Mykyta’s first independent steps: how a sensory room helped tranform a young boy’s life

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential. That is why one of the key priorities of the KRYTSIA: Support for recovery of Kryvyi Rih Raion project is to expand access to quality educational and developmental services for children with special educational needs, notably through sensory rooms. It is in one of these newly established spaces that Mykyta, a young boy with significant mobility challenges, made remarkable progress, moving from needing constant assistance to taking independent steps and gaining confidence in everyday life.

As part of the project, three inclusive resource centres, 24 sensory rooms and 44 calm down corners have already been established across Kryvyi Rih and Kryvyi Rih Raion. As a result, more than 4,600 children have gained access to modern educational and corrective developmental services. The project also invests in people, not just facilities: 1,100 specialists have completed specialised training to strengthen their knowledge and skills in supporting children with special educational needs.

Among these facilities is the sensory room at the Shyroke Inclusive Resource Centre. It is here that a story unfolded, once again proving that the right support can truly change lives.

Mykyta IHUSHKIN, a young boy with special educational needs, attends corrective developmental sessions in the sensory room. At the beginning of his journey, he faced significant mobility challenges and required the constant support of a rehabilitation specialist to take even a few steps. During each session, the specialist carefully held his hands to help him move.

Through regular therapy, an individualised approach and the specialised equipment available in the sensory room, Mykyta gradually strengthened his motor skills.

Today, Mykyta can stand independently and take several steps without assistance. While this may seem like an ordinary milestone for many, for him and his family it represents an extraordinary achievement — the result of perseverance, professional support and unwavering belief in his potential.

Mykyta’s story demonstrates how access to high-quality corrective developmental services, an inclusive learning environment and dedicated professionals can transform children's lives. These investments help children with special educational needs become more independent, more confident and better prepared to explore new opportunities and participate fully in their communities.

The Support for recovery of Kryvyi Rih Raion project is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, in partnership with Proman and NDI.