Establishing a Guykadaran for Children with Disabilities in Lori
UNICEF and the Source Foundation improve children's access to adaptive furniture, accessories, and home adaptations.
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Every morning, while the rest of her family is still asleep, 15-year-old Seda wakes up, dons her gym clothes, turns on the music, and heads to her training session. Seda has cerebral palsy.
Her mother, Armine Rstakyan, recalls that they first became aware of her condition when she was only two. “Seda was born prematurely. The pediatrician said she might be slightly behind in her development but reassured us that she would catch up eventually. However, when we consulted a neurologist, we learned that there was indeed an issue,” Armine explains.
Because their local area lacked the necessary comprehensive rehabilitation services, Seda was initially taken to Oshakan and Yerevan for services. Now, she and her family are trying to get complete rehabilitation services by combining several services available in Vanadzor.
Seda has been able to practice at home for several months now. The necessary equipment – the soft stairs, cube-shaped pillows, and the balance board–were taken from the guykadaran (special equipment library) recently opened at Lori's Child and Family Support Center.
“Initially, I was nervous about tackling the exercises alone; the balance board would shift, so my brother lent a hand. Now, I've got the hang of it. I manage it independently: I steady myself using the bed and balance on the board,” Seda proudly shares.
The guykadaran initiative was spearheaded by UNICEF in collaboration with the Source Foundation. This pioneering library, the first of its kind in Armenia, houses a diverse collection of approximately 60 equipment types specifically designed for youngsters aged one to 18 residing in Vanadzor, Alaverdi, and Stepanavan. These children face various challenges, such as musculoskeletal issues, cognitive delays, autism spectrum disorders, and behavioral difficulties.
Armenia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) also supported the programme, which was financially supported by the the Russian Federation.
Recognizing the considerable costs associated with wooden furniture, soft accessories, and home modifications essential for consistent therapeutic assistance and proper positioning, coupled with the need for periodic replacements due to age, the guykadaran adopts a unique approach akin to a library.
“The state cannot feasibly provide every child with all the necessary equipment, considering the expenses involved. However, when a child requires a specific item at a particular time, they can utilize it based on their requirements. Parents are often more engaged this way. We often offer something as a gift, only to discover later that it has been left unused in a corner of the house. But when items are allocated for a specific duration under the supervision of a specialist, parents are motivated, and the child essentially gains a 'new toy' which they make optimal use of for several months,” explains Marina Parazyan, the founding director of the Source Foundation.
Under the program's framework, professionals dedicated to assisting children with disabilities and their parents participate in an intensive four-day training session. This equips them with the skills to utilize and maintain the equipment effectively. Furthermore, they receive ongoing monthly coaching sessions.
Armine highlights that although the center's experts guided her in using the equipment, Seda has developed such proficiency that she consistently discovers innovative ways to utilize it. “Whenever new equipment arrives, she engages with it enthusiastically. However, she occasionally becomes disinterested and takes a break after prolonged use. We have had this equipment for the past three months. Seda is genuinely thrilled to practice at home; it instills a sense of responsibility in her. Our routine involves morning exercises followed by our daily tasks. Seda is an incredible fighter, displaying immense willpower. She is determined to achieve success,” Armine says with excitement.
According to Alvard Poghosyan, UNICEF Armenia’s Education Specialist, addressing the significant challenges of disability reforms in Armenia necessitates collaborative efforts.
“The paramount challenge encompasses not only assessing disabilities but also providing essential services. Disability truly encompasses a spectrum of needs, and addressing these diverse needs demands various services. The Vanadzor-based facility exemplifies one such service,” Poghosyan explains.
Tatevik Stepanyan, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, envisions the library as a solution tailored to the needs of a specific group of children and their families.
“We do not want this to be merely another nicely furnished room; its purpose must be fulfilled to the fullest,” she emphasizes.
In the Lori Province, at least 50 children with disabilities can benefit from the guykadaran, tailored to their abilities and requirements. Following a usage period of up to six months, the equipment and necessary accessories can be swapped with alternatives suitable for various settings in the child's daily life, such as home, kindergarten, school, and developmental centers.
The program's architects emphasize strengthening the bond between parents and professionals. “This connection often becomes fragmented, with parents applying one approach at home while specialists adopt a different one at the center. The purpose is to unite parents and specialists in a collaborative effort. Child rehabilitation is an ongoing process. The issue remains unresolved if the child's involvement is limited to a single hour at the rehabilitation center while having no engagement at home or school. The whole environment should be customized to the child's needs and interests. This program initiates a comprehensive systemic shift,” the Source Foundation's Marina Parazyan explains.
In the upcoming year, experts will assess and determine the number of children with disabilities in Lori. This assessment will extend beyond the program's beneficiaries to identify the demand for specific equipment. In the long term, the program leaders aspire to establish guykadarans across all regions of Armenia, ensuring that essential equipment is accessible to every child in need anywhere in Armenia.
