“When I first met Diana and Natalia, only one thought crossed my mind: How much courage can two such fragile souls possibly hold?” says Alla Zhmerenetska, Head of the Day Care Project for children with Group A disabilities.
The story of this young girl and her family is nothing less than a testament to an unbreakable spirit.
They have been forced to flee the horrors of war twice. First, at the very onset of hostilities in 2014, and again when the full-scale invasion drove them back into the frightening unknown. Two displacements, two lost homes, and thousands of miles of sheer anxiety — all while carrying a child who is both blind and non-verbal.
The First Steps of Trust 🤗
When Diana first arrived at our Adaptation Centre, she was like a tightly closed bud. She cannot see the world with her eyes, nor can she voice her fears or desires.
At the start, she and her mother were inseparable — two parts of a single whole. Natalia was her daughter’s eyes, her voice, and her only sanctuary. We understood then that for Diana to take even a single step towards the world, she had to feel that this world would not hurt her. We had to earn the trust of this delicate girl. 🫶
Finding Her Place
Today, I write these words with a heart full of joy: Dianka has found her place within our community!
She no longer clings to her mother’s hand every passing second. Our girl is adapting among her peers; she is learning to sense the space and the people around her with her heart.
“What is most important is not what we see with our eyes, but what we feel with our soul.” Diana has reached out to our entire team. She recognises our voices, responds to our touch, and is learning to trust a world that has, for so long, been incredibly harsh to her. ❤️
A Moment to Breathe
This story is about more than just a child. It is about a mother who, for years, did not have a single moment to simply breathe. Now, while Diana spends her time with us, her mother finally has that precious window for rest. She can relax, knowing her daughter is safe and among friends.
For us, as the Centre’s team, there is no greater reward than seeing a non-verbal child begin to “communicate” through her trust. By holding our hands, she places her faith in us. Diana is teaching us patience, and in return, we are teaching her that she is a vital, cherished part of this world.
We continue this journey together. ❤️
The event (specify) was organised by NGO «Inclusion without Limits», funded by the UK Government under the SPIRIT project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, and UNICEF Ukraine, with administration by ISAR Ednannia.
