It’s the dawn of a new generation. This is the world we live in – it’s all about inclusion and acceptance. Years back, things were so difference. Men held the power, women were expected to stay at home, people from different races were placed in a pigeonhole, and there was a clear and distinct line between the sexes.
Nowadays, it’s a different scenario. No one belongs to the weaker link. Children born with special needs are no longer expected to stay home and cope with what’s dealt to them. Everyone is given the chance to prove themselves. We now look at the heart of the person to see what he or she is capable of. More importantly, leaders are made and honed through experience.
In a town called Arras, located in northern France, the country’s first ever appointed official with down syndrome has become the head. She is leading from the front and using her disability to change the hearts and minds of people. What she’s doing right now is bringing a new perspective for the people’s view on mental disability.
In 2020, Éléonore Laloux was made the municipal councilor of Arras. This happened under the mayor, Frédéric Leturque’s reign. To date, she has received praises and respect for who she is as a person rather than for the limitations that most people would assume she has. She has the thirst to bring a smile in everyone’s faces and she’s working hard to promote inclusivity of disabled persons in everyday society.
On October 15th of this year, Ms. Laloux was given membership. She is now part of the National Order of Merit, the second highest civilian honor roll in France.
“Inclusion isn’t something that we just think about; it’s not a generous act. It’s our duty,” Mayor Leturque said when he spoke to the Christian Science Monitor. “Eléonore has helped the entire town progress in terms of how we see disability.”
Laloux leads a full life. Aside from being proud of who she is, she has held down a part-time job at a hospital, is a packed volunteer schedule, and has a position on the Down Up board. The latter is a nonprofit organization that her father had launched as a support to a community of members born with Down syndrome. Their families are included in the organization as well. Laloux has made several contributions and has managed to adjust a number of accommodations to everyday community features in Arras. His goal was to give support to all disabled people. He opened the doors not just to those with down syndrome, but to the others as well.
Arras’ famous town center, town hall, and belfry are considered a UNESCO Heritage Site. For those who find ascending to the top quite challenging, Laloux also managed to organize and commission a virtual tour that was created specifically for them. Down below, crosswalk lights also provide verbal instructions for those who are hearing and visually impaired. Laloux has also scheduled an “incluthon” for the next summer. This is an event that’s meant to inspire disabled people and the communities that surround them through activities that promote sports and culture.
It comes as no surprise that her optimistic outlook and happy attitude has made her a very popular figure in town and country. In fact, she has made such an impact that she has made numerous television and other public appearances. She has stood alongside a number of well-respected national politicians and cabinet members. However, it is also important to note that her appointment is not a gimmick in any shape or form just to gain support from sensitive constituents. She has done so much and is deserving of all her achievements because of the innovative changes she has made in civil life.
First of all, she can take pride in the opening of Arras to a Dutch method of civil society called “the Nudge.” This is a sort of “c’mon then” organization that works to entice the community to the rest to treat everyone with respect and kindness. The best representation of this move was putting small imitation basketball hoops over public trash bins.
Laloux is an activist, especially to those with down syndrome like her. She also her “Friends of Eléonore” foundation that people can go to for help, and even with her public life, she’s a staunch defender against those with limited or little understanding of the capabilities of disabled people.
With Laloux at the helm, the world is a much better place to live in, and despite everything that’s plaguing the countries right now, she is that ray of light that reminds everyone that there is still hope in this chaotic place that we call home.
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