Empowering People with Disabilities Through Advocacy & Employment

Our ongoing commitment Our ongoing commitment section

Every day we create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through our company‐wide commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community, with our partnerships, and with our products and services.

See how our Support Services teammates achieve their goals

Bank of America scores 100% on U.S. Business Leadership Network Disability Equality Index

Bank of America scores 100% on U.S. Business Leadership Network Disability Equality Index

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VIDEO: Our Support Services group demonstrates how important it is to look past disability and see opportunity

Watch now.

[Music throughout]

[On screen copy] Support Services at Bank of America employs over 300 people with intellectual disabilities

[Unidentified woman speaker] It's so many success stories in here, it’s just crazy.

[SUPER: Keri Laws, Support Services employee] It makes me feel really good that I’m getting married this year.

[SUPER: Dawn Trinidad, Support Services employee] I’m a good influence on my son because I got my job here.

[SUPER: Selina Waller, Support Services employee] Everybody encourage you to do your best.

[Dawn Trinidad] Yes, this is a job that I can do!

[Selina Waller] I have a future here.

[Keri Laws] We’ve become friends here at Bank of America, it’s like a family.

[Headshots of the woman smiling]

[Bank of America sign]

[Employees coming into work and working]

[Unidentified male speaker]
Support Services is a line of business within global marketing and corporate affairs here at Bank of America, that supports every major line of business through our services of fulfillment, screen printing, digital printing, and warehouse and fulfillment.

[SUPER: Mark Feinour, Support Services executive]
Every employee here within Support Services has a cognitive and/or developmental disability.

The culture within Support Services is for our teammates to look out for each other. And what we found with Ron and Terence is, they have a special relationship. Ron is a great resource for Terence, to help him get to and from the building each morning. And then on the flip side, Terence is a help with Ron when they sit there and do fulfillment jobs together. They compliment each other well with their abilities.

[Unidentified female speaker on a microphone] Ron is an asset to the team, keep up the great job Ron.

[Female hands Ron an award certificate]

[SUPER: Anne Finucane, Vice Chairman]
So much of what you do is about the respect that we’re giving to our customers. Without your help, we simply would not do as well. And you should congratulate yourselves for that.

[Mark Feinour]
We consider Support Services like any other line of business. We just happen to have a different talent pool that we pull our resources from. Everything that we do within Support Services is 100% quality checked. And 99% of our business is repeat business because our customers see what we do and realize that they’re getting a better product at a lower cost than they would using an outside supplier.

When you look at Support Services and why our tenure is the way it is, is because we look out for each other, both inside and outside the workplace. And that’s one of the things that sets us apart from other companies.

[Selina Waller] Hey guys, how are we doing this morning?

[Female employees laugh with Selina]

[Selina Waller] Family, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. This is family. From the moment we come in the morning till the time we leave, this is us.

[Smiling faces of Support Services employees]

[END CARD:
Bank of America logo
ALL OF US / BETTER CONNECTED
LIFE / BETTER CONNECTED
To learn more, visit bankofamerica.com/supportinginclusion

© 2018 Bank of America Corporation

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VIDEO: Learn how greater office accessibility helps employees like Chandler focus on their career

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Graphic: 2015 Governor’s NCWorks Awards of Distinction Outstanding Adult

Graphic: Chandler Henry, Indian Land, SC

Donna Sobotkin:

People with disabilities, particularly someone with high-level spinal cord injuries, as Chandler experienced, have to overcome a long list of environmental and attitudinal barriers. I think that drive and persistence have really helped him to not only overcome the barriers, but also really excel in what he’s doing. I think the other thing that’s remarkable about Chandler and has been the case for the 16 years I’ve known him, is his outlook on life is just very optimistic and positive.

Jacob Lawler:

When you first meet Chandler, you’ll be quick to realize that he’s an extremely sharp, quick witted guy whose work ethic will inspire you. Chandler is an outstanding people person. The patience and empathy he shows towards everyone really drives his success. His optimism on life is just contagious. And he’s really just a fun guy to work with.

