As non-disabled spectators blocked her path and view by occupying her designed space, she took on to social media to denounce such uncivil behaviour and got feedback aplenty to her awareness-raising message

For good measure, she produced a photograph of the unflattering scene as evidence, as well. “I’m a wheelchair user in Paris for the #Paralympics2024 opening ceremony. The wheelchair viewing platform is entirely taken up by non-wheelchair users. ‘Welcome to Paris!’”, the disability campaigner, wrote on X.

As the post surpassed 1.4 million views and social media backlash ensued, it was a public relations slap of sorts for Paralympics organisers who have made it a point to change the culture and make big metropolis like Paris more welcoming and circulation-friendly towards people with disabilities.

On Friday,International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons emphasised while unveiling Paris’ new metro plan that, “this announcement is a clear example of how change starts with sport and how hosting the Paralympic Games triggers significant changes that will benefit millions of people for generations to come.”

In every city that hosts the Paralympics, we see the step changes made in thinking and planning for the Games that ultimately lead to long-term attitudinal shifts. An accessible metro system for Paris would be the greatest legacy of the Paralympic Games that Paris could deliver to its own people and to people around the world who love to visit this iconic city," he said.

Ms Landre’s situation, however, was far from a ringing campaign ad for said efforts, as she was left to watch the ceremony from afar while staff seemed unwilling to help.

“I am fine and still having a lovely night with my colleagues. And I do not like to complain. But the irony is amusing!” she wrote, pointing that said members were, in fact, helping other spectators take photographs. “It’s clear that accessibility in the Paralympic sport venues has been carefully thought out and executed – but the city of Paris remains a problem. A few years of planning and polishing cannot make up for decades of the city government failing to enforce disability access, despite national laws mandating it.”

In fairness, the French metropolis has made a substantial effort promoting accessibility: by 2025, Paris aims to have 95% of its municipal buildings accessible, a dramatic increase from just 45% in 2022. Other projects include the installation of 10,400 sound modules at road junctions to help the visually impaired, and a plan to ensure that at least one accessible school is within walking distance of every location by 2030.

Parsons acknowledged that while these advances are remarkable, challenges remain. "Paris has made more progress on accessibility in the last seven years than any other Paralympic host city," he noted, urging that these improvements should be seen as just the beginning of an ongoing effort to improve life quality for people like Landre.

Despite the bitter pill however, the disability campaigner did not despair and looked onward. “Still, the Paralympics have always been a catalyst for change. I am hopeful that perhaps Paris will carry these lessons into the future,” she concluded.