Manon Souilah, 22, grew up unable to walk or speak. Indeed, she has been Cerebral Palsy (CMI) since birth. But despite her disability, she managed to realize one of her biggest dreams: traveling with a disability.
Complete fan of her group “U2”, Manon did not impose any limit since she decided to travel to follow her rock group in Dublin and London. This is why her carer, Karen Lacroix, tells us the wonderful story of Manon Souilah, a young girl who wants to change the way people look and the clichés often held about people with disabilities.
Could you introduce us to Manon Souilah?
Manon is a very bubbly young girl, who loves life and always keeps a smile on her face. For 22 years now, she was born with a severe disability following a medical error during childbirth. Unfortunately, she cannot speak or walk. But today, she has just made her first trip abroad, to Dublin and London, to follow her favorite rock band, U2. Manon is a person who never gives up, who dreams of everything. She wants to show others that you can travel with a disability.
Why did you choose Dublin and London as destinations?
Manon decided to go to Dublin mainly for her favorite group, U2. London was because people around her and friends of hers told her that there was a “punk” culture in certain parts of the city that would suit her. Even if London was a good trip, the stay was less memorable because the atmosphere of the city was relatively cold and the people were much less attentive.
How have things been organized to allow Manon to travel with a disability?
You should know that Manon chose the exact date of the trip since she wanted to leave in May to go to the city of singer Bono for his birthday.
Subsequently, there was no help from any organization or association in particular, since we were the ones who organized everything for this trip (reservation of flights and accommodation) with the help of the other auxiliaries and at Manon’s expense of course.
We made sure to be there for her all the time so as to never leave her alone or unaccompanied, since, somewhere, it is also our duty to take care of her.
How did he feel during these two trips?
For her, Dublin was really a huge crush. Manon greatly appreciated the inhabitants of the region since they were adorable with her and with the disability itself. The people had no apprehension at all. On the contrary, they really came to Manon. We had to go out to Irish bars to drink beers, listen to music, and it was a very pleasant moment for both her and me.
Manon was really surrounded. She was even able to dance with Irish women and it was a new experience for her. I think it was part of his crush in addition to following the adventures of U2.
She also really liked Dublin and in general, it is a city that perfectly represents her character.
Do you think Manon would want to return to Dublin?
She plans to return to Dublin in September with another carer, for four days. She wants to go back to the bars, find the nightlife, visit the places she unfortunately couldn’t see the first time.
Can you remember what U2 is?
U2 is the Irish rock band, hailing from Dublin, which is made up of singers, guitarists, pianists and drummers. Manon has been a fan of this group for three years now. Originally, it was her mother who introduced her to music and since then she has not stopped listening to the albums of her favorite group over and over.
You should know that the recording studio of the group U2 is in Dublin, so that’s partly why all U2 fans go to Dublin to be able to visit the studio or even drop a letter at Bono’s house (the singer of the group).
You should know that we even found an application that follows the steps of U2 directly on each location and shows the filming of clips where the videos were made. This group is very much part of Irish culture and is also very popular with the public.
And Manon embodies this group well since she is very rock with her tattoos, her piercings and her slightly shaved head.
If you also want to travel with a disability and find out more about Manon Souilah, go to her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/manon_l.aventuriere/
Interview by Robin Hubert