In this article:

• Brown and Caldwell (BC) earns a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index and has been named a 2024 Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.
• This score reflects a company-wide commitment to advancing accessibility the individuality and inclusion within our workplace and the industry —and a firm belief that a culture of inclusion drives innovation.

BC is recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by earning a top score on the 2024 Disability Equality Index for the fourth year in a row.

The Disability Equality Index is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to assess performance across industry sectors. The Disability Equality Index measures a wide range of criteria across five categories, from culture and leadership, to enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement, and supplier diversity. In 2024, 542 corporations, including 71 Fortune 100 and 220 Fortune 500 companies utilized the Disability Equality Index to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts.

BC’s Disability Equality Index score reflects a company-wide commitment to celebrating, accepting, and embracing the individuality and unique strengths of our employee owners. In the past year, participation increased for BC’s employee self-ID campaign to better understand our employees who self-identify as having a disability to shape the investment of company support and resources. BC’s enABLE Employee Network Group has created a thriving community to give a voice and advance a culture of inclusion, shaping a workplace for everyone.

As a professional service company, we are continually helping clients to push the boundaries of what is possible. Driving positive change for our clients and communities starts with making space for varied perspectives, backgrounds, and skills—where ideas thrive and new environmental solutions are born. Our commitment to inclusive behavior drives extraordinary outcomes and creates meaningful connections across our workplace, project teams, clients, and the future of water.

“This recognition as a top score is evidence of our continued commitment to going beyond accommodations to focus on removing barriers. Everything we’re doing to advance diversity, equality, and inclusion at BC has always been—and will always be—about people.”

Andrea Hall, BC Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion

In 2021, BC began partnering with Disability:IN to advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities within the business community and our workplace. As part of this partnership, BC is committing to leveraging the DEI, which serves as a benchmarking tool that helps us set measurable actions to achieve disability inclusion and equality. The DEI takes 30-40 hours to complete annually online. It is modeled off the Corporate Equality Index that highlights LGBTQ+-inclusive workplace policies.

“”On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today’s global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive.”

Jill Houghton, President and CEO Disability:IN

This recognition for the fourth year in a row, is a testament to the access, momentum, and culture of inclusion BC is building within the water industry. While there is more work to do, the top Disability Equality Index score of 100 reflects our commitment to being a part of positive change towards more inclusive water and environmental workplaces for engineers, scientists, consultants, and constructors.

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About the Disability Equality Index®

The Disability Equality Index is an objective, reflective, forward-thinking, and confidential disability rating tool designed to assist business in advancing inclusion practices. It is a comprehensive benchmark that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions across five scored categories: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, and Supplier Diversity. Participating companies receive a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the benchmark year. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.

About Disability:IN®

Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 500 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index (DEI); best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Learn more at: disabilityin.org/AreYouIN.