Verizon earns a top score on the 2020 Disability Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year.
Hear from V Teamer Dhivya K. regarding her experiences and why she's proud to work for a company recognized for disability inclusion.
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At Verizon, we’re committed to fostering an empowering culture for all V Teamers by creating a collaborative, inclusive, and diverse environment. For the fifth year in a row, we are proud to be named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion, earning a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI).
The DEI is a joint initiative between Disability:IN and the American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD). It is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that gives U.S. businesses an objective assessment of their disability inclusion policies and practices. The 2020 DEI measured: Culture & Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices (Benefits, Recruitment, Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement, Accommodations); Community Engagement; Supplier Diversity; and Non-U.S. Operations.
We are honored by this recognition and proud of the V Teamers who help us reach this achievement. Today, we’re highlighting Dhivya K., a V Teamer who has used her own experiences to give back to others with disabilities and go beyond at Verizon.
V Teamer Dhivya K. shares her story of strength.
Dhivya K., a V Teamer in Global Network and Technology, was born with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, a rare condition where the spinal cord is not closed properly for a baby in the mother’s womb during the fourth week of pregnancy. It affected her motor and sensory abilities from the level of injury. She has been a paraplegic since birth.
Giving back to others with Spina Bifida.
Using her own experiences, Dhivya wanted to help and support others with Spina Bifida. She then connected with organizations and support groups to spread awareness about Spina Bifida and treatment for spinal cord injury survivors. Today she is a trained counselor and provides peer counseling for those affected with Spina Bifida.
Dhivya also began modeling for inclusive fashion shows to represent adaptive clothing for persons with disabilities (PwD), including the Guinness World Record Fashion Show in 2018.
She has also given back by participating in marathons and speaking at events and forums, including the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) in December 2019 to promote inclusive employability through digital technology.
“I moderated the panel discussion on ‘Technology-enabled Economic Inclusion.’ There was a very insightful discussion on the challenges faced by disabled people while seeking employment,” she said. “The discussion also covered the challenges employers face and how technology can help to bridge this gap.”
“I’m glad I chose Verizon.”
Verizon has been a beacon of support, providing Dhivya with leadership support, as well as policies, and practices designed to help her succeed in the workplace.
“These efforts from Verizon India make me, and many like me, feel empowered to become thought leaders,” Dhivya said.
At Verizon, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all through our Employee Resource Groups. Learn more about Verizon’s inclusive and empowering culture.
