Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On December 3, the world comes together to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This year’s theme fittingly calls on us to amplify the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future and is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity, accessibility and valuing difference.

Mark Smith, Chief Financial Officer, says, “While we formalized our disability inclusion initiatives in 2018, Cummins Inc. has a long history of ensuring a work environment that is inclusive for everyone. We continue on that journey, and I’m proud of the work we are doing to increase workplace and digital accessibility for those with disabilities so that, at Cummins, everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.” Cummins recognizes and sincerely thanks every employee, leader and ally for helping to fulfill our goals of bringing awareness, removing barriers and driving positive change in the workplace.

Why it matters

1. Building a culture of inclusivity: Recognizing IDPD helps to foster a culture of inclusivity. Inclusive environments enable stronger operation across cultures, functions and languages to provide superior solutions to our customers. Our company, teams and society thrive when everyone is included, respected and feels safe to bring their full selves to work.
2. Valuing differences: Celebrating IDPD is a reminder to welcome one another, readily embrace differences, and learn from and respect each other. Through our internal Values Difference competency, employees are expected to appreciate and harness the unique skills, abilities and backgrounds of their co-workers across Cummins.
3. Driving change: This day serves as a platform to highlight the issues faced by persons with disabilities, such as accessibility, discrimination, and lack of employment opportunities or career advancement. Awareness is key, and IDPD plays a crucial role in bringing attention to the needs and rights of persons with disabilities – to drive change that promotes equity, inclusion and belonging.

Driving growth at Cummins                                                                              

Cummins is proud of the accomplishments and advancements made in disability inclusion:

• Launched hiring initiatives and strengthened partnerships with organizations like Specialisterne, Microlink, The Valuable 500 and Disability:IN
• Maintained a vibrant Employee Resource Group (ERG) network comprised of seven regional chapters
• Created a standard process to request required accommodations in advance of quarterly global all-employee townhalls (which has consistently featured a sign language interpreter)
• Received consistently generous Corporate Responsibility grants and employee EEEC hours:
  • Over $530,000 USD in grants
  • 214 employees volunteered over 852 hours to 33 different events
• Improved facilities' accessibility and an expanded portfolio of accessible technology solutions
• Developed a growing library of training and resources
• Earned a score of 100% on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) and received distinction of Best Employer for Disability (third consecutive year in a row)

Our commitment to belonging and inclusion

Cummins has a strong Employee Resource Group (ERG) network that reaches six continents and spans over 25 countries. Thierry Pimi, Vice President DBU International Operations says, "I am very proud to sponsor our Global Network of Disability Inclusion ERGs. The important work that this network does to remove barriers and amplify the voices of people living with disabilities around the World is very important, truly humbling, and deeply personal to me. We must continue amplifying these voices to ensure Cummins attracts, recruits, and retains people living with disabilities. We value the perspectives and experiences of all people, not in spite of their differences, but because of them."

Cummins offers a vast selection of disability resources and trainings for education and support  for all employees. By valuing differences and promoting inclusion, we continue our commitment to build stronger environments where everyone can achieve their full potential and thrive.