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Lumen Technologies builds its company from the people up

More than one billion people have disabilities and impairments. On Global Accessibility Awareness Day, May 16, we shine a light on the importance of digital access and inclusion for all.

At Lumen Technologies we are committed to expanding access to digital information across the globe. We leverage the power of our vast fiber network to increase accessibility and opportunity to underserved communities.

Promoting a culture of inclusion at work complements our efforts to help create a more equitable, connected world. We strive for a workplace that supports and embraces everyone who works here. That's why we were proud to be named among the 2024 Top Disability-Friendly Companies by DiversityComm. This honor recognizes Lumen for our outstanding commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality.

Lumen also earned recognition as one of the best companies to work for, especially for disability inclusion: U.S. News & World Report named Lumen Technologies one of the 2024 Best Companies to Work For and Disability:IN ranked Lumen as a 2023 Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion on its Disability Equality Index (DEI).

Our partners are crucial to cultivating an environment where all experiences, backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities are valued. Lumen has partnered with Texthelp, making its Read&Write for Work software available to all our employees. More than 50 million people worldwide use Read&Write. It gives employees a choice in how they engage with content, complete tasks, and communicate with colleagues.

"Accessibility is not just a feature—it’s a fundamental aspect of our culture at Lumen,” said India Sylvester, Lumen’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “It’s about recognizing the diverse needs of our employees and customers and meeting them where they are. Our partnership with Texthelp serves as a reflection of our commitment to creating a world where everyone can succeed.”

Lumen also extended the Read&Write offering to their employees’ family members for free—made possible through Texthelp's Free for Family initiative.

“FRIENDS was so proud and happy to be a part of providing this great tool that promotes inclusion and professionalism for all,” says Deb Andersson, Senior Analyst – Contracts and Compliance, who is Global Chair of Lumen’s FRIENDS (Friends Respecting Inspiring Everyone Needing Disability Support) Employee Resource Group (ERG), which has a membership of over 800 employees. “I love that this is available for every Lumen employee and that Lumen families can download it to their home computers at no charge to help their kids in school too!”

In its early rollout stages, nearly 200 employees have activated their Texthelp license, and close to 30 families have taken advantage of the Free for Family initiative.

“As a neurodiverse person, having the screen masking, the custom dictionary and read back option has been a game changer,” says Rachel Carter, FRIENDS ERG Member and Sr. Lead Project Manager – Federal. “This is a great tool that helps me be more efficient and productive.”

FRIENDS ERG Member and Customer Success Manager Tonya Baumgartl adds, "As a legally blind person, I highly recommend resources like this one for anyone who needs assistance with reading and writing. It is easy to use and learn, and it offers a variety of tools to help you with your daily tasks.”