In Rouen, the restaurant Le XXI employs and trains young people with…

An apartment of her own, a “darling” and a cat. Véronique Spiers was already independent in almost every way, long before being recruited as a waiter at the restaurant The XXI. Except professionally. “Apart from going around in circles at home, I took care of my cat and my boyfriend. Nothing else”, she remembers with her frank smile. The 31-year-old employee with a manifest joie de vivre has just started her service in this bistro named after the chromosome responsible for her Down syndrome. A year after its opening, the inclusive restaurant is now part of the landscape of Rouen’s hypercentre.

The 17 employees, including 12 with Down syndrome, cognitive disorders or intellectual disabilities, are all still working. At the origin of this solidarity company of social utility: lTrisomy 21 Seine-Maritime association, motivated by the desire “to remove stereotypes about disability”, explains its vice-president, Laëtitia Henry. The association provided half of the capital needed for the project, the rest coming from private donors, regional subsidies and Pôle Emploi. Crowdfunding also raised 40,000 euros.

“Always in my place”

The 12 disabled employees followed a month of training just before the opening of the restaurant, with simulations for both the service and the kitchen; initially without customers, then with trusted people. Two chefs, a second in the kitchen, a room manager and an integration officer supervise them to ensure an average of 35 to 40 covers per day. “The objective is to have emancipated employees, because they are considered and involved”, emphasizes Laëtitia Henry.

Since her hiring, nothing seems to discourage Véronique. Not even the daily distance to get to work: 120 km round trip by train. A commitment rewarded by the loyalty of certain customers. “We have our regulars but even with them, I always stay in my place”, specifies the waitress at a good distance from a couple seated, before authorizing her catchphrase, served to all customers of the XXI: “And for the dessert, I offer you the little pleasure, the little sweetness! »

Never far away, Hélène Lachèvre is head of the dining room. This mother of a boy with Down syndrome knew better than anyone how to adapt the work to the difficulties of the employees. And when problems arise, “motor difficulties jump out at me: opening the kitchen door is sometimes difficult, some people get stuck, so I’m there; uncorking wine bottles is also complicated, so I take care of it”.

” Like everyone “

Today, workers in the 21st century have less need for Hélène’s vigilance. Never late, very committed, at ease with everyone: Antonin Valmy, 25, has also become an efficient room clerk. Michel and Florence, his parents, have made reservations for lunch. “We have the same pride as all parents,” they deliver, eyes moist. “Antonin was educated up to the end of the year in an adapted class. Afterwards, he found himself released into the wild. He stayed at home. Since he started working, his vocabulary has grown, he has gained in autonomy. And then he approached us. »

Starting from scratch, the inclusive restaurant takes stock of the past year, between the imperative of profitability and the well-being of the teams. The human challenge remains a priority: occupying a job adapted to their disability has given wings to many employees. Some have moved in alone, others have made immense progress in relating to others.

For Laëtitia Henry, “our success is that they have a life like everyone else”. The whole team keeps in mind, without yet daring to approach the subject too much, that their protégés will one day have to fit into the ordinary environment, that is to say in a classic restaurant. An evolution that can only be done by organizing small immersion sessions. Véronique and Antonin, they still refuse to consider the idea of ​​leaving Le XXI one day.