Assistance center for self-reliance: In Almaty, individuals with disabilities are receiving assistance to break free from dependence
Tackling Life Challenges with Courage: The "School of Independent Life" Story
Imagine taking a leap to break free from the chains of fear and self-doubt. That's exactly what participants in the "School of Independent Life" project have accomplished. This amazing initiative welcomes individuals with disabilities, giving them the opportunity to reclaim their lives and change their futures. For nine years, skilled trainer Tatiana Baklazhanskaya has been guiding these courageous souls towards independence, resilience, and self-confidence.
Wheelchair-bound yet determined, Tatiana Baklazhanskaya is the heart and soul behind this transformative project. During interactive sessions and art therapies, she empowers people with disabilities to smash their internal barriers and embrace their unique abilities.
"Sitting at home, people with disabilities often think, 'I'm the only one like this. I have a disability, I can't do anything.' Our trainings help people tear down these mental fortresses and believe in themselves," explained Baklazhanskaya.
Recently, the seven-day course concluded with 15 empowered individuals. Throughout their journey, participants danced, sang, battled it out in the kitchen, and hit the gym—all outside their comfort zones. A vibrant room filled with posters and reminders kept them motivated: why they were here, and what changes they were destined to make. One participant's mission read, "find friends, understand my own abilities, and become a valuable member of society."
This empowering project is the brainchild of the "Shyraq" association, with a team of eight dedicated trainers on hand to nurture independence. Lazzat Kaltayeva, chairperson of the "Shyraq" Association of Women with Disabilities, emphasized the importance of self-reliance.
"If you're serious about attending this school, we'll provide volunteers to handle the tasks you can't manage. But learn to do what you can, and don't rely on family or friends to speak for you," said Kaltayeva.
Last year, this life-changing project caught the attention of the republican social projects fair, securing second place among 200 participants. This recognition opened new doors for the association to reach more individuals with disabilities in Almaty.
Over the past eight years, more than 100 individuals have graduated from the school. Plans are underway to conduct another four courses before the year’s end, inviting each participant to push past their limitations. In the near future, the trainers will head to Ust-Kamenogorsk to touch lives there.
Insights from Similar Projects:
Programs like the "School of Independent Life" have a powerful impact, offering skills and support that help individuals with disabilities overcome personal and societal barriers. These initiatives often focus on teaching daily living skills, mobility, and social interactions, fostering improved confidence and self-sufficiency.
To truly gauge the impact of such a project, consider factors like:
- Participant feedback: Listen to participants' reflections on their personal growth and skills development.
- Program structure: Look for tailored support, mentorship, and follow-up evaluations.
- Social integration: Evaluate opportunities for participants to integrate into their communities and forge lasting relationships.
- Long-term outcomes: Assess measurable improvements in participants' independence and overall quality of life over time.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and personal-growth, the 'School of Independent Life' fosters a challenging yet nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities to embrace their unique abilities and shatter internal barriers through innovative programs like science, art therapies, and learning.
- Engaging in lifelong-learning and education-and-self-development, participants in the 'School of Independent Life' have reported significant mental-health improvements, gaining self-confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of independence after completing the nine-day course.
- The 'School of Independent Life' encourages participants to take advantage of opportunities for social integration in their communities, fostering lifelong friendships and ensuring that each individual is valued and finds their place in society.
- As evidenced by the numerous success stories and measurable improvements in participants' independence and quality of life, projects similar to the 'School of Independent Life' undeniably offer a profound impact, bridging personal and societal gaps and promoting mental-health and wellbeing through knowledge, skills and a supportive network.
