CAMDEN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, today announced that it has been recognized as a top-scoring company on the Disability Equality Index (DEI), the most comprehensive disability inclusion assessment tool designed and embraced by both business leaders and disability advocates.
This year, 180 businesses participated in the DEI, and American Water’s top score of 100 percent earned the recognition of “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.” The inclusion criteria measured culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement, and supplier diversity.
“At American Water, we embrace and value the fact that we’re beautifully different, through our varying abilities, strengths, experiences and viewpoints,” said President and CEO Susan Story. “By fostering an inclusive and diverse environment in the workplace, we all play a role in making American Water a physically and emotionally safe place for our employees to do what they do best – serving customers and communities with safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services. We are proud to be recognized for our inclusion and diversity practices and as an ally to those with different abilities.”
Diversity and inclusion is just one of the areas in American Water’s journey to be an industry leader across environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. American Water’s values and strategy are focused on making a positive impact for employees and all of the communities the company serves.
The DEI was developed by two national leaders, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, in consultation with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of experts in business, policy, and disability advocacy.
“The DEI helps companies measure their own progress on disability inclusion and challenges them to improve their policies and practices – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s also good for business,” said Ted Kennedy, Jr., bone cancer survivor, amputee and Board Chair of AAPD. “Research shows that companies that champion disability inclusion significantly outperform their peers across key financial indices including revenue, net income, profit margins and shareholder returns. AAPD is truly impressed by this year’s DEI participation and we’re proud to collaborate with the business community to prioritize industry-wide disability inclusion practices.”
American Water representatives were in attendance at this year’s Disability:IN annual conference, for recognition on stage during the Inclusion Awards Gala.
About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 50+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.
About Disability:IN
Disability:IN, formerly known as the US Business Leadership Network, is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Partnering with more than 180 corporations, Disability:IN expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises. The organization and 50 affiliates raise a collective voice of positive change for people with disabilities in business. Through its programs and services, Disability:IN empowers businesses to achieve disability inclusion and equality, with the goal of advancing inclusion to the point when the organization is no longer necessary. Learn more at: www.disabilityin.org.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Contacts
Lauren Slepian
Manager, Corporate Communications
(856) 325-9482
lauren.slepian@amwater.com
