross disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 56+ million Americans with disabilities.
About the US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®)
USBLN® (US Business Leadership Network®) unites business around disability inclusion in the workplace, supply chain and marketplace. USBLN has more than 130 corporate partners spanning the technology, healthcare, financial, transportation, entertainment, and retail industries. USBLN serves as a collective voice of nearly 50 Business Leadership Network Affiliates across the United States, representing over 5,000 businesses. USBLN has various nationally recognized tools and programs, such as the Disability Equality Index and the leading disability-owned business enterprise (DOBE) certification program, to bridge inclusive companies with people and organizations within the disability community.