For the second year in a row, Norton Healthcare has been named among the nation’s top workplaces for disability inclusion! This recognition comes from the 2023 Disability Equality Index.

Story by: Henry Winkelhake on July 20, 2023

For the second year in a row, Norton Healthcare has been named among the nation’s top workplaces for disability inclusion. This recognition comes from the 2023 Disability Equality Index (DEI), which assessed our organization alongside 485 U.S. health systems. We’re tremendously proud to rank in the 15 top workplaces, earning a score of 90% percent.

The DEI, a joint initiative of the American Association of People With Disabilities and Disability:IN, is a national benchmarking tool that offers businesses an opportunity to receive an objective assessment of overall disability policies and practices, including culture and leadership, enterprisewide access, community engagement, supplier diversity, and employment practices.

“Our purpose is to provide quality health care to all those we serve. To honor our purpose to the very best of our ability, we choose to be a workplace that’s welcoming and supportive of all people. Our work is too important to leave any source of talent untapped,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “Congratulations to everyone who worked passionately to put our organization in a position to receive this honor.”

“We will continue these efforts and remain committed to doing more to ensure all feel welcome to work and be cared for at Norton Healthcare.”

Achieving this designation wouldn’t have been possible without our Equity, Inclusion & Belonging team and ABLED (Awareness Benefiting Leadership and Employees About Disabilities) employee resource group (ERG) working to support an organizational culture defined by awareness, collaboration and advocacy.

Leslie Martin, director, Workforce Development, serves as the co-lead for the ABLED ERG. As a mother to Nicky, her 27-year-old son with Down syndrome, the group’s work to support disability inclusion is personal.

“It’s important to recognize that my son, others with Down syndrome and anyone who lives with a disability has so much potential to work, to be part of society and to be independent,” Leslie said.

The ABLED ERG enlightens and empowers Norton Healthcare employees to better care for and work with people impacted by disability. The group serves as an educational resource while also focusing on opportunities to improve access, inclusion and respect.

Jeremy White, manager, pediatric patient analytics, Norton Children’s Hospital, serves alongside Leslie as co-lead for ABLED. Like Leslie, he’s informed and motivated by the unique perspective of a parent to a child with Down syndrome. James, Jeremy’s 11-year-old son, inspires him to look through a positive lens to discover new possibilities.

“I want to help empower my son and the thousands of others like him in our community to reach their fullest potential,” Jeremy said. “We all need to look beyond the surface and be willing to give everyone an opportunity to express who they are and what they can contribute.”