Key Takeaways From the Disability Equality Index 2023 Report

The independent, third-party resource used by most Fortune 100 and nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies to benchmark disability inclusion in corporate America has released its 2023 report. Read on to learn why the Disability Equality Index (DEI) is crucial and the key takeaways from its latest edition.

More Than Just a Rating Tool

While the DEI is a confidential rating tool to determine how well a company scores for disability inclusion, it also advances inclusion practices. Companies can use the comprehensive benchmark to create a plan comprised of measurable tasks. It spans six categories: Employment Practices, Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Community Engagement, Supplier Diversity, and Non-U.S. Operations.

On a broader level, since 2015 it has been shining a light on the need for disability inclusion in businesses and organizations. With its “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” recognition, businesses can highlight their achievements while sending a vital message to the rest of the corporate world that this is important.

Key Takeaways from the 2023 DEI Report

While you can view the full report online, here is a snapshot of the key takeaways from the 2023 DEI:

• 485 companies participated in 2023. That is a six-time increase since its inception in 2015. These 485 companies represent 70% of the Fortune 100 companies and nearly half of the Fortune 500 companies.
• 405 companies received a score of 80 or above, earning them the right to use the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” recognition.
• Of the 164 companies whose CEO signed the CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion, 87% of them scored 80 or above on the DEI. It can be deferred that a public commitment to disability inclusion by senior staff correlates with a strong DEI performance.
• 89% of the DEI participants said they have a disability-focused employee resource group.
• 91% of the DEI participants reported having disability-focused information in new hire orientation.
• 99% of the DEI participants offer flexible work options. This is up from 96% in 2022. These high scores can be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• 69% of the DEI participants release annual diversity reports. 24% include disability data in their reports.

The DEI is one tool that helps highlight the importance of disability inclusion while providing a framework to do just that. Ideally, the participation of Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 will continue to grow.