The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, has been recognized as a Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability (NOD), a noted, private non-profit organization that seeks to increase employment opportunities for the 60% of working-age Americans with disabilities who are not employed.
The Association was one of 65 employers recognized this year with the Leading Disability Employer Seal and was previously recognized in 2022. The full list is available on NOD's website.
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 those organizations that prioritize diversity, equity and importantly, accessibility - setting a high standard for others to follow.
Leading Disability Employer Seal recipients are determined based on data provided by companies on the NOD Employment Tracker™, a free assessment tool that helps companies understand which employment practices correlate to improved talent outcomes related to hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities.
"The American Heart Association is proud to be recognized by the National Organization on Disability for our strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity and accessibility," said Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. "Fostering a truly inclusive environment that embraces the richness of the communities we serve and supports diverse talents and experiences is critical to our mission."
"Organizations like the American Heart Association understand that by harnessing the talents of people with disabilities, they reap the benefits of a more innovative, diverse and dedicated workforce," said NOD President Carol Glazer. "The Leading Disability Employer Seal honors organizations who have not only embraced inclusivity but have taken concrete steps to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities and create an environment for all to thrive."
For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has led the fight against heart disease and stroke and helped families and communities thrive. The Association's mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities. The organization's leaders, volunteers and staff are committed to ensuring that the Association's workforce, workplace and mission have a shared impact across America's diverse populations. More information about the Association's commitment to diversity and inclusion can be found at www.heart.org/diversity.
Other recent recognitions for the Association include Forbes America's Best Midsize Employer, Certified Age-Friendly Employer and DiversityInc Top Company.