APAJH44
A non-profit lay organization founded in 1970, the Association for Disabled Adults and Young People of Loire-Atlantique has distinguished itself by its commitment to the inclusion of disabled people, with particular attention paid to integration into the school system. It welcomes people with all forms of disability: sensory, motor, intellectual, polyhandicap. In order to carry out its mission, the association claims respect and dignity for individuals, their free will, the right to compensation for inequalities and access to citizenship for all. Today, it continues to develop its actions for a better individualized support of its users. In concrete terms, it supports 800 users, thanks to the work of 450 employees in 21 establishments and services, located in the Nantes and Nazaire agglomerations. At the same time, in 1987, it created the Handiclap Festival, a multicultural event that takes a festive approach to the issue of disability and invites people to exchange ideas in an original way. Through this action, it has been able to federate local and territorial authorities, associations, public and private organizations aware of disability issues, which have become faithful partners. This festival also contributes strongly to the recognition of each disabled individual as a full citizen. In 2021, the Handiclap Festival will take the form of a journey: an exhibition and 7 shows in Nantes and its agglomeration between March and July.