A voluntary certificate for organizations willing to commit to CSR and disability

CSR-D is the first certificate on disability endorsed by people with disabilities themselves. The certificate is structured in 7 categories with 19 indicators. Employment of people with disabilities is a central element. 2012 to 2016 nine external auditors with disabilities were licensed and 134 companies were certified.

The Bequal Foundation has created a certificate that focuses on disability as an integral part of corporate social responsibility. To the knowledge of the Bequal Foundation and the Zero Project, it is the only certificate on disability endorsed by people with disabilities themselves. Collaborating with other organizations – such as Fundacion ONCE, CERMI, FEACEM, and the Seeliger y Conde Foundation – a standard was developed that encompasses the employment of people with disabilities as a key point in corporate social responsibility.

Problems Targeted

Even within the ranks of companies that take corporate social responsibility seriously, inclusion of people with disabilities is often overlooked. 


Solution, Innovation and Impact

The CSR-D certificate represents the adoption of a standard structured on 7 categories, with 19 indicators and 69 sources of verification There are three levels of certification: Bequal, Bequal Plus, and Bequal Premium, thus encouraging continuous CSR development of the company. The audit for the certifying process is conducted by external licensed consultants. The certificate is issued with validity for three years, and assessments are conducted on an annual basis in order to ensure the accredited criteria are continuously met. The certificate criteria address and have direct impact on the accredited companies’ recruitment and human resources policies, and on the retention and rehabilitation of workers with disabilities. Since 2013, Bequal has worked with 134 companies, all of which have obtained the certificate after initially implementing the model. By doing so, the companies have not only 
 improved their initial inclusion and accessibility conditions but have also improved the accessibility of their products, services, and communication.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The average cost for certification is €7,000, 40 per cent of which is allocated for covering the expenses of external independent auditors and inspectors. The Bequal certificate represents a model that can be copied, and that encourages its owners to include employment of people with disabilities in its business strategy.

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