Verizon joins The Valuable 500.

"At Verizon, we create the networks that move the world forward, but we cannot fulfill our purpose if any member of society is left behind. Technology has the power to connect and enhance the lives of all people, including the one billion individuals living with disabilities. That's why we are proud to join the Valuable 500 to drive sustainable innovation and equitable growth with the expertise of the disability community at the forefront. Together, we can build a future where everyone is included." -- Hans Vestberg

Verizon never sits on the sidelines when there is an opportunity to change the world for the better. That's why we joined forces with The Valuable 500, a coalition of the world's largest businesses dedicated to driving greater disability inclusion.

In recognition of UNGA's 75th anniversary, the announcement coincides with the ten-year countdown to complete the UN's 2030 sustainable development goals. Disability is included in five of the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of people with disabilities. Since launching at the World Economic Forum in 2019, The Valuable 500 now includes 326 companies committed to putting disability on the business leadership agenda.

While Verizon is new to The Valuable 500, we have long championed the rights and needs of people with disabilities. We have dedicated accessibility and customer care teams who provide our customers with disabilities the support they need to access and enjoy our products. The Accessibility Team at Verizon Media leverages the promise of technology to level the playing field through initiatives like Teach Access and XR Access, as well as champion representation through The Disability Collection. Additionally, Verizon Media donated $10 Million in ad inventory this year to provide essential visibility and support for mental health.

Verizon is also fully committed to fostering an inclusive culture. For the fifth year in a row, we were named one of the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion, earning a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI). We also received Mental Health America's 2020 Mental Health Corporate Excellence Award, recognizing our programs, accommodations, and training to support mental health wellness in the workplace.

And we are fortunate to have the leadership of our ADVANCE Employee Resource Group and their steadfast dedication to advance a universally accessible workplace and world by combating stigmas and breaking down barriers.

Lastly, under Citizen Verizon, we are expanding our commitment to ensure disability inclusion is a lens we bring to all of our initiatives, with the authentic voice and expertise of the disability community guiding our work.

We are proud of our efforts to make our products, workplace, and society more inclusive and accessible, but as a company, we know there is still more work to be done. Globally, over one billion people live with a disability. In the US, 35% of households have at least one person with a disability. As an industry leader, we have an incredible opportunity and responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind as we move the world forward for everyone.

Through our partnership with The Valuable 500 and with the expertise of people with disabilities at the forefront, we will build an equitable future where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

V Teamers, click here to join the conversation on VZWeb.