Newsroom

Toward Independent Living In Rostov-na-Donu

May 2003

Galina Sokolyuk’s enthusiasm for her work is contagious. When not in the office consulting with clients or engaged in legal defense seminars, Ms. Sokolyuk is constantly shuttling between the city administration, the mayor’s office, and other NGOs in the Rostov area. The fact that she suffers from paralysis in her legs that would keep most people housebound never even enters the picture.

During her tenure as director of the Rostov-na-Donu-based NGO “Feniks,” since 1992 Ms. Sokolyuk has created the best known, most socially engaged and successful organization for the physically disabled in Rostov. Ms. Sokolyuk, herself unable to walk without the assistance of crutches, has become somewhat of a local celebrity, and has earned renown in her many successful partnership programs with the city administration and local business leaders. In her aggressive pursuit of legal protection and social acceptance of the handicapped, Ms. Sokolyuk has made progress for Rostov’s disabled population which is unparalleled in all of southern Russia.

The Rostov Oblast administration estimates that over 65,000 residents of Rostov-na-Don suffer from physical disability, while the oblast-wide number is estimated at over 300,000. Although one of the sectors of the population that requires the most assistance and attention from local and federal authorities, the handicapped are one of the most neglected. The reasons for this are endemic and all too familiar: lack of funding, lack of interest and the concomitant stigmatization that the disabled suffer in the eyes of the general population.

For the last 11 years, however, “Feniks” has worked to reverse these trends. Among the organization’s most successful programs are its many legal defense initiatives, which have greatly empowered the area disabled through consultations and informational campaigns. “Feniks’s” client base, i.e., those who seek legal aid and consultation from the center’s legal experts, already number in the thousands. “Feniks” also operates shuttle and city transportation services for the handicapped, and well as services which repair and supply wheelchairs to the city’s disabled population.

As the recipient of a microgrant from IREX’s Pro-NGO initiative, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), “Feniks” continues its work for improving the lives of the Rostov Oblast’s handicapped residents. “We enjoy a productive relationship with municipal organs and the mayor’s office, but they are unable to supply funding sufficient to support our operations. Without USAID-funded grants, we would be forced to discontinue a great majority of our programs. And that means first and foremost that Rostov’s disabled residents suffer,” said Sokolyuk.

Recent “Feniks” programs have emphasized the issue of accessibility to public transport and city institutions. Referring to a recent visit to the US, Ms. Sokolyuk remarked, “I was astounded by the proliferation of ramps and handicapped accessible buildings everywhere. In a visit to the National Cathedral, I observed ramps, and electric lifts for wheelchairs. I was even able to visit the White House, which is completely handicapped-friendly. One of our goals now is to have every church in Rostov handicapped-accessible by the end of the year.” Significant process has already been made by “Feniks” in cooperation with the Rostov city administration in their effort to make public buildings, shops and restaurants accessible to the disabled. Their work continues, as does Ms. Sokolyuk’s devotion to fighting for rights and normalization in society for the handicapped.