Our History

FMMH is the first association in Mauritius founded by and for people with disabilities, with the support of Père Henri Souchon in 1976. Since its creation, the association has offered services and activities aimed at promoting inclusion for persons with disabilities. FMMH was the first organisation to unite people with disabilities in Mauritius, with the shared goal of understanding and supporting each other to foster a more inclusive society as well as introducing Handi-sports in Mauritius. It operated as a Special Education Needs (SEN) school from 1995 until 2023. In 2024, following the closure of the school, FMMH transitioned into an Independence and Empowerment Centre. Staying true to its origins, the centre is staffed by people with disabilities and offers services that cater to the independence of its beneficiaries, addressing their varied needs.

1976:
The FMMH First meeting of a group of disabled people with Father Henri Souchon at the parish of the Immaculate Conception.
1979:
Five members of the FMMH present at the beatification of Father Laval in Rome.
Official Registration with the Registrar of Association No 1527.
1980:
Initiator of Handisport.
Awarding of the Medal of the City of Port Louis to the FMMH
First wheelchair race at Desforges Street, the main artery of the country’s capital. The start was given by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, then Prime Minister of the country.
The FMMH is represented on the National Council for the Rehabilitation for the Disabled to this day.
Laying of the foundation stone of our head office in GRNO Port Louis.
1981:
International Year of Disabled People
Construction of our headquarters
Training of the first disabled sports facilitators by the French Handisport Federation in Reunion.
The FMMH presents at a first Congress of Disabled People International in Singapore.
1982:
The end of the construction of our Centre.
FMMH Participation in the Mauritius Council of Social Services.
1983:
Inauguration of our Workshop Center in G.R.N.O Port Louis.
Manufacture of the first wheelchair locally.
1985:
FMMH present at the second congress of the DPI Disabled People’s International in the Bahamas.
1987:
Opening of a wood and iron workshop in Port Louis.
Two representatives at the Stoke Mandeville Games, England.
1989:
FMMH participates in the Handisports Games in Reunion.
1990:
Campaign and Demonstration for reserved places and accessibility in buses.
Campaign against archaic prostheses.
First caravan of the disabled around the island (Leisure) in wheelchairs.
1992:
FMMH participates in the closing ceremony of the Decade of People with Disabilities in New York.
1993:
Launch of a co-educational school for healthy and disabled people.
1994:
Fundraising for a new school in GRNO.
1995:
Construction FMMH School (New construction in the backyard)FMMH/HI collaboration.
1999:
FMMH participating in the Abylimpic.
2000:
The Physically Handicapped Persons Sports Federation is born.
2001:
Affiliated to the Rehabilitation International.
Affiliated to the Physically Handicapped Persons Sports Federation.
Participation in the National Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled.
Participation in the Consultation Meeting on Handisport in the Indian Ocean in Reunion Island.
2024:
Transformation of school into an Independence and Empowerment Center.
FMMH Wheelchair basketball team champion of the Coupes des Champions de L’Ocean Indien against Madagascar, Comoros Islands and Reunion Island. FMMH also winner of the wheelchair Tennis and Petanque.

ABOUT FMMH- FULL CIRCLE

FMMH’s focus has now expanded in order to champion the integration and cater more extensively to the needs of persons with disabilities. Committed to fostering inclusivity, FMMH has evolved into a fully dedicated Support Centre by providing various services for our ‘FULL CIRCLE- INDEPENDENCE & EMPOWERMENT’ Program. Our objective remains to cultivate an inclusive society where diversity is embraced, and individuals of all abilities are empowered across various domain.

Our Mission

Our objective is to cultivate an inclusive society where diversity is embraced, and individuals of all abilities are empowered across various domains. At FMMH, we advocate to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to society, regardless of their abilities.

Our Values

Empowering Persons with Disabilities through Holistic Support and Inclusion.
We provide a nurturing environment where PWDs can access essential services that promote overall well-being in order to live fulfilling autonomous lives. (IEI):
 
Independence: Offering comprehensive programs and services that equip PWDs with the skills and support they need to achieve personal independence.
 
Empowerment: Our holistic approach includes tailored training, Sports activities, psychological support, and opportunities for personal growth, empowering PWDs to reach their full potential.
 
Inclusion: We work towards creating a more inclusive society by promoting awareness, accessibility, and opportunities for PWDs to actively contribute to the community.

Our Strategic Objectives

Promote Independence and Empowerment:
To provide personalized support for persons with disabilities through tailored programs such as employment and training, mental health support, sports, and other independence-enhancing services like driving lessons, cooking classes and home adaptations facilities.
Create Holistic Development Pathways:
To offer companies the opportunity to sponsor individuals rather than projects, enabling sponsors to follow the progress of the individuals they support through the various programs—ensuring continuous engagement and a long-term impact on both the individual and sponsor.
Facilitate Accessible Services:
To expand service accessibility by incorporating online training and support for individuals with mobility issues, ensuring that they can access resources, training, and opportunities remotely, removing geographical and physical barriers.
Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships:
To engage more companies in sponsoring individuals, creating stronger corporate social responsibility (CSR) ties, and allowing companies to see the direct impact of their contributions. As well as integrate more personal involvement of staff via options of mentorship programs.
Empower Through Employment:
To integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce by providing targeted job matching and inclusive employment training through programs like “Work-It!”, increasing the number of people with disabilities in meaningful employment.
Improve Living Conditions Through Adaptation:
To enhance home and workplace adaptations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to environments that are conducive to their independence, safety, and productivity.
Advocate for Disability Rights and Inclusion:
To continuously engage in advocacy work and collaborate with government agencies and private firms to enhance policies and practices surrounding disability inclusion in all aspects of life, particularly in employment, education, and social welfare.