Renault launches disabled-access mapping of its French sites

DECEMBER 3:  ACCESSIBILITY DAY HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY AT 11 RENAULT SITES

The www.jaccede.com collaborative platform has since 2006 allowed users to list public establishments such as stores, government buildings and post offices that have access for people with reduced mobility. The aim is to help people with reduced mobility prepare visits to these destinations and plan ahead for any access problems, notably narrow doors, small elevators and high steps.

On December 3 Renault will be calling on employees at 11 sites in France to compile a similar list. In groups of three, staff will evaluate access to meeting rooms, cafeterias, locker rooms, parking lots and so on, using a specific path and assessment sheets. The information compiled will be listed initially in the Handi@Renault in-house social network.

Commenting, Claire Martin, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Renault, said: “The idea came from one of our employees. The initiative is a part of our more global approach to corporate social responsibility”.

A 360° APPROACH TO DISABILITY

Renault has led a proactive policy on disability since 1995, when it signed its first agreement in the area. Today a fifth agreement, signed by all the trade unions, sets objectives on a number of fronts, including integrating people with disabilities at support service and engineering sites, maintaining employment, making greater use of the sheltered sector and raising staff awareness through special events and training courses.

- For employees : the “Mission Handicap” relies on a network of professionals at each site to propose workstation adjustments and training for managers. It also organizes awareness-raising campaigns to dispel stereotypes, including the recent dissemination of a comic book to all employees and the introduction of the in-house collaborative network, Handi@Renault.

- For customers : Renault Tech has for 25 years been designing, producing and selling converted vehicles for people with reduced mobility. The European leader in the field, Renault Tech brings customers a broad range of vehicles responding to all needs, with Master, Trafic, Kangoo and Dacia Dokker. Renault Tech also develops driving aids for the entire range (including Twizy) and systems that make car-wheelchair transfer easier, available on certain models.

- For suppliers and partners : Renault is contributing to the development of a community-minded economy favorable to the sheltered sector by outsourcing part of its activities, such as green space maintenance, printing and industrial cabling, to sheltered sector companies.