Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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They create social programs for people with disabilities, engage in educational work, and demonstrate by their own example that people with disabilities can live a full life. The laureates were announced in Moscow. Nikolai Ostrovsky PrizeEach of them has many achievements and merits behind them.
A mos.ru correspondent spoke with the winners. We discuss which projects the jury recognized, why it's important to be among like-minded people and receive recognition, and how the competition inspires others to realize their full potential.
A Lifelong Work: How a Prize Becomes a Reward for Years of Work
The Nikolai Ostrovsky Prize was established in 2018. It is awarded annually to individuals with disabilities who have achieved outstanding success, as well as to those who help people with disabilities. Over the past few years, more than 70 people have been awarded the prize. In 2025, 10 winners were selected in eight categories. They received a badge, a medal, and a diploma, as well as a cash prize. This year, the prize was increased almost sevenfold: from 150,000 to one million rubles.
Venera Deniskina, a PhD candidate in pedagogy, senior researcher, and associate professor in the Department of Visual Impairment at Moscow State Pedagogical University (MSPU), took first place in the category "For Significant Contribution to the Education and Comprehensive Development of Children and Youth in an Inclusive Society." She holds the title of Honorary Worker of General Education of Russia.
"At the age of two, I almost completely lost my sight due to measles. In sixth grade, I dreamed of becoming a teacher of blind children. After graduating, I fulfilled my dream and began teaching mathematics at a specialized school. In my 30s, I contracted the flu, which severely impaired my hearing and completely lost my sense of smell. But that didn't stop me. Today, I teach Braille to future teachers so they can help blind children read and write. I've authored over 260 scientific papers exploring methods of working with the blind, as well as numerous books that explain in accessible language the lives of people with visual impairments," shared Venera Deniskina.
For example, in her works, the teacher explains that such people can see with the center of the eye, sideways, or with one half. The book "Learning to Smile" explains how to develop a child's facial expressions if they are unable to learn them from adults. Venera Deniskina is currently working on the foreword for the collection "12 Stories of Blind Mothers," which is planned for publication. It was she who suggested combining the stories published in the All-Russian Society of the Blind's journal, "Our Life," into a separate book that will explore how mothers raise children and manage their daily lives.
The teacher participates in regional, national, and international conferences in her field. She visits rehabilitation centers for cancer patients, as children sometimes lose their sight after the disease. She gives lectures, including on the prevention of so-called disability behavior (when a person is depressed by their condition and fails to take advantage of opportunities).
"I'm lucky because my profession and hobby coincide. Typhlopedagogy has been my whole life; I've dedicated 55 years to it. My friends, who were themselves nominated, inspired me to apply for the Nikolai Ostrovsky Prize. I submitted an application, wrote my biography, and included key works. It's wonderful to receive recognition from the city. I'm also glad that the cash prize has become so substantial; it will be useful for my treatment," the mos.ru interviewee added.
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In a circle of like-minded people – people who have dedicated themselves to others
Varvara Romashkina didn't choose her profession either—her profession chose it herself. Born to deaf parents, she spoke sign language from childhood. Today, Varvara Romashkina is the head of the sign language interpreting department and a senior lecturer in the Department of Stage and Sign Language at the Russian State Specialized Academy of Arts, the head of sign language interpreting at the OTR television channel, and a sign language choreographer at the Nedoslov Theatre for Deaf Actors. She was recognized at the awards ceremony in the category "For outstanding achievements and significant contribution to the integration of individuals with disabilities in the creative industries."
"I help people who are deaf hear, that is, translate Russian spoken language into Russian sign language. In my speech classes, I teach hearing-impaired students to 'speak' clearly and distinctly: when an actor is overwhelmed by emotion, their gestures become unintelligible. In the theater, my job is to help actors convey the meaning of the work and the director's intentions. Words outweigh gestures; they need to be properly combined. I also need to demonstrate the expressive power of deaf language," she said.
At the awards ceremony, Varvara Romashkina found herself surrounded by like-minded people—those who, like her, had given their lives to helping others.
"It's wonderful to meet people I've heard of but never met in person. For example, I was struck by Father Cyprian—he lost his legs in the Afghan War, but afterward he began helping people with disabilities, writing and performing songs about the war, and became a monk. Anyone can face the possibility of their abilities suddenly being limited. But life goes on. Everyone should be helped to develop their talents, especially those with disabilities, because they have to put in extra effort. And Moscow supports them: it makes the environment accessible, provides support around the city, and opens programs for self-development," the laureate added.
"The competition proved to me that I was doing everything right."
Galina Panteleeva received an award for creating conditions for people with disabilities to return to active life. She has been managing the Zhar-ptitsa and Marya-Iskusnitsa studios for 25 years. State Museum – Cultural Center "Integration" named after N.A. Ostrovsky.
"My main audience is people with mental disabilities and cerebral palsy (CP). At the Firebird studio, we practice beadwork and often create group crafts. For example, a five-foot-tall tree made of sequins and beads. At the Marya the Craftswoman studio, we create folk costumes from various Russian provinces of the late 19th century. These aren't exact reconstructions, but they're close to the originals. The studios have a homely atmosphere. Students socialize and celebrate holidays together. Some even start families. Having mastered the craft, the students can become self-employed and start earning money," explained Galina Panteleeva.
The teacher places special emphasis on exhibitions: they make the students feel valued. They often win prizes even in non-inclusive competitions, performing well among able-bodied artists.
"Winning the award was unexpected for me. I've lived my life with impostor syndrome: I'm afraid everyone will realize they've misjudged me! But the competition proved to me that I'm doing everything right. Now I want to develop new teaching methods, and perhaps even start working with blind children. Thanks to the award, people will learn not only about those who work with the disabled, but also about the disabled themselves who have achieved success. It's no coincidence that it was named after Nikolai Ostrovsky, a blind, paralyzed, and yet outstanding writer," she emphasized.
Talent that has no limits
The story of Alexander Pokhilko is inspiring. He was born without legs or hands, but this didn't stop him from learning to draw. His adoptive mother encouraged him to develop his skills. The boy painted, holding a brush or pencil between his hands, and gradually honed his skills. When Alexander Pokhilko was 14, he had a solo exhibition at the Tretyakov Gallery. Today, his works are held in the collections of various museums. He paints in a variety of styles, from academic drawings to postmodernism. The collection includes landscapes, portraits, and abstracts.
Alexander Pokhilko has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest volcano, three times, participated in triathlons, and is an athlete in multi-sport, shooting, sailing, and parachuting. He won first place in the competition for "Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts."
"I'm the only person to receive the Nikolai Ostrovsky Prize for the second time. I believe the jury's decision was influenced not only by my contribution to art, but also by the fact that I personally dispel many myths associated with disabilities. I hope this will motivate other people with disabilities not to give up but to move forward. I have many awards, but this one is especially prestigious and meaningful. I will be grateful for it for the rest of my life," the artist admitted.
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