The just released Disability Equality Index (DEI) – a joint initiative between Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) –  is the latest “comprehensive benchmarking tool for disability inclusion in business.”

The DEI states, “[Employers] need to invest in their pipeline, minimize biases, be open-minded about who is qualified, and be more attentive to what a candidate is looking for in their next position.”

It continues, “As part of ESG (environmental, social, and governance), investors and executives are increasingly demanding information on disability inclusion efforts to make informed decisions. Disability inclusion in ESG is key to not only closing the inequality gap faced in the workplace by individuals with disabilities, but also increasing the long-term value of companies and returns to shareholders.”

More than 400 companies – representing 29 industries – shared their approaches to disability inclusion for the 2022 DEI. That is a 30% increase in the number of participating companies in 2021.

Among the findings, 60% have company-wide external hiring goals for people with disabilities and 61% make job seekers aware of the option to request accommodation for interviews. Regarding community engagement, 88% provide philanthropic support for a disability-related event or organization.

The DEI states, “The future of work must be accessible, diverse, and have a global reach. Companies that lean into progressively inclusive practices, rather than just primary-level ones, are well-positioned for sustainable growth.”

Read the 2022 DEI here.