Chrysler Celebrates Its One-Year Anniversary with Autism Society of America
World Autism Acceptance Day came and went on April 2, 2024, but that doesn’t mean the Autism community will stop growing. Autism Society, the oldest and largest grassroots Autism organization in the country has been around for some time, almost 60 years, and the lives it’s changed will never be the same. Last year, a partnership between the Chrysler brand and the Autism Society of America brought a new change to the community that can help parents and families who have an autistic child, no matter where they are on the spectrum. It all started with the Calm Cabin package by Chrysler.
“The Chrysler brand is proud to continue our long-term partnership with the Autism Society of America as we work together to support and enhance the mobility needs of those in the Autism community…The Chrysler Pacifica with the Calm Cabin package makes life on the road more comfortable, safer, and a little easier, and we’re excited to collaborate with the Autism Society moving forward to find more ways to make the driving experience even more harmonious.” – Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO – Stellantis
First announced in 2023, the partnership between Chrysler and the Autism Society celebrated its one-year anniversary of a long-term partnership initiative. The partnership also started in April to support the driving needs of those in the Autism community. Anyone who may have some knowledge about autism knows there is a spectrum people with autism can fall on – ranging from subtle cases that can affect social skills and cognitive function to more complex cases that can make life a little more difficult, Chrysler made the “Best Minivan for Families” even better with the Calm Cabin package.
The Calm Cabin package is part of a line of Pacifica models and changes that have been produced to offer mobility for everyone. In 2022, Chrysler released the now discontinued Chrysler Voyager, a minivan designed to offer mobility to those in need of accessibility options. The Voyager came with BraunAbility rear- and side-entry conversions, a wider entryway, and an enhanced ramp securement system. When it comes to the Calm Cabin package, Chrysler did its research and tried to implement features and technology for those with autism who may be incredibly sensitive to sensory stimulation, loud sounds, or have trouble communicating.
Such features of the Calm Cabin package include a Seat-back organizer that includes five front pockets, an interior clear pocket, and a black mesh pocket for storing devices, coloring books, entertainment materials, etc. For those with autism that can become over-stimulated and need a coping mechanism to settle down, Chrysler also added a rechargeable, cordless Bluetooth meditative light and sound therapy machine that features five LED color modes, four light therapy modes, a breathing coach, and 15 sound therapy modes. Also helpful for consumers sensitive to touch, a comfortable seat belt sleeve made with soft-touch velvet, a comforting soft-touch travel pillow, and a seven-layer, 12-pound weighted sensory blanket were also added to the Calm Cabin package. Possibly the most revolutionary bit is a seatback touchscreen system that uses pictures consumers can use to express themselves with buttons for “I want”, “Yes/No”, “Eat”, “Play”, etc.
In addition to the Calm Cabin package, Chrysler is also focused on promoting early development of children. The Chrysler Pacifica comes with over 400 early development apps for education in the form of games, music, and streaming entertainment available with Amazon Fire TV. It’s all made possible thanks to the Pacifica’s Uconnect Theater system, a real game changer when the minivan first came out in 2017.
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