Teresa Pahutski:

I think the bank, when he came in, they saw a young man and not the chair. They saw the attitude, the knowledge, the hunger to learn and do. Determination, positive, retaining his knowledge. Researching. Those all propelled him forward. I think it gives him a sense of confidence that exudes. He shares it with everyone.

Jason Pritchard:

When we first hired Chandler, we were somewhat apprehensive about both his physical disabilities and his lack of experience. What we realized very quickly was that Chandler’s willingness to learn, his thirst for knowledge, and his willingness to work with a team far outweighed any of our concerns. And we would definitely encourage people to look for more people like Chandler.

Bill McNairy:

I think with the can-do attitude and how proactive and eager Chandler has been, I think he has a lot of runway. We just promoted him this year and I can see continued success for Chandler and continued expansion of his role and certainly opportunity for additional roles either in my department or also in other places within the company if that’s where he’d like to take his career.

Cheryl Greer:

Chandler approaches each challenge with a positive and helpful attitude. He doesn’t take no for an answer. He wants to understand what he’s doing and why and how it fits into the big picture. The advice I would give to other employees from a manager perspective when recruiting candidates is not limit your scope or exclude a candidate that may have a physical disability. Those are easily overcome with today’s technology. If you’re not broadening your scope, you could be missing out on top talent.

Chandler Henry:

I have many important people that have come across my life that have done many things for me that I’m inspired by. If I’d narrow it down for this question, I’d say that one is certainly my girlfriend Natalie who’s been with me for the last eight years. I think accepting someone with a disability and being able to be in a relationship is not something that everyone can do. It takes a lot of time, a lot of care and a lot of commitment. My second role model would be Donna Sobotkin, my vocational rehab counselor off-and-on for the last 16 years. Her commitment to public service and the clients that she has is amazing. It just makes me want make her proud.

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See how our partners at Ad Council celebrate diversity in their new video for Love Has No Labels

See how our partners at Ad Council celebrate diversity in their new video for Love Has No Labels

Loan processor with autism is Bank of America’s best

Loan processor with autism is Bank of America’s best

Bank of America Honored with the George R. Roberts Good Business Award

Bank of America Honored with the George R. Roberts Good Business Award

Recognizing Goodwill: A leader in the movement for diversity and inclusion

Meredith Verdone discusses partnership with Love Has No Labels.

Championing the Economic Empowerment of People with Disabilities

Bank of America continues to be a leader and innovator in shaping public perception around the full economic participation of people with disabilities

Michael Morris,

Executive Director, NDI

Championing the Economic Empowerment of People with Disabilities

Love has no race, religion, or gender. Proud supporter of Love Has No Labels.

Put down limits, #PICKUPHOPE Put down limits, #PICKUPHOPE section

Join the movement to help us build a world of inclusion and respect. Support Special Olympics USA and athletes around the globe by sharing their stories and tagging your messages of support with #PICKUPHOPE.

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VIDEO: Special Olympics pioneer Eunice Kennedy Shriver's words ring as true today as they did in 1978

Eunice K. Shriver: Tonight, in this great stadium, a new legend is born.

You, athletes, are the heroes of that legend.

You have taught us that what truly counts is the courageous spirit and the generous heart.

The right to play on any playing field?

You have earned it.

The right to study in any school?

You have earned it.

The right to hold a job?

You have earned it.

The right to be anyone's neighbor?

You have earned it.

The days of separation and segregation are over.

As the philosopher wrote, “After conquering the winds and the waves, tides and gravity, we shall harness energies of love, and then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will discover fire.”

SUPER: #PICKUPHOPE

LOGO: Bank of America | Special Olympics

TAGLINE: HOPE / BETTER CONNECTED

TAGLINE: LIFE / BETTER CONNECTED

TEXT: Learn more at bankofamerica.com/pickuphope

URL: bankofamerica.com/pickuphope

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VIDEO: See how Special Olympics role model Dustin Plunkett inspires people around the world to put down limits and #PICKUPHOPE

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(Dustin) Growing up, I was moved home to home, family member to family member. Nobody knew how to support me, because of my cleft palate and my intellectual disability. I would always get laughed at because of the way I talked. I had no self-esteem. I’d be getting bullied every single day, getting my lunch money stolen, I was getting my backpack stolen and shredded with razor blades. I had either two choices, either start fighting against these bullies, or go home and cry myself to sleep every single night. At the age of 7, I got involved in the Lakewood youth sports program, and that’s when I first met Coach Chuck who’s been not just a friend but a mentor, a role model, and a father figure to me.

