Published: 10 November, 2008, 08:34
Edited: 10 November, 2008, 08:34
A groundbreaking kindergarten in Moscow is allowing children with disabilities to enjoy all things equestrian by introducing them to ponies. The pioneering project aims at improving their communication skills and ending any isolation they and their famili
Many of the children who are attending the classes are suffering from autism and one of their biggest problems is communication. There's no cure for most of the disorders the children have, but it's thought more than half of them can lead a more normal life if taught some basic skills in early childhood.
Healthy children are also here to help as children with disabilities react to them much more positively than to adults.
“Besides, at this age there is a chance for healthy children to make friends with those with disabilities,” says Irina Kachanova, a specialist in children's preschool education. “When they grow up it gets more and more difficult. It’s also a way to teach them tolerance.”
The goal of this learn and play centre, which is free to use, is to help children develop as many skills as possible. They were introduced in Russia in the early nineties and over the last few years dozens have opened in Moscow alone.
“Ordinary kindergartens reject them and for many it’s hard to get into specialised centres, because they often deal with specific disorders, whereas we accept literally everyone and give an individual approach to every single child,” said Lekoteka director Elena Morina.
Little Yegor is one of the center regular visitors. The child suffers from Sturge-Weber syndrome, which affects blood vessels and nerves, and months of epileptic seizures have left his body weak.
The child can hardly walk and the centre specialists worked out a special programme for him.
“There are results. He still has very weak knee joints. But the hope that he will walk someday is still there. We’ll work on it,” said Dmitry, who is working with Yegor.
With support centres like this the hope is more children with disabilities will get the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.
“It’s essential to know there’s help out there, otherwise it becomes too big a pressure. And it’s important not to give up,” said Yegor's mother.
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