Washington, D.C. (July 24, 2014) – The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, is proud to announce that AT&T received the AAPD 2014 Corporate Leadership Award. The award was presented at the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration on July 23rd as part of a program that commemorates the progress of Americans with disabilities.
“AT&T shows an ongoing commitment to inclusion and workforce development, and serves as an exemplary model of diversity for American businesses.” said Mark Perriello, president and CEO of AAPD. “Today, in the United States almost eight in 10 people with disabilities is outside the workforce. AT&T helps combat this trend by building a corporate culture that welcomes all employees, including employees with disabilities. AAPD is proud to bestow the 2014 Corporate Leadership Award to AT&T.
As part of AT&T’s overarching dedication to diversity, the company maintains a variety of initiatives to promote the participation of people with disabilities. In 2006, it created the Advisory Panel on Access & Aging (AAPAA), a group composed of “national leaders in assistive technology, aging and cross-disability issues.” At its meetings, the panel discusses relevant areas of overlap between technology and disability, while also fostering relationships with the company’s Employee Resource Groups. Additionally, AT&T has demonstrated a willingness to consider the needs of consumers with disabilities through participation in AAPD’s monthly forums on accessible technology. The forum gathers other community organizations as well as industry giants such as Google, Comcast, and IBM to discuss strategic policies and promote technological advances that benefit people with disabilities.
AT&T was presented the Corporate Leadership Award at the ADA Celebration by Henry Claypool, Executive Vice President of AAPD and host of the AAPD Tech Forum.
More about AT&T’s Commitment to Diversity
AT&T’s 137-year history of innovation is a story about people from all walks of life and all kinds of backgrounds coming together to connect people to their world … anywhere, anytime and on any device. It is our diverse, inclusive culture that welcomes all points of view and makes us who we are: a great place to work, a desired business partner and a committed member of the communities we serve. This inclusive culture is something we live every day; our employees expect it and our customers and shareowners benefit from it.
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The American Association of People with Disabilities is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.