(Coach Chuck) How’s it going?

(Dustin) It’s going good, how are you?

(Coach Chuck) Good to see you!

(Dustin) Chuck approached me about joining Special Olympics; I’m like, what is it, who is it for, how’s it going to make a difference in my life?

(Coach Chuck) He started meeting the other athletes and participants in the program and he hit off with like two or three of them right away.

(Dustin) Me not having that family support system and all that growing up, that became my family, my support system.

(Coach Chuck) That was the first step in what has transpired for Dustin, just an amazing career thus far.

(Dustin) I became a fulltime employee for Special Olympics Southern California in 2015. We’re all coming together for one common goal: to make a change in the life of the athletes we serve.

(Dustin) Let’s say that you were going to speak at A World of Difference about how Special Olympics made a world of difference in your life. Right now, I mentor multiple athletes depending on what their needs are at the time. Let me win.

(Marco) Let me win.

(Dustin) But if I cannot win.

(Marco) But if I cannot win.

(Dustin) Let me be brave in the attempt.

(Marco) Let me be brave in the attempt.

(Dustin) Perfect!

Basically, the one thing I want everyone to take away from this is really to see the ability in our athletes and not the disability.

Alright let’s go!

It’s important to me to make the guys I coach into leaders, in their lives on and off the court, because I know how much it made a profound impact on my life.

[move around guys, move around, there you go, keep going.]

Warriors on three, ready? 1.. 2..3…Warriors!

From being a shy young kid, being bullied, to working full time for Special Olympics Southern California, to being an ESPN Analyst, live in front of millions of people around the world, is a miracle for me.

My goal is to just share my story.

All it is is you having the heart and the courage to dream big and never letting anything get in your way and stop you.

If something comes up in your way and they tell you “you can’t do it,” prove them wrong by just saying two words, “watch me.”

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VIDEO: See how our partnership with Special Olympics helps athletes overcome adversity, put down limits and #PICKUPHOPE

(Music playing)

[Tim Shriver] Let’s remember that the world has old prejudices.

[Tim Shriver] There are a billion people on earth with disabilities, and they have almost all been the victims of the most outrageous discrimination.

[Tim Shriver] These athletes come here to prove that you can rise to the top of the greatest mountains in the world, and ski down them no matter what people tell you at birth, no matter what people tell you in school.

[Mary Davis] They are able to demonstrate the skills and the talent that make them very capable people.

(Cheers)

[Athlete] I can’t believe I’m here. I’m speechless.

[Mary Laskowski] It’s a wonderful, wonderful moment.

[Andrea O’Neil] It’s been so positive, and I’m just so proud of this guy. So proud. [Mary Davis] Special Olympics, as a movement, could never do everything itself.

[Tim Shriver] Bank of America has invested in games, they’ve invested in leadership, they’ve invested in our athletes.

[Kelly Fredrickson] Special Olympics and Bank of America have had a relationship for thirty plus years. We share their values. Diversity and inclusion is core to who we are. As a company, we have a responsibility, and part of that responsibility is creating a more inclusive world for everybody.

(Cheers)

[Brightfield Shadi] Me being a leader, it will be a great honor and opportunity to change the lives of people living with Intellectual Disability.

[Jason Geischen] People should put down limits because there are no limits, and we all have potential. We should pick up hope because we can do anything we set our minds to.

Art Card: Life’s Better When We’re Connected.® Art Card:

[Logos]

bankofamerica.com/pickuphope

Legal: © 2017 Bank of America Corporation.

