Viva: From enclosed worlds to new realities: 18 years of cooperation full of success stories
Long-term and tireless work by specialists, cooperation with families, and both expected and unexpected successes… The aspiration of professionals to help individuals with autism transition from their enclosed worlds to new realities is a significant goal. 19-year-old Davit Ghazaryan is one of the students at the “My Way” Socio-Habilitation, Educational, and Vocational Training Day Care Center. His exceptional abilities were discovered when he was seen mastering and imitating songs at remarkable speed. Davit, who has a phenomenal memory and exceptional hearing, even took a vocal course with the Armenian-Cypriot singer Yuri Melikov, who was invited to the center. Davit particularly loves Celentano’s songs, and he is so skilled at impersonating him that at the center he is sometimes referred to as “Celentano”.
Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders receive age-specific, evidence-based therapy, and professional training here. The center has a motto: “I’m not like you, I’m one of you.” Here foundations are laid for their further development and integration into society, providing future job opportunities. Occupational therapy, music therapy, art therapy… every effort is made to help individuals with autism socialize. Any progress is considered an important achievement, accomplished through the dedication of professionals and the support of organizations that trust them.
“Every success story is a big victory for us. We have many such stories, which are, of course, a result of the hard work of our specialists. However, these achievements would not have been possible without support. I want to highlight Viva’s ongoing support, which has a long history. This support is not only material, it is a demonstration of love and care,” said Lilit Atajanyan, director of the Autism National Foundation.
Viva has been supportsing the “My Way” Socio-Habilitation, Educational, and Vocational Training Day Care Center for children with autism for many years. Over the past 18 years, the Company has invested more than 251 million drams for this purpose. “My Way” began its work in 2006, supporting 5 families with 5 specialists. Today, 200 children attend the center, with an additional 12 from Artsakh. 60 specialists implement a comprehensive educational and therapeutic program that includes speech development, art therapy, sand therapy, and more.
