For the second year in a row, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) was named Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion, earning a score of 90 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI).
“TDS is thrilled to be named one of the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion for the second year in a row,” said TDS’ Talent Acquisition Strategist Mindy Begenat. “TDS utilizes the DEI to guide us in our efforts in not only recruiting talent, but also in providing a more welcoming workplace for our associates with disabilities. TDS and its Achieving a Better Life/Work Environment (ABLE) Associate Resource Group will continue our commitment to work toward improving many of the disability inclusion practices featured in the DEI.”
In the last year, TDS associates raised awareness about neurodiversity and invisible disabilities in the workplace by creating a three-part video series to help associates have a better understanding of individuals on the autism spectrum. The series also included tips for leaders with team members with neurodiversity on recruiting and best practices to improve the interview process for persons who are neurodivergent.
“TDS also featured internal stories for our associates on invisible disabilities and unconscious bias and why it’s important to celebrate neurodiversity,” said Begenat. “The DEI has definitely assisted TDS with improving our disability inclusion culture.”
The DEI is a joint initiative between Disability:IN and the American Association for Persons with Disabilities (AAPD). It is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 companies and an objective assessment of their disability inclusion policies and practices.
By taking the DEI, companies can demonstrate their commitment to disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issue. In its eighth year, the DEI continues to see an increase in participation by businesses.
“Disability inclusion is a rapidly expanding aspect of corporate culture, and it’s gratifying
to partner with 415 companies on the 2022 Disability Equality Index,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN. “These top-scoring companies not only excel in disability inclusion, many are also adopting emerging trends and pioneering measures that can move the disability agenda from accommodation to inclusion and ultimately, genuine belonging.”
Each year, the DEI takes about 40 hours to complete. It is modeled off the Corporate Equality Index that highlights LGBTQ-inclusive workplace policies.
Globally, people with disabilities represent over one billion people. Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and it crosses lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion.
“TDS and its ABLE Associate Resource Group will continue our commitment to many of the disability inclusion practices featured in the DEI,” said Begenat.
TDS is pleased to join UScellular in the DEI rankings, which earned a score of 100 for the third year in a row.
For more information on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, click here or visit 2022 Disability Equality Index Report – Disability:IN (disabilityin.org).
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to more than 1,100 rural and suburban communities across the U.S. With 1.2 million connections, TDS is a rapidly growing technology company. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 2 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, data networking, and hosted-managed services. Visit tdstelecom.com.
TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,000 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 1000® company. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video, and voice as well as hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular, TDS Telecom, and OneNeck IT Solutions.
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 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.
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.
