PPL tops Disability Equality Index for its culture of inclusivity

PPL Corp. of Allentown is among 272 businesses across the country being recognized for their efforts to include people with disabilities.

The company received a top score of 100% on the 2021 Disability Equality Index (DEI), making it among the best places to work in the country for people with disabilities.

PPL Corp. was the only Lehigh Valley-based company to make the list, however companies with a presence in the region such as Starbucks, Dun and Bradstreet and CBRE were also on the list with scores of 100%.

The DEI is a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). It is an annual benchmarking tool to help companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality.

“We want all individuals to realize their full potential and no barrier — visible or invisible — should get in the way of that,” said PPL President and CEO Vincent Sorgi. “We’re proud of the work we have done to provide new opportunities and pathways to success for many facing challenging situations. We also realize that our work is not done and we will continue to find new ways to break down barriers and help all our employees, colleagues and friends in our communities grow and thrive.”

The DEI measures performance indicators related to organizational culture, leadership, accessibility, employment, community engagement, support services and supplier diversity.

PPL was recognized for such things as providing expanded mental health resources and mentoring individuals through Disability:IN’s NexGen Leaders program.

The company also hosts an annual supplier diversity conference to further expand the diversity of the businesses that provide the company with products and services.

It also has PPL’s Day in the Life program to connect with college students on the autism spectrum, or with other disabilities with career opportunities in the energy field.

This is the fourth consecutive year PPL has been recognized on the DEI list.