L'Oréal USA has announced it has received a top score of 100 on the 2019 Disability Equality Index (DEI), for the second consecutive year. 

The DEI is a unique, joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). It serves as the nation's most comprehensive annual benchmarking tool for corporations.

Angela Guy, senior vice president, Diversity & Inclusion, L'Oréal USA, says, "We are very proud that L'Oréal USA has received a top score in the DEI ratings for the second consecutive year. An inclusive workplace is crucial for L'Oréal in fulfilling its commitment to providing beauty for all. That means we are always working to recruit and retain a diverse group of talented people representing all dimensions of diversity who are able to bring valuable insights and experiences to our company."

This evolving index objectively scores each corporation on a scale from 0 to 100—100 representing the most inclusive. The DEI was developed by the two national leaders in consultation with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse and voluntary group of experts in business, policy and disability advocacy.

Ted Kennedy, Jr., disability rights attorney and board chair of AAPD, explains, "The DEI helps companies measure their own progress on disability inclusion and challenges them to improve their policies and practices – not just because it's the right thing to do, but also because it's also good for business."

He continues, "Research shows that companies that champion disability inclusion significantly outperform their peers across key financial indices including revenue, net income, profit margins and shareholder returns. AAPD is truly impressed by this year's DEI participation and we're proud to collaborate with the business community to prioritize industry-wide disability inclusion practices."

L'Oréal USA is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace and has developed many initiatives to support disabled employees including the creation of its DiversABILITY Think Tank, an employee-led resource group dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the recruitment, advancement and retention of people with disabilities.

In 2018, the group led a "Breaking the Silence" disability self-disclosure campaign to give a voice to and build a community for disabled employees by sharing personal stories, providing resources and establishing strategic partnerships with disability organizations.