Singer Myata Discusses Raising Son with Disabilities

Singer Myata, whose real name is Yulia Zahorska, recently opened up about her experiences of motherhood, specifically regarding the upbringing of her 17-year-old son Yuriy, who is currently enrolled in an inclusive school. The artist revealed that when her son turns 18, she will have to navigate bureaucratic procedures to confirm his unfitness for military service.

“So far, he has been issued a certificate stating that he is registered. But for me, this is very strange and somewhat amusing. This is a child with a first group disability, subgroup A. He cannot be left unsupervised by an adult. When he turns 18, I will have to go to the military enlistment office again, go through all the commissions, and submit paperwork to close the documents confirming that he truly cannot serve. Although he tells me that he wants to become a policeman,” Myata shared in an interview on the program 'Alone with Glamour.'

Currently, Yuriy receives individual lessons with teachers at the inclusive school, as the standard curriculum does not meet his needs. Myata emphasized that her primary goal has been to teach her son to speak and navigate his surroundings, although this comes with its own set of challenges. “This is a lifelong effort for us,” she highlighted.

The singer is raising two sons: her older son Yuriy, who has suffered two strokes, and her younger son Matviy. She also confessed that she does not plan to become a mother for the third time. “Honestly, I don’t want to. I have two children, and that is enough for me. It is very difficult to have a child to whom you are constantly attached,” the artist remarked.

Myata stressed her desire to focus on her creative work and perform at concerts. She admitted that she had been working with a psychotherapist for a long time, as at one point she forgot about herself while concentrating on raising her older son. “I have been seriously undergoing treatment for five years. There is a lack of rehabilitation centers for children with disabilities; everything rests on the shoulders of the parents,” she added, expressing her concern about the inadequate support for families raising children with special needs.

Thus, singer Myata continues to fight for a better future for her son, hoping for changes in the education system and social support for children with disabilities. Her story exemplifies the resilience and dedication demonstrated by parents raising children with special needs.