Olga S.

When I moved to The Domik in 2015, I was 17. I was sitting in a wheelchair, my hands tightly tied, and swinging myself with great force. If my hands had been released, I could injure myself. There were only loneliness, mistrust and fear in my world. But, despite this, there was also a great desire to live and perceive this world. There was still a glimmer of hope to find help, sympathy and support, to find loved ones. I’ve found those in The Domik, where now I am respectfully and livingly called “Olga Sergeevna.”

My wheelchair has gone from my life forever, and later the hand tutors became unnecessary. Four years later I learned to swim and, having met horses, fell in love with horse riding, with great joy and inspiration I do gymnastics. I can’t talk, but I learn to communicate by signs. I can already ask for something, say “thank you”, inform about my wishes. If my demand has met with no response, I can yell: loudly and expressively!

I understand speech addressed to me well, but I can show character and not react to person talking to me. At a time like this, one has to be an emphatic diplomat to be able to negotiate with me.

Tutors say that I know how to wait: meekly and patiently. For example, when they need to feed or dress up babies, I can understand that, because I am grown-up! There is still so much interesting to discover! I know that!