Manon Cools Biography

Trained in applied communication, I have been involved in the non-profit sector since a very young age, both professionally and personally: social justice and the defence of rights have been the guiding principles of my career for almost 15 years.

I have had the opportunity to lead a series of projects aimed at persons who are isolated from the social, professional and associative spheres of society: federation roles, work on citizenship, advocacy and fieldwork. All of these experiences have proved very useful in my current role and, in particular, in my participation in the work of the Belgian Disability Forum asbl (BDF).

I have acquired a range of skills, such as project and team management, advocacy, public relations and writing. I use them all with rigour, curiosity, analytical skills and a keen personal interest.

In my personal voluntary activities, I am particularly committed to raising awareness of disability, especially in the cultural sphere (Les petites cuillères – literary prize).

For the past eight years, my professional activities have focused on coordinating the Esenca team, which works to defend the rights of persons with disabilities. In Esperanto, “Esenca” means “essential”. This is what I defend on a daily basis: access for all to essential rights and a dignified quality of life.

I also take on an advocacy and representation role: speaking to the media, giving lectures and advocating for the disability sector in Belgium.

Driven by strong convictions about social justice and the defence of fundamental rights, I am convinced of the important role that organisations such as the EDF play in advancing and defending the rights of persons with disabilities.

Now more than ever, defending the rights of persons with disabilities in a socio-economic context that is very difficult at all levels of government is at the heart of my personal and professional commitment: these are the values I share with the member organisations of the BDF. We pay particular attention to respecting, defending and promoting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as to consultation between the public authorities and the groups concerned.

These are all issues that I wish to pursue with humility and conviction within the EDF Board of Directors.