Success story of the Viva-“Artissimo” partnership

Little Alex has started speaking. Moreover, the effects of cerebral palsy (CP) have been reduced, and the quality of life for both the child and his family has improved. Three-and-a-half-year-old Alex could only say three words a month ago, had difficulty concentrating and showed little interest in playing. Now there is a great positive progress in his behavior, as well as in his understanding of the world around him. Alex now speaks, counts, recognizes colors and has become patient during games that require concentration. His mother notes that these positive changes have also had a beneficial impact on the family’s emotional well-being.

Alex’s success story is one of the important achievements of the Viva-“Artissimo” partnership. Specialists at the “Voskeporik” development center note that these results were made possible through seven months of intensive rehabilitation, provided free of charge. The continuity and consistency of rehabilitation therapies are important for children with special educational needs (SEN). This issue is more relevant in the regions, where early identification of children with SEN remains a challenge, and families are more vulnerable due to the sometimes impossibility of access to professional development services.

“We have made significant achievements at the “Voskeporik” centers in two regions. Every child’s success is a success for the center. They take their first steps with us and say their first words with us. These achievements are made possible through both the involvement of parents and the professional work of our specialists. However, the most important thing is the continuous and without interruption provision of rehabilitation therapies. I am very happy to note that with Viva’s support we have this opportunity. The center implements various rehabilitation therapies, from physiotherapy and sensory integration to hippotherapy,” said Katerina Horstka, founder of the “Artissimo” cultural NGO.

With Viva’s support, specialists at the “Voskeporik” development centers in Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik are carrying out titanic work. 200 children are fully served annually. The methodology, consistent efforts and commitment deliver desired results. The model they apply emphasizes cooperation between parents, children and specialists, and the parents who have gained knowledge apply the right approaches at home. The success story of Karina, who has autistic symptoms, is also one of the facts of the application of this model. The professional team at the Yeghegnadzor “Voskeporik” center managed to provide incomparable progress for the child with behavioral and eating difficulties caused by sensory disbalance. Their goal is not to achieve temporary improvements, but a lifelong positive outcomes. Karina is already able to communicate her thoughts, attends school and has integrated into the social environment.

By the way, the Yeghegnadzor “Voskeporik” center is adapted to the work carried out in the direction of sensory integration. The branch, which serves twenty villages and one town, offers rehabilitation services to children with various motor and genetic conditions, while also providing specialized support for children with autism spectrum disorders.