Disability, Accessibility and Allies Employee Resource Group helps build a more inclusive culture

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At Schneider Electric, we are dedicated to advocating for and upholding the rights of people with disabilities. Through awareness-raising and the dismantling of stigmas and stereotypes, we are committed to fostering an environment of equal treatment and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our ongoing efforts center on cultivating an inclusive and caring culture that embraces the contributions of all individuals.

Employee groups strive to create a more inclusive workplace

Schneider Electric’s Employee Resource Networks (ERN) are employee-led groups that provide support, networking, and professional development opportunities for employees with shared interests, backgrounds, or affiliations. Our Disability, Accessibility and Allies Employee Resource Group (DAA ERN) launched with a focus on connecting employees and to identify ways to improve accessibility and create a more inclusive culture. Professionals with disabilities, advocates, and allies are invited to join with the goal of creating more awareness and understanding of the unique needs of this group.

During the month of July, the United States and Canada observe Disability Pride Month to commemorate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted on July 26, 1990. Our DAA ERN will be hosting webinars and sessions around disability awareness. Throughout the month, members will be sharing their stories of what Disability Pride means to them. Additionally, members have assembled a ‘top 10’ list of disability etiquette to educate and inspire all Schneider employees in our ongoing efforts to build an inclusive workplace.

Expanding the ERN to build a network for caregivers

As more employees joined the DAA ERN and shared their stories, it was clear there was a need for additional support. The ERN has since expanded into specific chapters supporting Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers to offer an all-encompassing support team.

Since the addition of the two chapters, the DAA ERN has been better able to focus on, and address more specific issues and support options for those that relate directly to the theme of each chapter. Discussions can be focused on struggles and issues that are more in line with caregiver needs and share experiences that group members, as well as for the Person’s with Disabilities Chapter.

Topics explored include non-visible disabilities, caregiving for cancer patients, supporting a neurodivergent family member, and more! Open discussions during our “Ask Anything!” days offer a wonderful opportunity for group members and non-members to ask questions, share experiences, and support one another as well.

Why join the Disability, Accessibility, and Allies Employee Resource Network?

The DDA ERN strives to build a network that celebrates acceptance, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on accessibility of all people, while delivering value to our business and promoting collaboration within Schneider Electric.

There are many reasons our employees join this community and feel passionate about its mission, each one unique, each one important, each one offering an experience that may be more universal than originally imagined.

Our #SEGreatPeople share their “why”

Susan Miller, Pro-face by Schneider Electric General Manager, offers the story of her “WHY?”. Susan not only joined the DAA ERN group but decided to volunteer as the Caregiver Chapter Lead. This is a common scenario for many within our leadership team. Once they join and start to learn more about the Employee Resource Networks, people inevitably want to be more involved.

“As a member of the DEI ERN I learned about and joined a session for DAA ERN Membership Meeting out of curiosity. I have been a caregiver for my daughter for over 14 years now with an invisible disability. I wanted to share my knowledge and learn from others with similar experiences. 

All caregivers endure specific and shared needs independent of the diagnosis. Being a part of this ERN has made me realize that I am not alone. I enjoy hearing the positive encouragement and support that the members offer each other. With every meeting I listen actively, learn something new, offer advice and gain strength in continuing my journey.

I find the guest speakers and open discussion the most valuable part of the ERN. The ERN is designed to help its members and is always willing to address any topic.”

Susan Miller
Pro-face by Schneider Electric General Manager

Cody White, NSF Industrial Sales Enablement Leader, is currently the External Communication and Caregiver Chapter Lead. Cody shares below about his “why?”

“I was inspired to join the group as an ally. When I was first approached about joining, I quickly realized I had no idea about accessibility. Not only have I learned about so many things I use daily that were created for someone with a disability, but I also found that a lot of content I create is not necessarily accessible. This has brought an awareness to me that has I was lacking in the past and allowed me to tailor my content to a larger audience.

I’ve really resonated with quite a few messages that I hadn’t considered in the past. Learning more about visible and non-visible disabilities as well as the caregiver sector has provided a lot of useful information to me without even looking. I’ve learned about so many SE resources we offer. I joined as an ally to show support and quickly found that those around me were supporting me.

The best experience for me has been seeing people ask questions about something they are experiencing or dealing with and the outpouring of knowledge, support, advice, and understanding from the community. I’ve seen people ask a question that they couldn’t find an answer to or may not be comfortable in voicing elsewhere. It’s inspiring to see people quickly give their experience or recommend a resource, a best practice, or just give some support.”

Cody White
NSF Industrial Sales Enablement Leader

2024 Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities

Prioritizing our people is a fundamental part of our company’s culture and values. Putting people first means focusing on the well-being, growth, and development of employees, as well as fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

The Disability Equality Index is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to assess performance across industry sectors.

“Reaching a top score in the Disability Equality Index was truly a team achievement, made possible by the collective dedication of our #SEGreatPeople. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this significant milestone. While we are honored by this acknowledgment, we recognize that there is still work ahead. Embracing our ongoing journey of inclusion and care within and beyond our organization is crucial as we strive to create a lasting impact.”

Mariana C. Carletta
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader, NAM

While we celebrate this achievement, we also acknowledge there is still much work to be done. The Disability Equality Index serves as a guiding tool, offering insights and directions for further improving our disability inclusion practices.

Inclusive Policies and Benefits

Our employees have unique needs, and a need for flexibility to thrive professionally and personally. We listen to our employees, value their input, and implement changes that help our people succeed. Flexible time arrangements enable employees to request flextime, job share, part time or altered work-week arrangements to balance personal needs, while respecting job requirements. We also have hybrid or remote based jobs that allows employees to work from home or work from the office as they see fit.

Policies to support caregivers

Caregivers need recognition and support while caring for older adults and people with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Schneider Electric offers mental and emotional support through virtual coaching, therapy, counseling, and digital mental wellness and self-care programs. We also offer fully paid care leave of up to 10 days (80 hours) for employees to care for elder or critically ill family member ​or assist with a transition of living arrangements (like home to hospital or hospital to assisted living).​

Schneider Electric also offers a free premium membership to Care.com, which provides services that enable families to find and manage caregivers 24/7 to find care for children, adults, and pets.

Find your “why”

At Schneider Electric, we’re proud of our inclusive culture and wish to take further strides towards accessibility for our current and future disabled employees, customers, and communities. While we still have work to do, we believe our differences make us grow as a company and as individuals.

Schneider Electric continually supports employees by encouraging community outreach and education that expands employee’s experience and to create a more inclusive environment . I encourage you to get involved with an area you’re passionate about, whether that means joining an employee resource network at your work or volunteering within your community.

It’s up to all of us to build a more inclusive future.

Learn more about Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric offers many other Employee Resource Network communities that are built to support and celebrate all employees. ERNs focus on a wide range of topics such as gender diversity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, sustainability, cultural diversity, and more.

Learn more about Schneider Electric Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives and policies.

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