Stellantis Earned a Top Score on the Annual Disability Equality Index for Third Consecutive Year
In an ever-changing industry, companies need to find ways to meet the needs of a variety of consumers. This is especially so in the auto industry, where the demographic is steadily changing as the younger generations enter the market. Not one consumer is the same as the other, and many consumers will be looking for a vehicle that meets their needs, on and off the road. Stellantis is one automotive group that excels in this, offering a variety of vehicles – not just SUVs like so many other automakers that think bigger is better. Stellantis is also known for adding to an impressive list of vehicles that highlight diversity and inclusion of consumers from all walks of life. In July 2023, Stellantis earned a top score on the annual Disability Equality Index (DEI) for the third year in a row.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a Disability Equality Index top-scorer…Providing a workplace that is inviting and inclusive for all is part of our DNA. The DEI is a valuable tool that helps broaden our understanding of disability inclusion best practices and guides our actions. Our long-standing, enterprise-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion fuels a work culture that enables each of our employees to realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions toward achieving our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.” – Tobin J. Williams, senior vice president for human resources, Stellantis North America
For several years, Stellantis brand Chrysler was selling a new version of the family-friendly Pacifica minivan. First designed with a gasoline powertrain, and then a plug-in hybrid variant, Chrysler split the minivan into two segments – the Pacifica and the Voyager. The latter is no longer available, sold only for a few years, with its last model year in 2022. Regardless, the Chrysler Voyager was designed with more accessibility options to help families with disabled or mobile-limited members could easily get in and out. This included BraunAbility rear- and side-entry conversions, a wider entryway, and an enhanced ramp securement system.
Although the Voyager may no longer be available, Chrysler recently introduced a new “Calm Cabin” package for consumer who require a more sensory-sensitive experience. Designed through a partnership with the Autism Society of America, Chrysler designed a package for the popular minivan that could enrich consumer’s lives who may have a child on the spectrum. A broad term, a child on the spectrum may be high-functioning and only be incredibly sensitive to physical touch, whereas others may have trouble communicating or expressing themselves. The Calm Cabin package addressed many of the characteristics of the spectrum with a seat-back organizer, a rechargeable, cordless Bluetooth meditative light and sound therapy machine, 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, and a touchscreen that displayed pictures to help consumers communicate with others based on visual cues.
In terms of the DEI, this is a comprehensive benchmarking tool for the workplace versus the product a company produces. Measuring the strategies that support disability inclusion and equality in the workplace, top-scoring companies represent businesses that have invested in accessibility and inclusion, often recognized as the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.” The range of workplace practices the DEI investigates are culture, leadership, enterprise-wide access, benefits, recruitment, retention, advancement, and accommodations, to name a few. Stellantis recently ranked number 30 on the Fair360 (formerly known as DiversityInc) prestigious list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity, number two on the Supplier Diversity specialty list, and number 17 of Top Companies for Black Executives. Stellanits also created the DIVERSE abilities Network, aimed at creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment that supports and respects employees with disabilities, caregivers of family members with disabilities, and employees responsible for care of an elder.
Designing vehicles and products of mobility are always a nice aspect of a company, keeping in mind the various characteristics of their demographic. Seeing a company that does the same in the workplace is just as wonderful. You can show your support for Stellantis by giving a shout out on their social media platforms. Another great way to show support is by purchasing a new Stellantis model from Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.