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About the BBC recognition
It was a surprise for me , since I did not expect that such a great network will recognize my work as important and inspiring . This is a flattering recognition , because I see my work as inspiring not yet so influential — the reality is not yet so bright for persons with disabilities in my and neighboring countries . But , oh , I see this as " good wind in my back ” as we say in my culture , a good way to talk about the topic of disability in public discourse at any time . Because disability comes from reality , it is not supposed to be part of an agenda before elections .
Her disability
It was the hardest period of my life . I remember vividly waking up in a clinic , not knowing where I was . I was 14 years old at that time and many hard and painful things and processes were becoming my reality . I survived two strokes in the same year and by the end of that year ( 2003 ) I was living with a hard mental and physical condition , which was leading me to think that death would be the best solution . of the job waited me only , and it is a long journey that lasts even today .
In your work as a social worker and youth activist , do you share your own experiences ? How do you teach others about living with a disability ?
I started sharing my disability experience with the high school population in 2016 , while covering the position of youth advisor at a local youth office . Since then , I have shared it at elementary schools in my hometown and cooperated with a student parliament of a faculty .
Using a storytelling method , I talk about the most painful period of my life , when I suffered two strokes and acquired several irreversible sensory and physical disabilities and mental health problems . I talk about the process of rehabilitation which was long , and how it was hard to adjust to new circumstances — this was the actual situation when I woke up in same body , but my senses were changed . Also , my social status had rapidly changed . I was no longer desirable company for my former friends , because they were afraid . At that time , I was a high school student and since one of my disabilities was related to my eyesight ( I see double-diplopia ), it was also very challenging to learn by reading .
All of these challenges have made me stronger , because I chose not to give up on myself . And that is one of the main pillars of my workshops and activism in general : never give up because you owe it to youself ! Everything else is secondary . It is possible to live with different kinds of disabilities .
The most important aim of my work is that I am trying to make an impact on young people so they will be accepting of people with disabilities without prejudices and stereotypes . I encourage them to look at people with disabilities first as persons who should have the same rights as them , and also like friends ,
After a second surgery abroad , I was sent to a spa . My family and people who stayed with me ( a few of them ) were very supportive , but it was not enough . However , I met the most important person for my recovery , a great psychologist , who helped me recover over the years , together with some wonderful people from my high school and health system . A challenge — a battle like this — really needs systematic support , and it was done like it should be . But , most
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