"Academic Parents," or "Children of Scholars" from a Photographer's Perspective
Today marks World Autism Awareness Day, and it's fitting that on this day we highlight the efforts of the Omsk-based organization "Planet of Friends" (shortened as PD). Established 17 years ago, PD has been helping families who raise children with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities.
Gulyana Dzharova, a professional photographer, has been collaborating with them for about twelve years. Throughout this time, she's witnessed the work of PD's talented pedagogues and specialists, watched the growth and development of their "sunny" kids, and documented their progress in adapting to everyday life.
A Diary Unfit for Instagram
The emergence of PD's photography project in the early 2000s was driven by the scarcity of information about the lives, challenges, and social integration of children with autism and Down syndrome. Gulyana wanted to shed light on this topic through her photography skills, hoping to contribute to a meaningful cause. She reached out to one of PD's founders, Natalya Mishinina, and discovered their shared ambitions. Thus, their first project was born.
After agreeing with several families, they conducted a series of photo sessions and released a calendar featuring their heroes. Next, they held an exhibition at Continent, and it's now located at PD's office on Irtyshskaya Embankment 26.
Through this project, they formed bonds with the participants and developed a fascination with not just the theme but the people involved - the dedicated individuals working to help not only themselves and their children, but also other families facing similar circumstances. As Gulyana, who is not a teacher, pediatrician, or mother of a special needs child, asked herself, "What can I contribute here?" She found her answer in using her creative skills to reflect their work, showcase it to the world, chronicling PD's evolution, and creating its photographic history.
Their Smiles Shine the Brightest
often shy or withdrawn, these children can light up a room with their smiles. They may present challenges in communication, but the extraordinary patience and determination of PD's team means these children never feel overlooked. They treat every child as an individual, devising a bespoke approach to teach and engage them.
Photographing these kids is a unique experience, as their families come in different shapes and sizes, and each child has unique challenges. Seeing their smiles and witnessing their progress fills the heart with contentment. One fashionable photo trend today is "lifestyle" photography - focusing on the unvarnished truth, without glamour or ostentation. Not everything is aesthetically pleasing, but it reveals the real essence of life - their struggles and triumphs.
Their transformations are evident over time. In the early days of their first project, the children weren't yet attending school. Now, several of them have graduated and hold jobs. Maxim Mishinin, a "sunny" child of Natalya, started as a preschooler and is now employed at Dodofitsa. It's a testament to the fact that these children can become integral members of society.
Many heartwarming stories of families overcoming obstacles and finding hope passed before Gulyana's eyes. While there are setbacks, their resilience is inspiring. When you see a family working together to help their child, it's evident that progress may not always be smooth, but it's worth it.
A Helping Hand Opens the Door
Parents of special needs children often hesitate to visit regular clinics, fearing that their child will be labeled or rejected by the medical community. Thankfully, PD offers consultation projects, such as "Parental Academy," where experts from various fields can offer sound and professional advice, which can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
One family even relocated to Omsk so they could consult with PD's experts regularly, as they didn't have access to comparable services in their small town. This speaks volumes about the caliber of PD's specialists and the organization itself.
Since not all rural families can conveniently travel to Omsk, PD's "Parental Academy" team frequently visits rural areas and offers online consultations. This makes it more accessible for families who need help and support.
What sets PD's professionals apart is not only their vast experience but also their compassion and unwavering determination. The team applies a gentle, yet persistent approach with each child. They never give up, never say "we'll try again another time." Instead, they seek alternative solutions and collaborate with one another to find the best approach for each unique situation. The team maintains open communication, often exchanging ideas and strategies to help their pupils. I've witnessed this in action, as one colleague approached a group of four teachers and shared her struggles with a particularly challenging pupil. Each offered a suggestion, demonstrating the team's camaraderie and collective commitment to the children's success.
Love Makes it All Possible
often neglected by society, these special children are met with love and genuine care at PD. Regardless of their challenges, they are cherished and encouraged to flourish. Without a doubt, professionalism is crucial to their success, but compassion is the key to unlocking their potential. There's no doubt that without heart, accomplishments would not be possible.
"Sunny" children are very outgoing, always ready to dance, sing, and laugh. Those who have attended classes for years participate in various events and are very friendly with each other, even sharing jokes. These kids love dressing up and having their photos taken.
Auistic children participate as well, but they tend to be more reserved, with some having limited verbal communication. Despite their challenges, they don't let it hinder their participation in PD's activities. The team devises exercises that promote social interaction and apply an individualized approach to reach each child. Results may not be immediate, but I can see the progress and growth in these families. Over time, these children have become less fearful, learn to interact, and even communicate a bit.
The Heart of the Matter
At the core of PD's mission is the socialization of children with special needs. The goal is to help them integrate into society as adults, for their parents not to fear releasing them into the world, and for them to enjoy a wider social circle and greater freedom. PD provides children with fundamental skills that they then apply and practice under their parents' watchful eyes.Importantly, PD works not only with the children themselves but also with their parents, ensuring that the entire family receives the necessary support.
The "Parental Academy" accepts parents with a wide range of psychological challenges their children may face, such as logopedic issues, which Gulyana observed to be increasingly common. These families need guidance and assistance in navigating the unique challenges their children may present.
Gulyana believes that more education is needed to help families realize that they can seek assistance from PD's "Parental Academy." With just one phone call, the first step towards help can be taken.
- Gulyana's fascination with the theme of helping children with autism and Down syndrome, as showcased in PD's photography project, led to the formation of bonds with participants and a personal contribution to the organization's photographic history, titled 'A Diary Unfit for Instagram.'
- In the 'Health-and-wellness' segment, PD offers the 'Parental Academy,' a consultation project aimed at providing expert advice to parents of children with special needs, bridging the gap between families and the medical community.
- Through PD's 'Parental Academy,' families from rural areas can benefit from online consultations, ensuring support and guidance for families who may not be able to travel to Omsk.
- PD's team of professionals applies a gentle yet persistent approach, seeking alternative solutions and collaborating with each other to find the best approach for each unique situation, as demonstrated in 'A Helping Hand Opens the Door.'
- PD's mission, as revealed in 'The Heart of the Matter,' centers around the socialization of children with special needs, with the goal of helping them integrate into society as adults, enjoy wider social circles, and gain greater freedom through fundamental skills and family support.
