"The First Course" by Amélie MARTINS, Disability Coordinator
Through this “column”, we wish to give every ACT-ON GROUP employee the opportunity to share a personal commitment or a humanitarian and supportive contribution - aimed at helping the most vulnerable, protecting the planet or championing any other cause close to their heart.
This month, Amélie MARTINS introduces us to “ Le Premier Cours”, a book about disability that she translated into French. She also talks about her role as a disability coordinator. Here’s her story…
"When I was asked in 2022 to become a disability coordinator at ACT-ON GROUP, I immediately said yes. I didn’t even have to think about it - it aligned with my values and my sense of service, the same values that led me to work in Human Resources. I’d also been aware, from a young age, of the challenges people with disabilities and their families face - at school with visually impaired classmates, in the workplace, among my friends…
It’s a daily struggle against indifference and lack of accessibility… but I didn’t fully grasp its scope until I started supporting my friend Marta and her daughter Mathilde.
Marta very quickly realized, at Mathilde’s birth, that something was “wrong” because she had trouble feeding and moving. Right away, doctors started using the word “disability” without being able to make a firm diagnosis.
My friend moved mountains to make her daughter’s life easier, despite the hurdles. Navigating medical uncertainty, finding funding for care and adapted equipment… a sadly common caregiver journey - made harder by the fact that Marta and her daughter live in Portugal, where no government assistance exists.
She then decided to go public about her situation, raising awareness of Mathilde’s day-to-day life - her “little warrior.” Mathilde is an incredible girl, bursting with energy and resolve. Through social media and media appearances, Marta met professionals and even managed to raise funds. But what mattered most to her was tearing down taboos around disability, showing that this “difference” isn’t really one.
She wanted to prove that hope is always possible. For instance, despite the doctors’ initial predictions, Mathilde now walks with a little assistance and can express her thoughts using a tablet and nonverbal communication.
Marta also began visiting elementary schools. That inspired her to write a short illustrated children’s book, “Le Premier cours.” She offers numerous insights and tools in it, showcasing the benefits of existing therapies, whether traditional or alternative. I discovered quite a few while reading it - hydrotherapy, speech therapy, hippotherapy, physiotherapy and more.
“Le Premier cours” was published in August 2023. I was very happy to contribute to this project by translating the book into French. Even though translating isn’t my day job, I hope I did justice to the original text. I’m thrilled at the interest the book has generated, both among my personal network and at ACT-ON GROUP. I especially want to thank Blandine Huaulme for her careful review of my translation.
Whether through these exchanges, my small part in “Le Premier cours”, or my role as a disability coordinator, I’m more convinced than ever that we must keep spreading awareness. Many disabilities are invisible, compounding the general lack of understanding. When we’re wrapped up in our day-to-day responsibilities - especially at work - it’s easy to forget how a bit of consideration or simple gestures can contribute to everyone’s well-being.
Together with my fellow disability coordinators, Vincent Lebourg and Sandra Escalante, we’re working hard in this direction. We’re constantly brainstorming new projects and ideas to strengthen ACT-ON GROUP’s commitment to including people with disabilities in the workforce. We’ve joined the #activateurdetalent community and participated in the European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities (SEEPH). We’ve also held fun awareness workshops and supported employee-led initiatives within the group - projects whose commitment inspires us every day.
I can only encourage you to learn more about disability and explore existing initiatives - whether they’re individual, like Marta’s “Le Premier cours” or collective. By broadening our perspective, we can, at any age, reduce prejudice and promote a more inclusive society."
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