2023-11-26 00:00:54
Prisme 21 Loire has been supporting people with Down syndrome or mental disabilities, as well as their loved ones, for fifty years.
Martine Robert and Laura Dupas, co-governors of the Saint-Etienne association, fight on a daily basis to change the way people view disability.
On one side Martine Robert, retired. On the other, Laura Dupas, 33 years old. No family ties between them, but an unfailing complicity, fueled by their volunteer commitment within Prisme 21 Loirerue du Monteil, in the Sun.
Both co-govern the association within a team of 16 co-governors. A horizontal organization, including families and professionals, which says a lot regarding the philosophy of the structure.
All citizens
“With or without disability, we are all citizens and all equal, underlines Martine Robert. Everyone must be able to have access to education, to the world of work, to housing. The people concerned and their families have the right to choose their life and express their wishes. »
This self-determination is a leitmotif which translates concretely into numerous services offered to members : access to care (speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychomotor skills, psychology, etc.), pre- or post-natal listening cells, or the provision of an apartment for people with Down syndrome to experience ‘independence.
“They thus confront themselves, they are led to cook or, quite simply, to think regarding setting their alarm so as not to forget themselves the next day”explains Martine Robert.
Young retiree, Martine Robert opened the doors of the association 38 years ago, following the birth of her daughter Carine, who has Down syndrome: “When you give birth to a baby who is not like the others, you feel alone in the world. Only a geneticist explained to me that our daughter was going to run, sing, dance like everyone else and he directed us towards the association. »
Today, Carine leads a normal life, and works in an organic grocery store in Saint-Étienne: “Thanks to the association’s off-site work assistance service, Carine was able to join this brand while being supported by integration officers who helped her concretely, on the ground, by training her. This is a plus for her and for the employer. After three years, she signed an employment contract. She owes this accomplishment primarily to herself, but the association also has a lot to do with it, as do those around her. »
Making disability accepted
Laura Dupas has also worked in several Saint-Etienne establishments, a restaurant, a retirement home as well as several brands. “I would like to find something”, she confides. Her schedule nonetheless remains full: swimming, theater, dancing, running… “I also like being at the association. We talk, we laugh. It feels good to be all together. I don’t like being alone. »
This half century of existence is an opportunity for the association to recall that nothing is acquired. And the outlook on disability still needs to change. « I don’t want to be made fun of anymoreadds Laura Dupas. It happens on the tram. That should change. »
Highlights around the association’s 50th anniversary
The brunch organized by Prisme 21 Loire at the Fabuleuse cantine in November, on National Down Syndrome Day, was the perfect opportunity to grant Laura’s wish!
Next Friday, December 15, will take place a forum on the intimate lives of people with disabilities.
> More information: prisme21loire.org and by telephone on 04 77 38 64 59
1700958951
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