AIA NZ has been awarded the Accessibility Tick in recognition of its demonstrated commitment to accessibility, neurodiversity and disability inclusion.
The insurer says the Accessibility Tick programme is the flagship programme of the NZ Disability Employers’ Network, a member programme designed to help organisations with their strategic journeys to becoming more disability inclusive employers and accessible for disabled people.
Nick Stanhope, AIA NZ Chief Executive Officer, says that AIA NZ believes “… in a diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people feel that they belong, can bring their whole, unique selves to work, and be the best they can every day.”
He adds the company’s purpose is to help people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives, and it applies this philosophy to all its service offerings and products.
Stanhope says that with approximately a quarter of New Zealanders affected by a physical, sensory, learning, mental health or other impairment “…we understand disability and neurodiversity touches all aspects of our business – our people, our customers and partners as well as our wider community – and we are committed to working with our AIA NZ whānau to ensure we’re meeting their accessibility needs.”
AIA NZ was joined by Phil Turner, Chief Executive of New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network for a presentation of AIA NZ’s Accessibility Tick certificate and Braille plate, alongside members of AIA NZ’s Accessibility Committee.
…making a workplace accessible benefits everyone…
Turner says that making a workplace accessible benefits everyone “…and I want to congratulate AIA NZ for its efforts in understanding its current disability and neurodiversity inclusion state, making meaningful progress towards improving outcomes, but most of all for its commitment to continuously improve.”
He adds that so often disabled and neurodiverse people are excluded “…because hiring managers think they have needs that are greater than others. However, most are more than capable of contributing incredibly meaningfully to the workplace and it is heartening to work with organisations like AIA NZ which are embracing the accessibility journey and serving their people in this way.”