“Disabled Orphans Fleeing Kyviv”

The article about Ukraine read:

“Disabled orphans fleeing Kyiv received by Poles, Hungarians.”

I was scrolling Facebook, two of my three kids snuggled up on the couch next to me.

My baby was at my feet playing blocks.

And my oldest, sleeping. He had a long day. A tiring one.

“While many of those fleeing are able-bodied adults, choosing to brave long and sometimes dangerous journeys to bring themselves and their families to safety, other Ukrainians are at the mercy of their caregivers to deliver them out of danger.”

I have been waiting for this article. The one that finally talks about the children and adults with disabilities.

The ones who can’t walk miles for refuge.
The ones who can’t stay quiet.
The ones who can’t hide in a bunker.
The ones who can’t sleep in a strange place.
The ones who can’t be away from home.

An article from 2013 said, “A child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder in Ukraine can find no place in society…”

An article from 2015 said, “Out of some 8 million children living in Ukraine, 167,000 are registered with disabilities. More than 70,000 of these children live in institutions.”

These kids. These adults. We can’t forget about them.

Because they matter.

I know our life. I know my son’s autism.

We wouldn’t be able to flee. That’s a fact. I know that.

We would have to hide. At home. We couldn’t risk the journey.

And I’m going to be bold and say that most families who have a member with a disability would have to hide too.

Someone will comment on this post and say…’why are you sharing this?’

Just wait.

Posts like this make them uncomfortable. Because talking about disability makes them uncomfortable.

Because it doesn’t fit in a box. It’s confusing and messy sometimes. Especially in the hard times Ukraine is going through.

“Poland and Hungary welcomed a couple hundred disabled orphans and their chaperones who fled the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv amid a flurry of projectiles.”

I talk about autism and Cooper and disability because if I don’t, no one would know.

We have to talk about them.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and join our supporter page, Coop’s Troops, for an amazing community full of support and understanding.