A few months ago, PMR Croquons la vie was still just a project in Michèle Steurbaut’s mind, which she shared with us. Today, the concept has launched and is growing gradually: “I have signed with the notary; we are now a non-profit organization,” Michèle smiles. The non-profit has a logo, ongoing visits, and a simple mission: to make the true accessibility of Horeca establishments visible. “When you see this logo on a storefront, it won’t just be a symbol: it will be the guarantee that the place has been verified by relevant individuals, right down to the restrooms.” “Advice has also been given to restaurateurs: it is truly a project by PMR for PMR,” she emphasizes. And this is not limited to Mouscron: the idea is indeed to expand to other cities, after an initial local testing phase.
“I AM DISABLED, BUT NOT STUPID”
No major announcement for now. The press conference will come in September. “I am moving to test, not to create a buzz,” Michèle Steurbaut emphasizes. “We have already visited several places such as La Blommerie, L’Isola Bella, La Cloche, and Brasserie de l’Ours. These are open-minded, attentive people.”
The non-profit’s approach is deliberately direct. “I am not here to wage war on those who do not want to move forward, but to highlight those who are committed,” she states. She primarily targets establishments with a quality approach: “I aim for gastronomy, beautiful places. But sometimes, snack bars are more accessible than Michelin-starred restaurants. It must also be said that dining for all also includes brasseries and everyday restaurants like pizzerias.”
Without mincing words, Michèle states plainly: “I am disabled, but not stupid. There are places where accessibility hasn’t even been considered. Even in the Gault & Millau guide, it was vague until recently. Now, they have added the mention ‘accessible restrooms’. And for all of Belgium, only six addresses are listed… In Mouscron, we will do better, I am sure.”
With her partner Emmanuelle Pétraman, she is implementing a rigorous process: “We verify ourselves. Not just a ramp at the entrance, but full access, including to the restrooms. And once validated, we display the logo. It will be visible, and the information will be published with photos on our website, which will be ready soon; until then, we post everything on Facebook.”
SHAKING UP THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY STANDARDS
“Politicians have not yet understood that it is time to make things happen for people with disabilities. I fully intend to make a difference, and I can see that my project is starting to get a reaction; I have even planned to meet a minister,” Michèle regrets. For now, PMR Croquons la vie is progressing on a voluntary basis and with determination. “If we don’t help, if we don’t make on-site observations, nothing will change. I’ve spoken to others, and we are thinking about structuring this further.”
Meanwhile, the non-profit is issuing a call: “Dear owners of accessible establishments, if you wish to be certified or even become testing members, please contact us. We will come, we will verify, and if everything complies, you will receive your logo.”
By Ophélie Wagnon
