The Valuable 500, a coalition of CEOs focused on enhancing disability inclusion, announced today a new series of commitments by some of the world’s leading employers to act towards making their businesses more inclusive and supportive of people with disabilities.

The new commitments announced today, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, come from the CEOs of PepsiCo, PwC, Spotify, VMware, L’Oréal, Zurich Insurance, The Estée Lauder Companies, Schlumberger, Sky, and Steelcase, and include initiatives such as accessibility improvements, employee education, and recruitment of people with disabilities, among others.

Zurich Insurance, for example, has committed to ensuring that the inclusion of all employees is on the agenda of senior leadership and to improving digital and physical accessibility across the company’s locations worldwide.

Mario Greco, Group CEO of Zurich Insurance, said:

“The key focus will be on removing barriers, stigmas and taboos, and to foster an environment where people with all abilities or wellbeing challenges feel they can succeed. More specifically, the aim is to foster a company culture that attracts and retains diverse talent, create awareness of disability-inclusive communication, and recognise key dates like International Day of People with Disabilities.”

PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta said that the company will accelerate its efforts to support associates with disabilities, and caregivers of people with disabilities. Laguarta said:

“Through inclusive practices such as offering ongoing sign language training, enhanced disability benefits, and self-identification, we are ensuring our associates have the tools they need to achieve their maximum potential.”

Other initiatives announced today include Spotify’s pledge for accessibility improvements to serve its differently-abled listeners and creators, commitments by Estée Lauder and L’Oréal foster inclusive recruitment and promote the recruitment of people with disabilities, and by Schlumberger to expand employee education to include building disability confidence and awareness, while PwC announced the appointment of its new Global Disability Leader, Leandro Camilo.

Bob Moritz, PwC Global Chairman, said:

“We strive to foster an environment where people with disabilities face no barriers, feel empowered to be themselves and have access to the support and adjustments they need to thrive.”