BNSF Railway, one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America, was honored this week for receiving a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index for 2024. The award recognizes the company as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the second year in a row.
“This recognition solidifies our efforts toward becoming a more inclusive and diverse place to work,” said Dustin Almaguer, vice president of compliance and audit, who is also the executive sponsor of BNSF’s Disability Inclusion Alliance (DIA) business resource group. “We are committed to building upon our progress, so our railroad continues to be a leader in fostering a trusted environment where everyone feels included and valued for who they uniquely are.”
Created in 2015, the Disability Equality Index was created to encourage employers to advance best practices within the workplace that promote and encourage disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issues.
The Disability Equality Index was launched by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. Now in its 10th year, it helps businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities.
BNSF was scored by the Disability Equality Index in categories such as:
- Culture & leadership
- Enterprise-wide access
- Employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, accommodations)
- Community engagement
- Supplier diversity
- Responsible procurement
“We’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress toward disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN. “Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent, but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today’s global market.”
About BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food, and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at BNSF Railway.
About the Disability Equality Index
The Disability Equality Index is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to assess performance across industry sectors. Launched in 2015 as a joint initiative of Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), it’s acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. Learn more at http://www.disabilityequalityindex.org.
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Contacts
Kendall Kirkham Sloan
Director of External Communications
Media@BNSF.com
