ATLANTA, May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today that it has upgraded its website (www.GeorgiaPower.com) to feature a suite of accessibility tools, including an assistive technology-enabled gateway that allows customers with disabilities to navigate the website more easily. Through this gateway, customers who have trouble typing, moving a mouse or reading a screen can download free software to help them better navigate Georgia Power's online environment.

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The upgrades to the website were made possible through Georgia Power's involvement in an international coalition led by eSSENTIAL Accessibility™. The coalition of businesses was developed to help diverse companies engage with and better serve the disability community, as well as connect and assist companies that are actively working to reach those with disabilities.

"We are a diversity-minded company dedicated to serving all of our communities," said Moanica Caston, vice president of diversity and inclusion for Georgia Power. "Our participation in this coalition is one of the newest ways we're engaging with our customers, underscoring our commitment to meeting their needs."

Georgia Power, as part of the company's continued dedication to diversity as a core value, also worked with eSSENTIAL Accessibility to develop a custom brand channel to provide customers and business partners with information about the company's diversity and inclusion strategies, inclusive hiring efforts, supplier diversity programs, special services, community partnerships and more.

"The disability marketplace consists of 57 million people in the U.S. and $270 billion in buying power. Brands that lead in this space are poised for growth," added Simon Dermer, managing director of eSSENTIAL Accessibility. "We look forward to helping Georgia Power discover new opportunities for engaging with the people in this important marketplace."

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.

SOURCE Georgia Power