BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Commonwealth Care Alliance® (CCA), a mission-driven healthcare services organization that offers health plans and care delivery programs designed for individuals with the most significant needs, has earned recognition as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for a third consecutive year. While CCA has earned this distinction each year it has submitted an entry for consideration, the organization’s score of 100 on the 2024 Disability Equality Index® marks the second year in a row that CCA has earned the initiative’s highest possible score. Administered by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the index is the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs.
“Our commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and a culture of excellence internally helps us build a workforce that reflects the people we serve and drives CCA’s mission of supporting our members and patients with empathy, care, and understanding,” said Chris Palmieri, President and CEO of CCA. “We are honored to receive this recognition for our efforts to create a more inclusive workplace for colleagues with diverse abilities, whose valued perspectives and skills contribute to our organization and model of care each day.”
With a longstanding commitment to supporting individuals with the most significant needs, CCA ensures that individuals with disabilities have the necessary resources to thrive both in the workplace and beyond. Inclusivity and accessibility are central to CCA’s comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, encompassing every stage from recruitment and training to employment and retention. CCA received a top score of 100 from the index in part for its:
- Individuals with Disabilities & Allies Diversity Network, an employee-led group committed to providing a safe, supportive and empowering environment to improve efforts to recruit, reduce stigma and provide opportunities for personal and professional development
- Supplier diversity program
- Inclusive hiring practices
- Company culture supporting employees with disabilities and leadership commitment to both internal and community-based engagement and education
“On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today’s global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN.
“At CCA, we prioritize listening and learning from our diversity networks, and our Individuals with Disabilities & Allies Diversity Network serves as a vital platform where employees contribute their unique perspectives to shape our mission and foster an inclusive environment,” said Pamela Gelardi, a CCA Registered Nurse and MDS Reviewer and 2023/24 Chair of CCA’s Individuals with Disabilities & Allies Diversity Network. “I feel proud to be part of an organization that is dedicated to addressing the individual needs of every employee and committed to continuous improvement.”
The 2024 index measured: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, and Supplier Diversity.
About Commonwealth Care Alliance
Commonwealth Care Alliance® (CCA) is a mission-driven healthcare services organization that offers innovative health plans and care delivery programs designed for individuals with the most significant needs. With offerings in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Michigan, and California, CCA delivers comprehensive, integrated, and person-centered care by coordinating the services of local staff, provider partners, and community organizations. CCA has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for three years in a row by the Disability Equality Index®, the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for companies to measure disability workplace inclusion. In addition, The Boston Globe recognized CCA as a Top Place to Work for 2022. Learn more at www.commonwealthcarealliance.org or follow CCA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
