Five persons with special needs took part in the Talk Forum – Self-Representation, aiming to inspire society by their life stories. Their speeches centered on problems related to accessibility, stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination, IPN reports.
Aliona Mîrza, a young woman from Briceni town, who is confined to a wheelchair, said the problem of accessibility should not be an obstacle to involvement and self-promotion. Her message is: “If I can, you also can!”.
Marina Petrean, a young woman with disabilities from Ciobalaccia village of Cantemir district, told about her struggle with the local authorities for changing things in her community. The confrontation later turned yet into friendship and close cooperation.
Andrei Maranda, a young man with disabilities, said he managed to find a job at a catering company owing to his insistence. “Sun always comes out after rain!” was his message for the persons who go through similar experiences. “The insistence should be the main slogan of all the persons with disabilities as each of us has this internal force,” stated Andrei Maranda.
Cristina Kostov, author of the book “I’m Human”, which is an anthology of life stories of persons with disabilities from the Republic of Moldova, appreciated the speeches of the young people, saying these are an inspiration and motivation for each of us, especially for the disabled people.
Xenia Siminciuc, of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Right, approved of the involvement of mother Uliana Leahovich in support of her daughter Iulia, who is in a wheelchair, to help her overcome the accessibility and social inclusion barriers. The family moved from Peresecina to Orhei for the girl’s dream to attend the lyceum and English language courses to come true. “The parents play a very important role in the success of their children. Missis Uliana is a real example in this regard for many parents who have children with disabilities because, without support, not even the most powerful and most talented children succeed,” she stated.
The Talk Forum – Self-Representation was at its fourth edition and is organized by the Youth Media Center. The goal and moto of the event is “Disabilities and special needs are not sentences, but only small obstacles to our immense dreams”.
