Aramark has been recognized for its commitment to disability inclusion by achieving a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index® (DEI).
The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, and it recognizes organizations that excel in fostering disability inclusion in the workplace.
This is the seventh consecutive year that Aramark has received the distinction of being named a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion."
Aramark's dedication to equitable outcomes for individuals extends beyond its recognition on the DEI.
Through its Be Well.
Do Well.
ESG platform, the company is focused on enabling inclusive environments for its employees, customers, and the communities it serves.
One notable recognition of Aramark's efforts came earlier this year when CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine named the company a Top 50 Employer for the ninth consecutive year.
This accolade reflects Aramark's commitment to fostering a positive working environment for people with disabilities.
Last year, Aramark's Chief Executive Officer, John Zillmer, joined forces with over 100 CEOs by signing Disability:IN's CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion.
This act of solidarity underscores Aramark's dedication to advancing disability inclusion and equality.
Fenimore Fisher, Aramark's Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, emphasizes the significance of the Disability Equality Index in assessing progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Fisher explains, "At Aramark, our vision is to be the most admired employer and trusted hospitality partner.
At Aramark, our vision is to be the most admired employer and trusted hospitality partner. To achieve this vision, it is critical we create a welcoming and inclusive culture ...
To achieve this vision, it is critical we create a welcoming and inclusive culture and recruit and advance a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities." Fisher also highlights Aramark's recent launch of a self-identification campaign that encourages employees to voluntarily and confidentially share or update their identities, including individuals with disabilities.
These efforts aim to inform Aramark's diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and further strengthen its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Aramark's commitment to disability inclusion is exemplified through its active employee resource groups (ERGs).
The company has eleven ERGs, including Aramark Thrive, which specifically supports team members who identify as having a disability, as well as caretakers and advocates for disabled individuals.
Aramark Thrive's mission is to promote acceptance, equity, allyship, and inclusion for people with disabilities while providing meaningful opportunities for growth.
Members of Aramark Thrive remain engaged throughout the year, supporting various disability organizations such as Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior Project, and the Drexel Autism Institute.
In recent events, Aramark employees and Thrive members participated in Special Olympics Polar Plunges across the country as part of their commitment to charitable causes.
Aramark Thrive also partnered with the Drexel Autism Institute during Disability Employment Awareness Month to create career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Moreover, Aramark Thrive is expanding globally, with plans to establish its first international hub in Latin America.
Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN, acknowledges the power of businesses in driving global disability inclusion.
Houghton commends companies that utilize the Disability Equality Index to measure their progress in this regard, stating, "We recognize these top-scoring companies as a 'Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion' for their passion and efforts to lead the way in creating greater equity for people with disabilities in the workplace, marketplace, and supply chain."
