Create Inclusion Every Day
The Southwest Airlines Accommodations Team
Inclusion has always been at the Heart of Southwest Airlines®. Southwest recognizes, respects, and values differences. By fostering a Culture that embraces and utilizes our diversity, we create competitive advantages in Teamwork and innovation that contribute to our overall success.
We pride ourselves on the diversity and Culture of our Company. We’re unique in that our centralized Accommodations Team’s sole purpose is to ensure that Employees receive the support they need to bring their whole self to work each day and succeed in their roles. The Team works directly with Employees who may need accommodations to perform their work tasks. It’s important that we recognize those with various disabilities, both visible and non-visible. Hear from Southwest Employee Tonya G. on what inclusion means to her:
“I’m autistic, and Southwest Airlines helped me take pride in accepting and revealing my authentic self. I prefer to think of autism as a difference rather than as a disability.
By far, Southwest is the best Company I’ve worked for when it comes to neurodiversity and accepting those on the spectrum. I’ve been upfront about my differences and I’ve always received support and encouragement.”
Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace means inclusivity of people who view, understand, and think about the world differently. The ability to view the world from a different perspective can lead to innovation, creative solutions, and opportunities to view a problem in a new way. EnableAbility is an ongoing, Companywide strategy regarding disability best practices at Southwest to keep accessibility top of mind.
In 2021, we developed a Disability Etiquette and Awareness training for Employees. This 30-minute online course shares an overview of different types of disabilities and demonstrates how to provide support for others. To support Southwest’s continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Company also introduced a Neurodiversity Internship Program for eligible, part-time and full-time college students. By rethinking our traditional hiring processes and providing customized support, we can remove barriers that may otherwise limit neurodiverse individuals from fully showcasing their strengths, abilities, and potential.
Ensuring that every Southwest Employee is encouraged to bring their whole self to work each day and succeed in their roles is at the forefront of everything we do.