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GALLERY: Memorable moments from the Special Olympics 2017 World Winter Games

GALLERY: Memorable moments from the Special Olympics 2017 World Winter Games

GALLERY: Fans celebrate Special Olympics athletes with proper send-offs to Austria

GALLERY: Fans celebrate Special Olympics athletes with proper send-offs to Austria

GALLERY: Bank of America sends high fives to the Special Olympics USA team

GALLERY: Bank of America sends high fives to the Special Olympics USA team

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VIDEO: Skier Chris O’Neil prepares for Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017

IN MARCH, OVER 2,700 ATHLETES FROM 107 COUNTRIES WILL COMPETE FOR GOLD AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD WINTER GAMES IN AUSTRIA.

CHRIS O’NEIL WILL BE ONE OF THEM.

SUPER: Meghan O’Neil, Chris’ Sister

Meghan O’Neil: Sometimes when I’m struggling I look at what Chris has to go through. He is so motivated and determined to be more than somebody with a disability.

SUPER: Andrea O’Neil, Chris’ Mom

Andrea O’Neil: Chris has Mosaic Trisomy 8 Syndrome so it just takes Chris a little bit longer sometimes to process information, but he usually moves right along. There were times when he was growing up it was a struggle. People would give him a hard time, but he’s coming into his own.

SUPER: Chris O’Neil, Special Olympics USA Athlete

Chris O’Neil: Special Olympics is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. Meeting people and just the competition part – I enjoy the most.

Andrea O’Neil: Look at you. This is you getting the medal on the podium. I think it’s a gold.

Chris O’Neil: Yeah. I will never forget that.

Andrea O’Neil: I see a lot coming out recently. Part of it’s Special Olympics. Part of it’s working at the hospital I think as well. He works at Lowell General. He’s been there about 4 years. He works five days a week. People are very welcoming.

Chris O’Neil: Hey Lisa.

Nurse: How’s your day going?

Chris O’Neil: So far, so good.

Meghan O’Neil: I think he’s just got a lot of determination to be the best he can be and it obviously shows how much progress he’s made, especially in skiing.

Andrea O’Neil: He loves to ski. When they were younger we’d all go skiing together.

Meghan O’Neil: At one point in time I’m pretty sure I was faster than him, but at this point in time there’s no way I could catch up to him. He’s definitely learned a lot from his coaches.

Bob Russel (coach): Lean forward. You got to bend.

Chris O’Neil: When my coaches say, “You could do a little better, I know you can.” And I say, “You know what? I know I could too.”

Bob Russell: Put your skis on the edge like this. Ok?

Chris O’Neil: Maybe I didn’t tuck as good or I didn’t bend as far down. So I got to do those two things to get a faster time.

SUPER: Bob Russell, Coach, Nashoba Shooting Stars

Bob Russell: He’s out there working hard and he comes with a great attitude. There couldn’t be a better person to go to Austria than him.

SUPER: Riley O’Keefe, Chris’ Best Friend

Riley O’Keefe: When I found out Chris was going to compete in Austria for the Winter Games, I sobbed I was so happy for him.

Riley O’Keefe: He sends me a video that his mother had taken and I got goosebumps.

Andrea O’Neil: He didn’t know. So he was sitting on the couch. There was a promo for the World Games.

Chris O’Neil: My sister gave me the card that told me that I’d been picked.

Off-screen voice: You’re on the United States Olympic team.

Chris O’Neil: Oh my gosh.

Meghan O’Neil: You did it. You made it all the way here, Chris!

Chris O’Neil: Probably one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Andrea O’Neil: We’re all going now. All of his family members are going…his siblings...we’re all going to be there to cheer him on.

Chris O’Neil: To me, about going there – it’s more of a once in a lifetime experience. It just feels like I know I can do it and it’s something I really enjoy. It makes me feel free.

Andrea O’Neil: I’m so proud of him. I’m just very proud…happy for him.

