Irina Shalaginova: from a patient to an employee of the center “On Kazanskaya”

The story of Irina Shalaginova is an example of how rehabilitation can change a person’s life and lead him into a profession. With the Center “On Kazan” she met after a severe injury to the cervical spine. At that time, Irina almost could not move her arms, and even simple everyday activities were given to her with great difficulty. Rehabilitation at the Center lasted two years.

The center played a huge role in my life. When I arrived, I could hardly do anything by myself. And two years later, she was already sitting in a wheelchair, could work with her hands, use a computer and phone. For a healthy person, this seems normal, but when you could not even scratch your nose before, each such skill becomes a huge achievement.

During rehabilitation, she met Ksenia Alexandrovna Sumarokova, who later headed the Center. Later, Irina was offered a job in the social protection system, and then her professional path was again associated with “On Kazanskaya”: now she is a specialist in social work in a remote format.

This option is convenient for Irina and allows her to fully realize professionally. She lives in rural areas, where there are few suitable vacancies, and because of the need for accompanying assistance, daily commuting to work would be seriously hampered.

The duties of the specialist include statistics and reporting on rehabilitation and habilitation: she forms summary tables, compiles lists of activities carried out and maintains statistical data on the services provided. Another important area is the processing of questionnaires. Based on the information received, it is determined whether a person with a disability needs comprehensive rehabilitation and appropriate services in a rehabilitation center.

- If a person really wants to work, it is important to look for opportunities, try different directions, learn new things and delve into their work. You do not need to think in advance that nothing will work, says Irina.

Employment for a person with a disability is not only a source of income. Work provides an opportunity to apply knowledge and abilities, communicate with colleagues, feel professional relevance and participate in the life of society. Once the Center “On Kazan” helped Irina to take important steps towards independence. Today, she is part of the team of the Center and helps organize rehabilitation for other people.