Antonina P.

I moved to The Domik in 2015, when I was 8. Adults say I have ICP (infantile cerebral paralysis) and some other “complex structural problems.” It’s serious, I guess. But despite all these, I am very jolly and cheerful!

Before moving to The Domik, I used to live at an orphanage for disabled children. I survived there only because of my cheerful nature, I think. To be honest, I was waiting for the moment when I would be taken out for a walk more than anything. But not only because I loved going out. Simple as that, going out for a child from a bad case children department is the only chance to remain in piece and silence.

The rest of the time you stay in a huge ward for 25-30 people day-and-night. It’s stuffy and noisy in the room: someone is crying, someone is screaming. First, I used to cry too, trying to get attention, hoping that someone would come up to me, take me in arms… But after a while I gave up crying: I realized that it was useless — no one would hear and no one would come…

It turned out there were adults in The Domik, willing to learn to understand me, who could neither walk nor speak. And I tried very hard for them and now I can express my thoughts with the help of special cards. And when the teacher offers me to make a choice, I put my hand on his hand if I agree.

My favorite amusement is to observe other children, I’m always happy to see them. I also like to view pictures, watch cartoons and listen to fairy tales. I like going out together with adults and play different games: to strike pins with a huge ball, to swing on large round swings, and slide a donut tube in winter. I also like playing with sand, hide-and-seek, and games with background music.

I am always looking forward to “individual classes”: a favorite teacher comes into our room, brings all sorts of interesting staff (brushes, paints, different jars) and books, and then we do some crafts together. It’s so exciting!

Oh, by the way, I have my own room here, where there are my favorite toys, a closet full of my own clothes and my drawings hanging over my bed. In the mornings I love to choose my own outfit to fell beautiful all day.  

I have friends and close adults in The Domik, of course, with whom I enjoy spending my free time.  

And I’ve learnt dreaming…