Iya is 27 years old. Since birth, he has suffered from profound intellectual, visual, and motor impairments. He was also diagnosed with autism. Ilya is one of 20 children and young people who benefit from personalised help at the Communication Space Centre, which assists with their communication and independent living.
Due to his severe impairments, Ilya is unable to use communication books and pictures, relying only on natural gestures and pointing to objects. He fears and avoids unfamiliar public places, which can often lead to epileptic seizures. Ilya lives with his mother, Irina, and needs constant care and support from adults.
Last year the Centre’s specialists helped Ilya to adapt better to new places. He has become particularly good at understanding the difference between a hardware store and a grocery store, and he behaves differently in them. Grocery stores are his favourite! The main positive changes in his communication are related to food—it is during meals that Ilya began to initiate contact more often. At home, he has learned to rely on the daily routine.
Both Irina and the specialists noted that his level of understanding and communication has significantly improved. His mother said,
“We did not expect at all that Ilyusha would continue to develop at his age. It is amazing, and we are very happy about it. For a person with severe disabilities, this is very good progress. And, of course, I am very pleased that I can lead a normal social life with Ilyusha: go to shops, cafes.”
Over the last 20 years, Russian specialists have created many working models to help children and adults with disabilities: through supported living and inclusive programmes in centres and schools. However, the situation has dramatically changed.
The war and subsequent sanctions have greatly affected the work of charitable organisations in the country. Some NGOs have had to end their programmes due to a lack of financing. Others, who were previously helped by volunteers from Europe, have had to stop this important part of their work. Now, for obvious reasons, it is very difficult for volunteers to come to Russia. People who used to send direct donations to Russian organisations from abroad can no longer do so.
We continue helping Communication Space to remain at the forefront of work with children with disabilities and autism. Your support to families like Ilya’s makes a huge difference.
