by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:08 PM ET, Mon July 9, 2018
Choice Hotels International, which earned a top score in the 2018 Disability Equality Index, has been named one of the "Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities."
The recognition was awarded by the United States Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
A national, annual benchmarking survey that scores companies on a 100-point scale (with 100 being a perfect score), the Disability Equality Index (DEI) ranks employers based on disability inclusion policies and practices. Recognition is reserved for businesses that have scored 80 or above on the DEI.
Choice Hotels, one of the world's largest hotel companies with more than 6,800 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, is the only lodging company to earn the distinction this year. It scored an 80 percent on the index.
"This designation as a 'Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities' builds upon previous accolades Choice Hotels has received for its exceptional corporate culture and reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring all our associates feel welcome, wanted, and respected," Patrick Cimerola, chief human resources officer, Choice Hotels, said in a statement. "Our employee resource group ENABLE has been especially helpful in achieving this recognition by evolving policies and practices that align with our mission to create an inclusive work environment."
A handful of other well-known travel industry names received high marks on the index this year as well. Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines and the Walt Disney Company all received a 100 percent score. Southwest received an 80 percent score.
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