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Association Sainte Agnès - France

Breaking down the barriers between the disabled and mainstream worlds

The Sainte Agnès association welcomes and supports the protection of people made vulnerable by disability. Its aim is to create a working environment where disabled workers and ordinary employees can meet and exchange ideas. In February 2024, the Sainte Agnès association took possession of the Harmonyum, its new premises in Saint-Égrève near Grenoble.

The Sainte-Agnès association, 150 years serving the intellectually disabled

The Sainte Agnès Association provides care, support and legal protection for people made vulnerable by disability, age or illness. The 250 professionals at Association Sainte Agnès support nearly 2,000 people with mental disabilities throughout the Isère department, France. In particular, they work to provide day care, accommodation, sheltered employment, supported employment and protection for vulnerable people.

In France, there are 12 million people with disabilities, i.e.1 in 6 French people.

 

L'Harmonyum, the new Sainte Agnès Association building dedicated to mutual inclusion 

The Sainte Agnès Association's aim is to provide a working environment where disabled workers and ordinary employees can meet and exchange ideas. The aim is to accommodate, within this 3,670 m² eco-responsible building, the activities of the ESAT (Etablissement et Service d'Accompagnement par le Travail) of the Sainte Agnès association, young apprentices from the SERAT (Service d'Évaluation et de Renforcement des Aptitudes au Travail), as well as several mainstream* companies.

*Companies that employ at least 55% disabled workers among their production staff. These workers are recruited from among the unemployed who are furthest from the job market.

147 direct beneficiaries

An innovative project in the field of work and disability

Harmonyum is a place where innovation meets inclusion. Workers share all common spaces, from break rooms to meeting rooms and relaxation areas, encouraging exchange and interaction. They get to know each other, sharing their experiences and skills, which enriches their professional and personal careers. This collaboration enables everyone to grow and evolve in a caring and supportive environment. 

An essential factor in mutual inclusion, the Place du Village, whose development is supported by the Air Liquide Foundation, welcomes users and visitors in a lively environment. Spaces are wide and bright, furniture is colorful and the reception team is all smiles.

What the Air Liquide Foundation does

The Air Liquide Foundation is supporting the design and layout of the "Place du Village", L'Harmonyum's visitor reception area, as well as the terraces and common areas on the first and second floors.

The sponsor of this project is a Purchasing Manager at Air Liquide Advanced Technologies.

 

It's a project that breaks the boundary between the world of disability and the ordinary world. The new building provides a pleasant and stimulating working environment for all its occupants. The way it's laid out allows people to meet each other, but also respects everyone's need for quiet.

Sophie QUEMERAIS, Project Manager, Air Liquide Advanced Technologies