Natia Bantsimadze

 

I first realized how crucial services are for children and persons with disabilities when I was faced with the needs of my own child.

 

Today, Irakli is already 7 years old, and for 4 years now we have been learning to live together with his autism diagnosis. Before that, I had not even heard the word autism. The lack of information was our very first and biggest challenge.

 

When you hear your child’s diagnosis, you automatically begin searching for services. In Akhaltsikhe, we were involved in the habilitation–rehabilitation program, and we achieved many results there. When we moved to Khashuri, I immediately started looking for new services and we found a day center, which has been vital for our lives. Even missing just one week has a visible impact on Irakli’s development.

 

As a mother, I try every day to create an environment where he can be free, happy, and able to grow in his own way. But my efforts alone are not enough. Our children need more support, more services, especially in the regions—because for them, these services are not just assistance, but a path toward a full and meaningful life.