Vladimir P.

I live in St. Sophia’s House since 2015, when I was 13. I have Down’s syndrome. When I moved to The Domik, I was wearing tutors (devices supporting the joints in static position) that made elbow flexion difficult. Tutors were removed only when I went to bed. They also put a special pillow around my neck, because I pulled my ears and could hurt myself. This condition is called self-aggression.

After a year and a half of my living here I was able to manage without those devices, because I finally realized that the hands were my own, and I could do so many interesting things using them!

For example, I came to love playing musical instruments and now I study regularly in the Center for Curative Pedagogics with a music teacher. On Friday mornings I rush to the closet, take out a bunch of photos, find a photo of my teacher and bring it to the adults to show, for them not to forget to take me to class in the evening. That’s how I found a real hobby!

As a matter of fact, I learnt a lot: to dress up and undress on my own (I choose only the clothes I like!), to take off and to put on my shoes. To eat, drink, wash and brush my teeth without assistance. I am happy to help adults: I set the table, do the dishes after meals, sweep and vacuum the floors, wipe the dust.

Together with other children I learn to cook at cooking classes! Most of all I like to press juice and serve it round my friends.

I also take part in performances with interest either in our The Domik or in our summer camp when we travel, I dance well and study «Makaton» (gesture communication system).

I love to play, paste pictures, watch cartoons, read books and go for a walk and meet new friends of course! Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that I also go to school! And I love it!