Company Scored 100% on Disability Equality Index for Fourth Year in a Row

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 16, 2020-- Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a global leader in food, facilities management and uniforms, was named one of the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion,” for the fourth year in a row, by the 2020 Disability Equality Index (DEI), with a top-score of 100%.

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Aramark was named one of the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion,” for the fourth year in a row, by the 2020 Disability Equality Index, with a top-score of 100%.

The DEI is a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged as the most comprehensive disability inclusion assessment tool designed and embraced by both business leaders and disability advocates.

“We are committed to removing the barriers that may prevent individuals with diverse abilities from being fully empowered,” said Ash Hanson, Chief Diversity & Sustainability Officer at Aramark. “The DEI is an invaluable tool to ensure we continue to honor that commitment, and we are very proud to again be recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”

“The best way to attract, retain and grow talent with disabilities is to create an accessible, inclusive workplace. This year’s top scoring Disability Equality Index companies are demonstrating their commitment to many of the numerous leading disability inclusion practices featured in the DEI, recognizing that there’s still room for improvement,” said Jill Houghton, President & Chief Executive Officer, Disability:IN. “We are proud to have developed strong partnerships with corporate allies who are committed to advancing disability inclusion and equality across their businesses in the United States and around the world.”

In 2020, 247 corporations, including 143 Fortune 500 and 154 Fortune 1000 utilized the Disability Equality Index (DEI) to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. While Aramark receive a top score of 100%, there is continuous work to be done. Aramark Thrive, one of the Company’s 10 employee resource groups (ERGs), is dedicated to the interest of team members who self-identify as having a disability and for caretakers and advocates of those with disabilities. Thrive is a strong cultivator and champion for disability inclusion within Aramark.

First launched in 2015, the DEI gives businesses the tools needed to analyze their environment, identify opportunities for improvement and utilize their disability inclusion strategy as a competitive advantage. The index scores each company from 1 to 100 based on inclusion criteria: Culture & Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices (Benefits, Recruitment, Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement and Accommodations); Community Engagement; and Supplier Diversity.

As part of its broader 2025 sustainability plan, Be Well. Do Well., Aramark is working to reduce inequality, support and grow local communities, and protect the planet. The Company’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are guided by thousands of associates in 10 employee resource groups: Leaders and Employees of African Descent (LEAD), Aramark Dietitians, Aramark Impacto (Hispanic/Latino), Aramark Pride (LGBTQ+), Aramark Rising Sun (Indigenous), Aramark Salute (Veterans), Aramark Synergy (Interfaith), Aramark Thrive (Individuals with Disabilities), Aramark WBRN (Women’s Business Resource Network), and Aramark Young Professionals.

In addition to the DEI, Aramark has long been recognized by institutions focused on promoting diversity and inclusion, including one of DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity; a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality with a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index; and a Top 50 Employer for Equal Opportunity by Equal Employment Publications.

To view the complete 2020 Disability Equality Index results list, visit https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/disability-equality-index/2020companies/.

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 220 corporations, Disability:IN expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises. The organization and 30 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 Aramark

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world. We deliver innovative experiences and services in food, facilities management and uniforms to millions of people every day. We strive to create a better world by making a positive impact on people and the planet, including commitments to engage our employees; empower healthy consumers; build local communities; source ethically, inclusively and responsibly; operate efficiently and reduce waste. Aramark is recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Human Rights Campaign (LGBTQ+), DiversityInc, Equal Employment Publications and the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Erin Noss
(215) 409-7403
Noss-erin@aramark.com

Source: Aramark