The Association Monégasque des Handicapés Moteurs has started its annual letter campaign to support their mission for social integration and improved well-being for the Principality’s disabled population. Here’s more on what this extraordinary association does.
Over the coming days, Monaco residents will find letters from the Monegasque Association of Motor Handicapped People (AMHM) in their post boxes marking the association’s annual fundraising appeal. The AMHM, founded in 1969 as the local branch of France’s Association des Paralysés, has long been a pillar of support, striving to enhance the lives and societal integration of people with physical disabilities in and around the Principality.
Since its establishment, the organisation has relied on the generosity of Monaco’s residents, and that spirit of giving continues to be vital. Under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II since 2005, AMHM addresses various disabilities, from visible mobility impairments to hidden conditions like hearing or sight loss, as well as chronic illnesses that are not easily detectable. Currently, they serve 25 physically disabled members and 55 supporters from Monaco and the neighbouring areas.
SPORT, CREATIVE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
AMHM’s adaptive sports programmes provide experiences for its members, such as skiing, skydiving, and even sailing with the Monaco Yacht Club, which began this year. Members, including AMHM vice-president Steeve Martinelli, have taken part in Monaco’s popular No Finish Line charity event and other AMHM members have participated in all-terrain hiking excursions using a joëlette single-wheel wheelchair to get out and enjoy nature.
“Our association wants to continue its actions for as long as possible in order to contribute to the well-being and health of our members,” said Annie Olivi, president of AMHM. “They never fail to teach us something very special about life. Increasingly, through sporting activities, we are working on the development and social integration of people with disabilities.”
To foster creativity, AMHM also hosts an annual all-expense paid holiday for members, along with volunteer-led workshops in theatre, dance, cooking, yoga, embroidery, and pottery. Handcrafted ceramic Christmas nativity scenes, made by artists Jane and Jean Gollino, are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the association’s initiatives. These crèches will be on display at Menton’s Palais de l’Europe during the Salon des Artistes Amateurs on 23rd and 24th November.
Looking ahead, AMHM has added first-aid training sessions with the Monaco Red Cross and bao-pao electronic music classes at Académie Rainier III to its activity roster for 2024.
IMPROVING ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED
Beyond activities, AMHM has worked to improve accessibility in the Principality. The association has successfully advocated for adaptations to be made in public areas, such as the facilities at Larvotto Beach, and dropped curbs at pedestrian crossings.
They also provide moral and administrative support to families, offer medical equipment loans, and run two wheelchair-accessible vehicles for transporting members to appointments. Additionally, AMHM owns nine wheelchair-accessible flats, available for short-term and long-term rentals or stays.
For more on the association and how to donate, click here https://www.amhm98.com/
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Photo source: Association Monégasque des Handicapés Moteurs Facebook page