New business-to-business initiative seeks to drive accessibility into procurement processes for companies that buy and sell technology and other products and services

Disability:IN, the global nonprofit driving disability inclusion in business, announced the first 20 companies to sign the Procure Access Statement and join the Procure Access initiative, which encourages companies to buy and sell technology and other products and services that are accessible, usable and inclusive to people with disabilities.

“We’re proud to sign the Procure Access Statement to encourage others to take steps toward creating a more inclusive environment featuring accessible products and services for employees, customers, and the public.”

The companies are AT&T, Booz Allen Hamilton, CVS Health, EY, Fable, Fidelity Investments, Google, International Flavors and Fragrances, Intel, Merck, Microsoft, Pearson, Protiviti, Robert Half, Salesforce, T-Mobile, Twitter, United Natural Foods, Vispero and Yahoo!.

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Procure Access aims to help businesses understand that accessible procurement creates an inclusive workplace, marketplace and supply chain with better, more usable products and services for their employees, customers and the public. Signing the statement marks a company’s public commitment to influencing accessibility in the procurement process and collaborating with others to foster a more inclusive digital environment for everyone.

“More than 32 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act, there is still a lack of accessibility in technology and other products and services, which continues to create barriers for people with disabilities in employment and society,” says Jeff Wissel, Chief Accessibility Officer of Disability:IN. “We’re excited about the awareness that Procure Access will bring to companies around the world. This is a crucial step in building a disability-inclusive workforce, customer base and supply chain.”

The initial 20 signatories and future members of the Procure Access initiative will work collaboratively to identify the obstacles facing technology buyers and sellers and promote the sharing of transparent, current and accurate information about accessibility gaps and roadmaps. The focus on accessibility starts from the day products and services are being considered and continues through the selection process and the contract lifecycle.

“At Twitter, we’re on a journey to become the world’s most inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible tech company,” says Gurpreet Kaur, Global Head of Accessibility at Twitter. “We’re proud to sign the Procure Access Statement to encourage others to take steps toward creating a more inclusive environment featuring accessible products and services for employees, customers, and the public.”

“As business becomes increasingly digital, it’s critical that everyone is able to access the digital tools and content they need to work efficiently and effectively,” said Hank Prybylski, EY Global Vice Chair – Transformation. “The Procure Access initiative will help expand access and create a better and more equitable working world.”

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