American Family Insurance has been honored as a Top 50 Employer for disabled professionals for the second year in a row by Careers & the disABLED magazine, highlighting its commitment to inclusive hiring practices and supportive work environments. This prestigious recognition celebrates companies that excel in providing positive career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Disabilities can take many forms, including invisible disabilities such as chronic illnesses or conditions that are not immediately noticeable but significantly impact daily life. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one such invisible disability affecting a considerable portion of the population. According to The Veteran’s Affairs National Center for PTSD, approximately 8% of individuals will experience PTSD in their lifetime. While often linked to combat trauma, PTSD can also arise from various traumatic events, including natural disasters or assaults.
Patti Hood, a Data Governance and Security Specialist at American Family Insurance Claims Services (AFICS), embodies the company’s dedication to supporting employees with disabilities. A veteran and a 15-year remote work expert, Patti has been with American Family for nearly four years. Patti lives with severe PTSD stemming from both military and civilian experiences. Her condition makes everyday tasks, like working in a traditional office setting or even grocery shopping, incredibly challenging.
“American Family has been incredibly supportive and understanding of my needs,” Patti shares. “They recognized that my disability prevents me from working on-site and provided me with the tools to stay connected and collaborate effectively with my team remotely. They even supported me in getting a service dog, which has been life-changing. I truly feel like I am regaining control of my life.”
Beyond practical accommodations, Patti has found a strong sense of community at American Family through the Business Resource Groups (BRGs). She actively participates in several BRGs, including the Abilities, Multicultural, and Multigenerational groups, and recently became the Cabinet Liaison for the Abilities BRG, further demonstrating American Family’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its career environment.
Patti and her husband are also passionate about giving back to their community. They sponsor a local equine therapeutic facility where they organize inclusive assisted rodeos for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities, showcasing her dedication to both her community and American Family’s values.
“This is my way of giving back to American Family, my colleagues, and the community for the immense support I’ve received,” Patti explains.
“American Family has created an exceptionally safe and supportive environment for me,” Patti affirms. “I encourage others living with disabilities to seek help and connect with local organizations for support and community, and to consider the inclusive career opportunities at companies like American Family.”
CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine Acknowledges American Family’s Inclusive Culture
Patti’s positive experience is further validated by CAREERS & the disABLED magazine ranking American Family Insurance in its 2024 Annual Top 50 Employers list. American Family secured the 28th position out of 50 in the 32nd annual ranking. The magazine’s readers, professionals and students with disabilities, choose the top companies they prefer to work for or believe offer a welcoming and growth-oriented work environment for people with disabilities, highlighting the importance of companies offering fulfilling American Family Careers to a diverse workforce. The “Top 50 Employers” list is featured in the Winter 2023-24 edition of CAREERS & the disABLED magazine and is available on their website.
About American Family Insurance Group
Based in Madison, WI, American Family Insurance has been dedicated to serving customers since 1927. American Family’s mission is to inspire, protect, and restore dreams through its insurance products, outstanding agent and employee service, community engagement, and innovative partnerships addressing societal challenges. The company embraces diversity and inclusion, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its customers and employees. American Family Insurance group is the 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group in the U.S. and ranks No. 301 on the Fortune 500 list, offering a wide array of american family careers. The group markets American Family-brand products through exclusive agency owners across 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also encompasses CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite, and Main Street America Insurance. Across its family of companies, the group employs nearly 13,000 individuals nationwide, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all career paths.
