Along a bustling street in a western Ukrainian town, Denys Abdulin Take your first steps independently ever since he was severely injured and blinded while fighting against the invading russian forces over a year ago.
The 34-year-old ex-soldier, wearing dark glasses and a white cane to guide himself, steps onto a busier stretch of sidewalk. His movements become tentative and tense. accidentally locks the path of a woman approaching an ATM to withdraw cash.
Like many other pedestrians, she responds with a sympathetic smile and politely steps to the side. Little by little, Abdulin walk 600 metersguided by a trainer who walks in front of him with a bracelet of metal bells.
Five other Ukrainian military veterans overcame similar challenges while attending a boot camp rehabilitation for ex-soldiers who lost sight in combat. Over the course of several weeks, the men would learn to navigate the city of Rivne, prepare their own meals, and use public transportation on their own.
The daily tasks that you previously performed without thinking now require concentrationstrength and dedication.