Exchange Recognized for Efforts to Champion Associates with Disabilities

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division honored the Exchange’s championing of associates with disabilities, recognizing the efforts made by the organization with the “We Hire Ability” distinction.

“The Exchange has long been committed to providing meaningful employment and career opportunities to associates with disabilities,” said Anna Jeffries, associate Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion officer. “It cannot be overstated how invaluable the experience and insight associates with disabilities bring to the organization.”

Associates with disabilities make up 21% of the Exchange’s 4,700 Texas-based employees, exceeding the Texas Workforce Commission Vocation Rehabilitation Division’s requirement of 10%.

To be nominated for the distinction by the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division, businesses also needed to include individuals with disabilities in an integrated workplace.

The employees must:

• Be working full or part time (at least 15 hours a week).
• Meet regulations defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, as follows:
  • Paid minimum wage or more.
  • Paid the same wage as an employee without a disability.
  • Work in a competitive labor market setting.
  • Work alongside and regularly interact with employees without disabilities and other people, such as vendors or shoppers, just as much as an employee without a similar disability in a similar role.

Across all Exchange locations, associates with disabilities account for 16% of the workforce—surpassing the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) goal of 12%. Additionally, 4% of Exchange associates have a targeted disability, double the 2% goal set by the EEOC, making the Exchange a leader among non-appropriated fund entities in these categories.

Associates with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify in Employee Self Service.

“This is voluntary and strictly confidential,” Jeffries said. “Self-identification helps us measure how well we are doing. Disabilities include but are not limited to conditions such as high blood pressure, respiratory conditions, or diabetes, for example.”

Exchange Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Office

During October, the Exchange observes National Disability Awareness Month, a national celebration recognizing the contributions made by people with disabilities to the workforce.

Associates interested in joining a special emphasis program or wanting to know more about the Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Office can click here to visit the SharePoint portal.