deaf, physiotherapist and airplane pilot, Manon defies prejudice

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In 2019, Manon Altazin became the first woman deaf pilot from France. An accomplishment for this resident of Bazemont (Yvelines) who has always liked to overcome her disability and prejudices.

Because when she was younger, she also ran a marathon, climbed Mont Blanc, completed a 1,060 kilometer bicycle journey in ten days in 2018 and even tried aerobatics. Not to mention she practiced gymnastics at a high level.

The only deaf woman in France to pilot a plane

The years have passed and Manon Altazin has “mellowed down”. She became the mother of a little boy, Mathéo (who has already learned sign language), in 2022, and will give birth to his little brother or sister in early 2025. She also works as a physiotherapist in a practice in Flins-sur-Seine.

A journey which sometimes arouses admiration but which should not, according to the person concerned.

“I am always told that I am exceptional, incredible. So of course I can understand people's reaction. But it should just be normal. Five years later, I regret still being the only deaf woman in France to pilot a plane. In the United States, a disabled person going to swim in a swimming pool is commonplace. Here, we are immediately looked at with wide eyes. »

“They always put obstacles in our way”

The 34-year-old from Yvelin suffered too much that we don't believe enough in her when she had plans, when she was younger.

“In France, people always put obstacles in our way. My year of preparation to become a physiotherapist was the worst of my life. It was very complicated to find an interpreter and it was our responsibility. When I wanted to join a physiotherapy school, school directors told me that it was better for me to do something else. »

Private physiotherapist for ten years

It is finally in Belgium that she found a school that gave her a chance.

“There, the director told me: If you succeed, good for you. And if you can't do it, at least you tried. It feels good to see that we are considered as a whole person. »

As in all areas, Manon managed to overcome obstacles and she has been practicing her profession as a physiotherapist for ten years on a private basis.

“No one tells me anymore you can't or you don't hear. I have a good professional situation and a family life. I am building my house. I'm happy to be able to live simply and not have to fight all the time. »

She offers first flights to children

The one who has more 200 flight hours alone to his credit, since obtaining his diploma, likes to share his experience, raising awareness about disability. She regularly gives conferences in large companies, such as in October at Airbus in Toulouse.

“There are often interesting questions and debates. I find it enriching. Even though I have less time than before, I want to continue to invest myself in one way or another. »

Also a way to pay tribute to his little brother Maxime, also deaf from birth, who died in 2016.

At the same time, Manon Altazin is also vice-president of the Flying Club of the Deaf of France and participates every year in Rêves de Gosse as a volunteer pilot.

“Offering first flights to children is great, there’s a lot of emotion. In front of them, we are not talking about normal or disabled pilots. They are said to be ordinary or extraordinary. It serves as a model for them. »

In 2011, she spoke to President Nicolas Sarkozy

Generally speaking, Manon Altazin takes a lucid look at current society, far from being yet quite inclusive in his eyes.

“It is true that many efforts were made during the Paralympic Games, particularly in schools. But why don't they take place at the same time as the Olympic Games? And why were the same means not used? It's still not enough. »

She reveals that in 2011, she had handed over a letter to Nicolas Sarkozythen President of the Republic, who detailed the difficulties she could encounter on a daily basis. “He answered me in the same way that all politicians do. But at least I got the message across. »

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