Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). Now in its ninth year, the NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal spotlights the transformative contributions made by business leaders in promoting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It also honors organizations that prioritize diversity, equity and importantly, accessibility--setting a high standard for others to follow.
With this recognition, CHOP was highlighted for its commitment to building an inclusive culture by adopting exemplary employment practices for people with disabilities.
"We are humbled and proud of this recognition, and everything that it represents to our organization," said Gilbert Davis, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Without the diverse lived experiences, perspectives and voices of our colleagues, we would not be able to deliver on our mission. This is why we continue to prioritize Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at CHOP, and will continue to celebrate, and promote the rich diversity of our colleagues, patients, families and community members."
"People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the U.S. and an often-overlooked sector of the workforce," said Hannah Anderson, Instructor of Pediatrics, Dept of Pediatrics and Research Associate, Medical Education at CHOP. "As a disabled employee and Workforce Development Officer for our All Abilities Resource Group, I've seen many barriers that can prevent people with disabilities from excelling as employees."
"At CHOP, we are working hard to eliminate barriers and build a more inclusive workforce that values people with disabilities," Anderson added.
The NOD Employment Tracker benchmarks organizations of any size in six disability and veterans' inclusion focus areas, including strategy, talent outcome metrics, climate and culture, talent sourcing, people practices and workplace tools and accessibility. All participating companies receive a Tracker Scorecard to develop plans and priorities for improving employment practices and policies.
The NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal is a selective award given to companies demonstrating the positive outcomes in recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing people with disabilities in their workforces.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)is an annual observance held in the United States each October. This month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that value the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities. NDEAM also highlights the contributions of workers with disabilities and encourages employers to consider the diverse abilities and perspectives that they bring to the workforce.
About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: A non-profit, charitable organization, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the 595-bed hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as an inpatient hospital
