Grant Thornton named to 2021 “Finest Locations to Work for Incapacity Inclusion” listing

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE) – Grant Thornton LLP has a high score of 100% on the Disability Equality Index® (DEI) 2021, a national benchmarking tool for company policies and practices related to disability integration and equality in the workplace. The DEI is a joint initiative of two national leaders in advocacy for people with disabilities: the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability: IN.

Companies with the highest score in the index – companies with a rating of 80% or more – were also named “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion”. This is the third year in a row that Grant Thornton has been named Best Disability Integration Employer, and the second year in a row that the company has achieved the highest possible score.

“The past year and a half have been difficult for everyone – and even more so for people with disabilities,” said Brad Preber, CEO of Grant Thornton. “One of our guiding principles is to take care of our employees, and that includes our professionals with visible or invisible disabilities. We value all of our colleagues for who they are, and we want everyone to know that they can always bring their full personality to Grant Thornton. ”

Not only did Preber help lead the company to its top score in the index, but he also signed the Disability: IN CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion. This letter aims to advance equality and inclusion policies in America.

“People want a friendly, caring workplace that is dedicated to their wellbeing,” added Ken Cunningham, chief legal officer at Grant Thornton – and sponsor of the company’s disabled business resource group, Diverse Abilities & Allies. “It is precisely this culture that we want to promote every day at Grant Thornton – a culture that creates an inclusive, fair environment. When clients work with Grant Thornton, they know they are working with a company that welcomes and recognizes professionals for their unique perspectives and wide range of talents. ”

The DEI 2021 measured a number of criteria including: culture and leadership; company-wide access; Employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment, training, retention and promotion, and accommodation); Commitment to the community; and diversity of suppliers.

Maria Town, President and CEO of AAPD said, “The Disability Equality Index puts the spotlight on companies who believe they have an interest in creating a more equitable society for people with disabilities. It is a conduit for our work advancing the rights of people with disabilities for the 60 million Americans with disabilities and breaking down barriers to employment, technology and health care, and we are thrilled that progress is being made today. ”

“We’re excited to be working with 319 companies on the Disability Equality Index this year,” added Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability: IN. “Part of corporate engagement for disability inclusion is recognizing your attitudes and using them as an aha moment to drive the business investments needed to scale change. Inclusion and accessibility extend across the company, from cultural representation in the workforce to accelerating technology to embracing diversity in the supply chain. These are tangible opportunities that leading companies can use to create lasting impact for their business and brand. ”

Further information on the DEI report 2021 can be found at www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

About Grant Thornton LLP

Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) was founded in Chicago in 1924 and is the US member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent accounting, tax and consulting firms. Grant Thornton, with sales of $ 1.92 billion and more than 50 offices, works with a wide variety of dynamic public and private corporations, government agencies, financial institutions, and civil and religious organizations.

“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the US member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member companies are not a global partnership. The services are provided by the member companies. GTIL and its member firms are not agents and do not undertake or be liable for any acts or omissions of the other. More information is available at grantthornton.com.

About the Disability Equality Index®

The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies create a roadmap of measurable, concrete actions they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score on a scale from zero (0) to 100, with those who earn 80 or more being recognized as “Best Employers for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities”

The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the largest disability rights organization in the country, and Disability: IN, the global network for the inclusion of people with disabilities, to jointly promote the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations complement each other and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible for companies and the disabled community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts and disability representatives. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

AAPD is an enabler, link and catalyst for change that increases the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As the national disability rights organization, AAPD advocates full civil rights for the more than 50 million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.

About disability: IN®

Disability: IN is a global organization that works for the inclusion of disabilities and equality in business. More than 270 companies rely on Disability: IN to enable and achieve disability inclusion across their organization and in the broader corporate mainstream. Through the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking; world class conferences and programs; and expert advice and commitment, Disability: IN works with leading companies to achieve long-term business and social impact. Visit us at handicapin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.