The war has changed the lives of millions of Ukrainians. Even ordinary things have become a challenge for many people, and in some cases, adaptation to new realities gets more complicated by their health conditions. In such cases, professional rehabilitation plays a crucial role and it is actively supported by the public organization “League of the Strong” in the context of a full-scale invasion. One of those who needed such help is nine-year-old Mariia Khomenko. Her story continues the series of stories about the beneficiaries of the project “Empower Ukraine. Disability rights” project.
Maria Khomenko left Bakhmut and came to Cherkasy. This was perhaps the most difficult challenge in her life. Her hometown was destroyed and moving to an unfamiliar environment only complicated the situation. The girl has autism spectrum disorders, so leaving her familiar room, favorite toys and home school had a negative impact on her well-being.
“There is also Mariia’s sister, Daryna, and an older brother in the family. My daughter attended ABA therapy, sensory integration and other sessions in her hometown. She had favorite teachers. But we were forced to leave Bakhmut in the summer of 2022. We left everything: a nice apartment, furniture, and a job. We arrived in the middle of nowhere and had to start from scratch in Cherkasy. This is how we live: me and my three children. On the background of stressful experience with the termination of therapy sessions, my daughter experienced certain regression in her progress and not only that – Mariia was periodically becoming anxious and began to get sick. It was very difficult for her to lose her favorite toy, book and her teacher,” says Tetiana Khomenko.
Now Mariia attends group sessions with specialists and day by day gets used to new surroundings. Another important step in improving her well-being was a rehabilitation course in Kyiv, which included sessions with a neuropsychologist and a sensory therapist. Mariia was able to participate in this course due to the support from the Empower Ukraine project, which is being implemented by the “League of the Strong” in Cherkasy region. In the framework of this project, “League of the Strong” provides assistance to people with disabilities, especially children affected by the war. Families are provided with assistive devices, transportation services or financial support that can be used for rehabilitation, medical treatment or educational needs.
“After completing a rehabilitation course in Kyiv, my daughter became more engaged and calmer. We were given recommendations on what to do at home, what exercises to do. There are always improvements after rehabilitation. It helped us in her learning and in everyday life,” says her mother.
Tetiana says that Mariia liked the sessions with specialists. The girl also continues attending sessions at Inclusive Resource Center in her city.
“We go to the Center for the whole day. There are many bright rooms and the specialists are well chosen. She enjoys all these sessions.”
Now the girl studies in the fourth grade of a secondary school in the city. She has several friends who often invite her to play with them. Most of all, Mariia likes creative activities: she draws, makes figures from dough or felt. Such activities helps to concentrate her attention so her mother Tetiana fully supports her daughter’s hobby.
Maria’s best friend is her older sister Daryna. “Daryna is our main rehabilitation therapist. Mariia repeats everything after her: she draws and studies. Her older sister is a role model for her,” says Tetiana.
This year Mariia and her mother are going to take a rehabilitation course in Kyiv again, as continuous support is critical for children with autism spectrum disorders, and it has already brought positive changes into Mariia’s life.
Tetiana dreams of her daughter becoming a fully integrated member of society in the future: “I dream that she would be able to take care of herself and to understand what’s happening around her,” says Tetiana. “I want her to be part of the society, to not be afraid of it.”
It is worth reminding that the Empower Ukraine project was created due to the financial support of the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), CBM and the European Forum for Persons with Disabilities. It has been implemented by the “League of the Strong” since September 2023 in three (3) regions: Ternopil, Cherkasy and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. Over this period, the team provided 862 people with financial assistance and 690 people with assistive devices, including 17 wheelchairs. 4,656 people with disabilities have been transported to medical facilities for various medical treatments.