Cedars-Sinai has been recognized with the highest score on the 2025 Disability Index, which evaluates organizations on their commitment to disability inclusion. This marks the second consecutive time the Los Angeles-based medical center has received this accolade, highlighting its dedication to creating a workplace that supports employees of all abilities.
Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility
The Disability Index is a collaborative initiative between the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN. It assesses companies based on their practices and policies related to disability inclusion. Nicole Mitchell, Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing Officer at Cedars-Sinai, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Disability inclusion is a vital part of our strategy to drive innovation and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.”
Mitchell further added, “Earning this recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring people with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities feel supported and valued and empowered to contribute their best.” This sentiment underscores the medical center’s mission to foster an inclusive environment for all employees.
Evaluation Criteria and Employee Initiatives
The benchmarking tool evaluates organizations across six categories: culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement, supplier inclusion, and responsible procurement. Hundreds of companies worldwide utilize this tool to track their progress in disability inclusion. Cedars-Sinai has made significant strides in these areas, as evidenced by its top score.
To further enhance its commitment to disability inclusion, Cedars-Sinai has launched employee-driven initiatives, including the Supporting Purposeful Accessibility, Community, and Equity (SPACE) employee resource group. This group serves as a supportive community for employees with disabilities and their allies, promoting dialogue, advocacy, and awareness.
In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the SPACE group organized an interactive workshop focused on setting healthy boundaries to support wellbeing, productivity, and respect in the workplace. Such initiatives not only empower employees but also foster a culture of inclusion and respect.
Cedars-Sinai continues to celebrate the contributions of employees with disabilities through various events, both in-person and virtual. These opportunities aim to raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of how to cultivate inclusive workplaces.
For more information on Cedars-Sinai’s ongoing efforts and initiatives, interested parties can refer to the latest edition of Discoveries Magazine, which discusses new fellowship opportunities rooted in the organization’s mission.
