In July 2025, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island received a top score on the Disability Equality Index, earning a place among the top workplaces for disability inclusion (Providence Business News, 2025).

The award wasn’t handed out for appearances. It’s the result of practices that prioritize accessibility, employee feedback, and leadership accountability.

The recognition affirms a growing truth: workplaces that take inclusion seriously don’t wait for individuals to advocate for their needs: they build inclusive systems from the start.

Inclusive Hiring Begins Before Day One

Disability inclusion is often framed around accommodations. But a more effective approach focuses on creating environments that reduce the need for those accommodations altogether.

Here’s what that looks like at Blue Cross RI:

Accessible Job Descriptions

Job posts are reviewed for plain language, formatted for screen reader compatibility, and written to invite rather than exclude (Disability:IN, 2024).

They aim to minimize self-doubt by clarifying expectations and focusing on essential functions.

Candidate-Centered Interviewing

Hiring processes include extended time, alternative formats, and clear expectations. This creates space for neurodivergent and disabled candidates to fully participate and succeed.

Education Across Teams

Company-wide training helps normalize invisible disabilities, reduce stigma, and strengthen communication. Inclusion is part of team culture.

Leadership That Listens and Acts

Executives don’t just approve DEI budgets. They participate in listening sessions, sponsor accessibility programs, and tie inclusion outcomes to company values.

Why It Matters to Employers and Job Boards

Disability inclusion isn’t a special initiative. It’s an essential part of workplace equity.

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). That includes professionals managing chronic illness, neurodivergence, mobility limitations, PTSD, or fatigue-related conditions.

Hiring systems built for inclusivity also support long-term retention, stronger team dynamics, and a more resilient workforce.

How Employers Can Start Strengthening Their Approach

Every organization can take steps toward disability inclusion. Here are four practical starting points:

1. Review the hiring process. Is the application experience fully accessible from start to finish?

2. Update the careers page. Include a clear statement on inclusion, support policies, and how to request accommodations.

3. Revisit your benefits package. Offer mental health resources, caregiver leave, and flexible scheduling options.

4. Involve disabled professionals in shaping policies. Make feedback loops part of your culture.

Moving from Recognition to Responsibility

Blue Cross RI didn’t build its reputation by chance. It was the result of long-term strategy, open dialogue, and a clear commitment to accessibility.

Disability inclusion isn’t a project with an end date. It’s a continuous investment in people and systems. The best workplaces don’t wait for recognition to act.

They lead with it in mind.

How Diversity.com Supports Inclusive Hiring

At Diversity.com, we know that inclusive hiring isn’t about lowering standards—it’s about raising the bar and removing outdated filters that limit potential.

That’s why we equip employers with the tools, strategies, and talent pipelines to build teams that are qualified, diverse, and forward-thinking—without compromising on excellence.

Whether you're refining your recruitment process, improving retention, or navigating new DEI challenges, we’re here to support your mission with real solutions and real results.

For Employers & HR Professionals:

✔ Create a free employer account — Start posting jobs that reflect your values. Choose from single listings, job packs (discounted credit bundles), or subscription plans tailored to your hiring needs.
✔ Access a diverse, top-tier candidates — Connect with professionals who bring both qualifications and fresh perspectives to your team.
✔ Stay informed with expert DEI insights — Learn how to apply inclusive strategies without sacrificing performance.

For Job Seekers:

✔ Explore inclusive career opportunities — Discover employers that care about merit, culture, and impact.
✔ Create a free job seeker account — Apply confidently for jobs with companies that believe in equity.
✔ Understand Inclusive Hiring — Learn how DEI really works—and how it can work for you.

We don’t lower standards. We eliminate the barriers that keep talent hidden.

Start building a better, bolder team today—with Diversity.com.

Questions? Contact Us, and we'll walk you through it.

Related Articles

• Is Silence in the Name of Safety Still Supportive?

• What the CBS–Skydance Merger Reveals About Corporate DEI

• Women’s Equality Day and the Gender Gap That Still Remains

• Indigenous Professionals in the Workplace: Visibility, Voice, and Value

• Building Age-Inclusive Hiring: Tapping the Power of Experience

• Mental Health Support That Goes Beyond the Employee Handbook

Sources & References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Disability impacts all of us. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html

• Disability:IN. (2024). Disability Equality Index Best Practices. https://disabilityin.org

• Providence Business News. (2025, July 10). Blue Cross earns top score as 2025 Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. https://pbn.com/blue-cross-earns-top-score-as-2025-best-place-to-work-for-disability-inclusion

• Job Accommodation Network. (2023). Inclusive hiring toolkit. https://askjan.org