Best Companies or Workplaces for Disabilities

If you have a disability and you're having trouble landing a job, you aren't alone. In fact, many disabled job hunters report having difficulty landing a job despite having multiple degrees and rock-solid references.

If you can relate, the good news is that there are lots of companies that have exceptional work environments that make it a priority to recruit disabled employees.

The following companies, listed in no particular order, have all been recognized for their efforts in creating disability-friendly workplaces.

IBM Corporation

Man on wheelchair talking with co-worker — ColorBlind Images/Iconica/Getty Images

IBM Corporation has received exceptionally high marks from employees for providing a disability-friendly workplace in the global market. The company requires all employees to participate in a disability awareness training program and has other programs in place to recruit, hire, and retain disabled employees.

Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young (EY) has received several awards from DiversityInc for its efforts in hiring disabled employees. EY also offers disability awareness training for its employees around the globe, alternative career tracks, and telecommuting opportunities.

Proctor & Gamble

Proctor & Gamble has seven employee groups, including the People with Disabilities Employee Group, that foster an inclusive workplace culture. This company has received several awards for their efforts. They also have comprehensive programs in place for recruiting, hiring, and training disabled workers.

Aetna

Aetna is a leader in the insurance market and offers employees a unique, innovative workplace environment. The company offers onsite fitness centers, pharmacies, physical therapists, and massage services. For disabled employees, in particular, Aetna provides alternative career tracks and telecommuting.

KPMG

KPMG is a professional tax audit company known for its Disabilities Network that uses feedback from disabled employees to improve workplace conditions and retention. They also offer training events during National Disability Employment Month to create awareness for their disabled employees. DiversityInc named KPMG one of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity.

Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems is an IT company that offers alternative career tracks and telecommuting opportunities to disabled employees. The company welcomes diversity and inclusion, and they're committed to creating products and services that are accessible to people with disabilities. They also offer onsite health centers and pharmacies, as well as healthcare incentives.

SC Johnson

SC Johnson is notable for its Abilities First Business Council. The council is one of the company's many incentives working to make SC Johnson a better place to work. Specifically, the council supports and advocates for disabled employees. SC Johnson also has noteworthy programs for recruiting, hiring and training disabled employees.

Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company is known as a disability-friendly workplace because of its onsite medical services that are offered for free to employees and their dependent family members. They also offer pharmacy, ambulatory, and psychological services.

Merck & Co.

Merck & Co. is committed to incorporating inclusion and diversity into its leadership model. The company has the Differently Able Global Constituency Group, which provides disability awareness training and helps in recruiting and retaining disabled employees.

Sodexo

Sodexo has the SOAR program (Sodexo Organization of disAbilities Resources). SOAR provides disability awareness training for employees and is also involved in hiring and fostering retention programs for disabled employees. Sodexo consistently receives recognition for its efforts.