Wheelchair-accessible vehicle transforms life for man with cerebral palsy in Khabarovsk

Vadim Kulakov, a Khabarovsk resident with severe cerebral palsy, has received a specialised vehicle for wheelchair transport. The handover took place at the Khabarovsk Children’s Psychoneurological Boarding School as part of an initiative to inspire children with disabilities and their families. The vehicle was delivered by participants in the Expedition of Kindness campaign from St. Petersburg. They travelled nearly 9,000 kilometres to present the car. The ceremony marked a significant moment for Vadim, who retains full mental capacity and uses his right big toe to type, manage social media, and communicate.

Vadim’s situation came to the attention of the People's Front in St. Petersburg through Maxim Ivanov, a State Duma deputy from Khabarovsk Krai. Ivanov highlighted how the vehicle grants Vadim greater independence to leave home, meet friends, and continue his work. As an SMM specialist at the regional branch of the All-Russian Society for People with Disabilities, Vadim participates in the Accessible Employment programme, which has helped over 140 people with first- and second-group disabilities secure jobs. The new vehicle is expected to improve Vadim’s quality of life and mobility. His case demonstrates how support and opportunity can lead to meaningful social integration for people with disabilities.