Local Woman Shares Experience with CareSource, Named One of Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion
CareSource, a nonprofit and nationally recognized managed care organization serving over 2.3 million members, proudly achieved a perfect score of 100 on the 2023 Disability Equality Index®. Conducted jointly by Disability:INN and the American Association of People with Disabilities, the DEI is acknowledged as the most comprehensive benchmarking tool for disability inclusion in business.
The Disability Equality Index enables companies to develop a roadmap of concrete actions to promote disability inclusion and equality. Those earning a score of 80 and above are recognized as a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion."
CareSource has embraced disability inclusion at every level of its workforce, striving to foster a culture of belonging and attract, develop and retain diverse talent. Their commitment extends to supporting employees and members with disabilities and continually enhancing their approach to disability inclusion.
Among the individuals contributing to CareSource's disability inclusion efforts is Keisheona Wilkins, a Complex Health Solutions Intern through the 2023 AAPD Summer Internship Program. A resident of Topeka and a recent graduate of Washburn Tech in graphics technology, Keisheona is also a single mother who was paralyzed in a shooting incident in 2018.
“Affordable housing is difficult to find something that is fit for a single family, let alone ADA compliant housing that is affordable,” said Keisheona. “This matter is significant to me personally because I am a person who depends on an electric wheelchair for mobilization, and I am a mother with three children. I have experienced the difficulties of finding a home that I can afford with my low income, that has accommodations for my wheelchair, and space for my kids.”
“Keisheona's experience echoes the broader need for businesses to prioritize disability inclusion, recognizing the immense value, insights and unique perspectives that people with disabilities bring to the table,” said Solomon Parker, director of intellectual and developmental disabilities program strategy. “CareSource's unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive culture that embraces diversity and empowers everyone to thrive is a testament to the positive impact that businesses can make when they actively embrace and support diversity in all its forms.”
In June, CareSource announced the first strategic alliance of its kind – the CareSource HealthAlliance – to serve KanCare members and transform the health care experience for vulnerable Kansans. The CareSource HealthAlliance includes CareSource Kansas, InterHab, the Children’s Alliance and the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas.
CareSource also recently committed over $2.5 million to Easterseals to explore groundbreaking innovations for children and adults with disabilities across the country and support critical home and community-based services delivered by Easterseals’ national network. CareSource CEO Erhardt Preitauer also now serves on the national Easterseals board of directors. In 2022, CareSource’s DEI efforts became more intentional and focused as the company initiated a partnership with The Harkin Institute to progressively create a more inclusive workplace for our employees and members with disabilities.
“Our goals are simple: to continue to strengthen our culture of belonging, attract, grow and retain diverse talent, and mature our approach and commitment to disability inclusion for both our employees and members,” said Patrice L. Harris, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at CareSource. “The inclusion journey is never truly finished. We look forward to continuing this vital work with Disability:IN and the AAPD.”
