As we continue to celebrate Disability Pride Month, we reflect on how far we’ve come at Southwest Airlines and as a community in advancing inclusion for people with disabilities. We’re passionate about creating awareness and acceptance of individuals with disabilities because disability awareness and education are integral to what we do across the Company.
Don’t just take our word for it. Learn more about what disability inclusion means to Ashley M.*, DEN Customer Service Agent:
"Working at Southwest Airlines isn't 'just a job,' it’s a passion and an adventure rooted in deep Southwest Culture! My journey started in Denver as your Neighborhood Friendly Deaf Customer Service Agent. Being a culturally deaf individual since birth, I needed special and reasonable accommodations for me to do my job efficiently due to my hearing disability. I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my cell phone on duty to provide Legendary Customer Service and Hospitality to our Internal and External Customers.
With my phone connected to my cochlear implant, I can call our Service Desk and improve communication with my Team Members at our DEN Station and systemwide. I’m also connected at my fingertips using Microsoft Teams, Company email, sending and receiving texts with my Cohearts, and many other work-related functions that my job requires. The Accommodations Team worked tirelessly to meet my needs so I could be successful at Southwest now and for many years to come! Working at Southwest is the best decision I’ve ever made, and without the Accommodations Team, I wouldn't be where I am now in my career. I’m proud to be a Coheart—if I can do this, so can you!"
*The photo above of Ashley is from an Independence Day cookout at our DEN Station, where she volunteered on her day off to serve and connect with Cohearts.
We want inclusion and support for every Employee and their families, Leaders, and Cohearts. Our Accommodations Team can help you bring your best self to work daily. The Team works directly with Employees and Candidates who may need reasonable accommodations and serves as a resource for disability best practices.
How does the Accommodations Team support Employees?
The Team works directly with Employees who may need accommodations to perform their job responsibilities best. Accommodations are broader than most people think. Examples of accommodations include:
- Equipment
- Work environment (lighting, etc.)
- Break adjustments
- Religious requests
- Uniforms
- Workplace accommodations based on a medical condition, including any pregnancy-related restrictions
Since the beginning of the year, the Accommodations Team has handled more than 2,600 requests! The Team also participates in many disability-related opportunities, such as training classes, special events, and allyship groups.
How does the accommodation process work?
Employees and Candidates can request accommodations since we’re committed to helping individuals with disabilities participate in the workforce and ensuring equal opportunity. After someone submits an accommodation request, an Accommodation Specialist starts the interactive process to determine if an effective and reasonable accommodation is available to help them successfully apply for, compete for, and perform their job responsibilities.
The Accommodations Team also partners with our Career Mobility Team (think of them like a college career center!) on medical reassignments, a unique accommodation at Southwest. These Teams work together to identify a possible new role for Cohearts who can no longer perform their current role due to permanent medical restrictions.
To learn more about how we’re recognizing Disability Pride Month, read the Celebrate Disability Pride Month with Able@SWA blog.