GRAPHIC: #PICKUPHOPE

GRAPHIC: Life’s better when we’re connected®

Bank of America | Special Olympics

bankofamerica.com/pickuphope

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GALLERY: Bryant Park Winter Village celebrates Special Olympics athletes

GALLERY: Bryant Park Winter Village celebrates Special Olympics athletes

GALLERY: Special Olympics USA World Games Training Camp in Killington, VT

30‐year Special Olympics partnership 30‐year Special Olympics partnership section

For more than 30 years, we’ve worked with Special Olympics to empower people with disabilities around the globe to find success on and off the field.

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VIDEO: 30 years later, we continue to partner with Special Olympics to create a more diverse, inclusive world

[Tim Shriver]
It’s a stubborn myth that if you have an intellectual challenge, you’re not as valuable as if you don’t.

Special Olympics athletes prove that no matter what people tell you at birth, no matter what people tell you in school, no matter what obstacles are in your way you can beat it.

[Kelly Fredrickson]
Special Olympics and Bank of America have had a relationship for thirty plus years. We share their values. Diversity and Inclusion is core to who we are.

[Tim Shriver]
Bank of America has invested in games, they’ve invested in leadership, they’ve invested in our athletes.

[Kelly Fredrickson]
It’s so necessary for the people who are participating in Special Olympics to take all of the skills that they’ve learned through competition and participation into the world that lives beyond sport.

[Mary Davis]
Leadership training is really, really important. We want to ensure that our athletes can show their skills and abilities to the world.

[Tim Shriver]
These talks are platforms for some of the most powerful, and compassionate, and determined young leaders in the world to assert their determination to create a future that’s centered on the idea of unite.

[Brightfield Shadi]
Me, being a leader, it will be a great honor and opportunity to change the lives of people living with intellectual disability.

[Kelly Fredrickson]
One of the benefits of being a Bank of America employee is that you’re encouraged to volunteer.

[Mary Davis]
We’re a volunteer movement. We depend on that. So, when you see the volunteers with their Bank of America t-shirts, it’s very precious. And it’s very, very special.

[Tim Shriver]
I think every volunteer that comes into the Special Olympics movement finds something quite remarkable that they come to help, and they often leave feeling like they got their best selves in return.

[Mary Davis]
Special Olympics, as a movement, could never do everything itself. The support of the corporate community is absolutely essential.

[Kelly Fredrickson]
As a company, we have a responsibility. And part of that is creating a more inclusive world for everybody.

[Tim Shriver]
Once hearts and minds are changed, we believe whole communities, and cultures, and political systems can change too. The engine of our movement is these great global platforms that remind us of the goal – a world united, and give us the energy to pursue it when the torch is out.

[SUPER]
#PICKUPHOPE
Bank of Aerica | SOI
HOPE / BETTER CONNECTED
LIFE / BETTER CONNECTED
Bankofamerica.com/pickuphope
© 2017 Bank of America Corporation.

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VIDEO: We surprised Special Olympics athletes with a field day at Dodger Stadium^TM

Learn more

SFX: Uplifting Music

Text: These Special Olympics Southern California athletes thought they were just getting a tour of Dodger Stadium.

Text: But they were in for an unforgettable surprise.

Paul Lapre (PL): Go Dodgers!

(EXCITED CONVERSATION)

Special Olympics Athletes (SOA): JT! Alright!

SOA: Cody!

Garrett Gin (GG): How you guys doing?

CHEERS

GG: I’m Garrett from Bank of America. Welcome to Dodger Stadium.

CHEERS/CLAPPING

GG: We have two special guests who are going to spend the day with you.

SOA: Joc Pederson!

CHEERS/CLAPPING

Joc Pederson (JP): This is my brother Champ, how are you? What’s up guys?

JP: On behalf of Bank of America, we are going to bring you guys out to the game tonight.

CHEERS

JP: You guys ever taken any fly balls or anything on the field?

SOA: No!

JP: Let’s go do it, c’mon!

CHEERS

JP: Growing up with Champ and doing Special Olympics with him, he did a bunch of different sports. It’s just something that we did as a family.

JP: Hey Paul, I heard you’re the pitcher. What about before the game, you threw out the first pitch?

PL: Oh my God! Thank you God! That’s gonna make me just cry!

