The U.S. version of the Disability Equality Index measures a wide range of criteria within the following five (5) categories. A similar scoring framework will be introduced for each of the seven international benchmarks being launched in 2024. Participating companies receive a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the benchmark year.
- Culture & Leadership (30 points total; 20 for Culture, 10 for Leadership) – Businesses commit to and demonstrate a sustained, visible cultural commitment to disability inclusion and demonstrate visible leadership commitment to disability inclusion throughout the organization.
- Enterprise-Wide Access (10 points) – Businesses commit to and demonstrate commitment to workplace accessibility.
- Employment Practices (40 points total, 10 each for the subcategories of Accommodations; Benefits; Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement; and Recruitment) – Businesses commit to and demonstrate commitment to benefits, recruitment practices, employment practices, and accommodation practices that fully incorporate and include individuals with disabilities.
- Community Engagement (10 points) – Businesses demonstrate public-facing engagement practices that celebrate and support individuals with disabilities.
- Supplier Diversity (10 points) – Businesses commit to and demonstrate supplier diversity practices that fully include and utilize Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs), including Service-Disabled Veteran DOBEs and Veteran DOBEs.