Northwestern Medicine named ‘Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion’

Northwestern Medicine has been named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the third year in a row by the Disability Equality Index. The health system earned a score of 90 out of 100 on measures that included culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement and supplier diversity.

​​​​​​​“Employees of all abilities choose Northwestern Medicine as their employer because we are committed to helping them succeed,” said Diane Wayne, MD, vice president, administration, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “We value each employee’s contributions and continue to develop new ways to enhance our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.”

DEI uses benchmarks to help companies build measurable, tangible actions they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score from zero to 100; those earning 80 and above are recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”

One of the ways Northwestern Medicine seeks authentic employee feedback is through the NM Champion Network Disability Chapter, which was formed in 2020 to strengthen the network of employees with disabilities and their allies. The employee-led network promotes diversity, equity and inclusion for colleagues with disabilities as well as for colleagues who are allies of people with disabilities.

“The Disability Chapter has expanded our sense of community and evolved NM’s culture of inclusion,” said Erin Kinahan, co-executive sponsor of the NM Champion Network Disability Chapter and vice president, office of the general counsel. “Our members have honest conversations and develop initiatives that lead to positive changes within our organization. We also host educational sessions and participate in community events. It has been powerful to see how a group of positive, forward-thinking colleagues can make our workplace more inclusive and supportive.”