Justin Turner (JT): Can I sign these balls for you guys?

SOA: Thank you, Justin!

Stadium Announcer: And here to throw out the first pitch is Paul Lapre.

STADIUM CHEERS

PL: That will be my memory for the rest of my life. I will never forget it.

Text: Bank of America, #MLBmemorybank

Logos: Bank of America logo, Dodgers logo, Special olympics logo

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Learn why employee Dean and his family are fierce advocates of Special Olympics.

Honoring a thirty-year legacy of inclusion with a continued commitment to Special Olympics

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VIDEO: Meet Dustin: From fitting in to rising above

Get the whole story.

Right from the start, Dustin just wanted to play.

Maybe some people looked at him and saw a kid who was different.

But with a bat or ball in his hand, on a golf course, or on a track, he didn’t feel different.

He just felt like a kid who wanted to compete.

With Special Olympics he had the chance.

And no matter how big the stage, Dustin has always risen to the occasion.

As an athlete, as a World Games board member, and now – on the biggest stage yet;

As an ESPN analyst for 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

I’m here all week with Bank of America and ESPN to show the world what inclusion and respect is all about.

Special Olympics World Games
Los Angeles 2015
Begins Saturday, July 25th on ESPN
Presented by Bank of America

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Stand up for inclusion: Anne Finucane discusses Special Olympics

When you walked away from any venue, you knew that you impacted the lives of so many people.

Keith Driftmier,

SVP, Merrill Lynch / Special Olympics Volunteer

Supporting People with Disabilities

Our ongoing commitment Our ongoing commitment section

See how our Support Services teammates achieve their goals

Bank of America scores 100% on U.S. Business Leadership Network Disability Equality Index

VIDEO: Our Support Services group demonstrates how important it is to look past disability and see opportunity

VIDEO: Learn how greater office accessibility helps employees like Chandler focus on their career

See how our partners at Ad Council celebrate diversity in their new video for Love Has No Labels

Loan processor with autism is Bank of America’s best

Bank of America Honored with the George R. Roberts Good Business Award

Recognizing Goodwill: A leader in the movement for diversity and inclusion

Meredith Verdone discusses partnership with Love Has No Labels.

Championing the Economic Empowerment of People with Disabilities

Love has no race, religion, or gender. Proud supporter of Love Has No Labels.

Put down limits, #PICKUPHOPE Put down limits, #PICKUPHOPE section

VIDEO: Special Olympics pioneer Eunice Kennedy Shriver's words ring as true today as they did in 1978

VIDEO: See how Special Olympics role model Dustin Plunkett inspires people around the world to put down limits and #PICKUPHOPE

VIDEO: See how our partnership with Special Olympics helps athletes overcome adversity, put down limits and #PICKUPHOPE

GALLERY: Memorable moments from the Special Olympics 2017 World Winter Games

GALLERY: Fans celebrate Special Olympics athletes with proper send-offs to Austria

GALLERY: Bank of America sends high fives to the Special Olympics USA team

VIDEO: Skier Chris O’Neil prepares for Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017

GALLERY: Bryant Park Winter Village celebrates Special Olympics athletes

GALLERY: Special Olympics USA World Games Training Camp in Killington, VT

30‐year Special Olympics partnership 30‐year Special Olympics partnership section

VIDEO: 30 years later, we continue to partner with Special Olympics to create a more diverse, inclusive world

VIDEO: We surprised Special Olympics athletes with a field day at Dodger Stadium^TM

Learn why employee Dean and his family are fierce advocates of Special Olympics.

Honoring a thirty-year legacy of inclusion with a continued commitment to Special Olympics

VIDEO: Meet Dustin: From fitting in to rising above

Stand up for inclusion: Anne Finucane discusses Special Olympics

For some Bank of America employees, the commitment to Special Olympics starts at home.

Special Olympics Announces 2015 International Global Messengers

Hear from Keith and other Bank of America employees who volunteer with Special Olympics.

School Day Games bring Special Olympics to students

Empowering youth with intellectual disabilities – on and off the slopes

Advertising practices