A Jonzac association to change the way we look at invisible disabilities

Julie Repeta, a resident of Jonzac who suffers from fibromyalgia, founded the association Hand'invisibles. She hopes that disabilities that are barely visible or not visible will be better recognized.

"Just because it can't be seen doesn't mean it doesn't exist." The slogan is clear. The name of the association, founded in December 2024 by Julie Repeta and Sonia Laurent, is just as clear: Hand'invisibles . "Understand 'hand' for 'handicapped' and 'invisible' because we can't be seen," the young woman explains.

Julie Repeta, 40, has always suffered from fibromyalgia. Before she could put a name to her pain, she went through a veritable medical journey. “As a child, doctors told me I had rheumatism… I was only diagnosed in 2021. We don't really know where it comes from, or how it's triggered. Some suggest it's linked to childhood trauma. It's a disease with around a hundred identified symptoms. Overall, the pain is tenfold. The doctor who treats me at the Jonzac pain center explains that you can feel the weight of the air.”

According to health insurance, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by persistent, diffuse pain and pressure sensitivity, often associated with intense fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other factors. Several factors have been identified, but they vary from person to person. Julie Repeta is now recognized and receives a disability allowance for adults. She receives treatment with painkillers and antidepressants.

Beyond her personal situation, the young woman wants to work for all those with a barely visible or invisible disability. "We often suffer from the way others look at us. We are not believed. When I park in a disabled space, at best I get looked at askance, at worst I am called out, sometimes I am insulted. Because I don't always have my cane and I am not in a wheelchair. Yet I need these adapted spaces and I have my parking permit!"

This is how the idea of ​​creating a logo was born. "With the association, we designed a logo that encompasses all disabilities. We would like it to replace the current blue logo, which is too reductive and only shows a person in a wheelchair. We will try to implement it in Jonzac and eventually distribute it as widely as possible," announces Julie.

The association now has 28 members of all ages, who come from all over the department and neighboring areas. "We meet to exchange ideas with specialized therapists, to promote well-being, break isolation, and create social connections. These workshops include therapeutic writing, drawing and artistic expression, sound therapy, aromatherapy, massages, reflexology, and more. Many treatments are based on energies and well-being. These activities are designed to appeal to everyone, in a caring, respectful setting adapted to each person's specific needs. We have a wide variety of disabilities, and thanks to the association, we feel less alone and better understood."

Contact: [email protected]. Tel. 06 02 43 08 69