CareSource earns a top score on Disability Equality Index; named one of Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion

(Dayton, Ohio – July 11, 2023) — CareSource, a nonprofit, nationally recognized managed care organization with over 2.3 million members, has earned a top score of 100 on the 2023 Disability Equality Index®. A joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities, the DEI is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that is widely acknowledged as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. 

“This tremendous honor is a testament to the way CareSource colleagues embrace one another for exactly who we are,” said Patrice L. Harris, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at CareSource. “Disability inclusion has always been an integral part of CareSource’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. We are proud of this recognition and determined to continue to advance our support of employees and members with disabilities.”

The Disability Equality Index helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score on a scale of zero to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.” 

CareSource has ignited every level of its workforce to support and expand disability inclusion throughout its work. The company recently committed over $2.5 million to Easterseals to explore groundbreaking innovations for children and adults with disabilities across the country and support critical home and community-based services delivered by Easterseals’ national network. CareSource CEO Erhardt Preitauer also now serves on the national Easterseals board of directors. In 2022, CareSource’s DEI efforts became more intentional and focused as the company initiated a partnership with The Harkin Institute to progressively create a more inclusive workplace for our employees and members with disabilities.

“Our goals are simple: to continue to strengthen our culture of belonging, attract, grow and retain diverse talent, and mature our approach and commitment to disability inclusion for both our employees and members,” added Harris. “The inclusion journey is never truly finished. We look forward to continuing this vital work with Disability:IN and the AAPD.”

CareSource’s most recent effort involves creating two new employee resource groups: Alliance for Disability Empowerment, which is dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities and connecting internal allies, and Mental Health Advocates for employees who have an interest in promoting positive mental health in their workplace, personal lives, families and communities.

Maria Town, president and CEO of AAPD, said, "there is no single best way to practice disability inclusion, however, the companies taking the DEI share the desire to create a workplace that fosters the concept of bringing your whole self to the office. We look forward to working with all of the participants to help identify meaningful ways to build upon their current practices as we continue on the disability inclusion journey together."

“Disability inclusion is a rapidly expanding aspect of corporate culture, and it’s gratifying to partner with the companies on the 2023 Disability Equality Index,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN. “These top-scoring companies not only excel in disability inclusion, but many are also adopting emerging trends and pioneering measures that can move the disability agenda from accommodation to inclusion and, ultimately, genuine belonging."

The 2023 DEI measured a range of criteria, including culture and leadership; enterprise-wide access; community engagement; supplier diversity; and employment practices such as benefits, recruitment, education, retention, advancement and accommodations. 

For more information on the 2023 DEI Report, visit www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities

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 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.

About the Disability Equality Index® 

The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities, the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org. 

About Disability:IN® 

Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 400 corporations’ partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index (DEI); best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.