British Project Supports Independent Living Training for Russian Youths
On May 9th, Julia Simonova turned 18. She has spent the past year as a participant in the "Disabled Youth for Social Change" project, led by Perspektiva, and funded by the British Department for International Development. It can be said without exaggeration that her life changed completely during that year. Perspektiva is a small Moscow-based NGO that carries out projects to increase disability awareness, rights and services in Russia.
At the first seminar, when Perspektiva trainers led the first workshop for disabled youths in Moscow, Julia hardly said one word all day. She was a very shy and reserved girl. We thought it would take no small amount of effort to bring her out of her shell. "I became disabled when I was 10 years old. Before that the word 'disabled' was too terrible even to say. For me it was such a shock, because I had always been a very active child and a competitive gymnast, and suddenly it was all ruined. I felt that I was different from other people because I couldn't walk. I was afraid of people."
Julia lived in a small apartment on the 4th floor of an old building without an elevator, and it was almost impossible for her to go outside. Once she started using a wheelchair, she broke all ties with her old friends and spent her days sitting at home.
Today Julia has transformed into a sociable and smiling young woman and one of the most capable trainers and peer support group leaders. She now capably leads seminars, not only for young people, but also for parents and teachers. She is moving to a larger apartment in a building with an elevator. She won a scholarship to study in a high school in the United States. She has learned how to use a sports wheelchair, and she is working on learning how to drive a car.
Julia now socializes with all sorts of people, works with journalists, and leads seminars and peer support groups. She has new friends and her self-doubt and fears have disappeared. "My perception of myself has changed completely. I like myself more, and I believe in myself. I realized that I never have to give up, because every problem has a solution and all you have to do is find it. I have found my solution. It is wonderful to think that I can help others to believe in themselves."
From Sitting at Home to Advocating on Television
During a rally to promote accessible public transportation, Julia was approached by the director of a Moscow TV station to be on their television program. Also on the program was Moscow vice-mayor Valery Shantsev. Julia talked freely about her life, about going to school, working, going out with her friends, all while living on the 4th floor without an elevator. She spoke of the obstacles this situation posed. She made a positive impression on all of the participants, and Shantsev made a personal offer to help. This has resulted in her moving to a new apartment on the first floor in a building with an elevator.
"So many interesting and wonderful things have happened to me this year that never happened to me during those five years when I sat at home. I have plans for the future. Before it would never have occurred to me to go to college, drive a car, or do anything like that. My life has changed completely. It is full of interesting things and free of doubts and silly fears."
Also see Russian Project to Train Disabled Youth Activists
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