Veronika

“I have had health complications since my birth — after giving birth, doctors resuscitated me for twenty minutes. At first glance, my disability is not visible, but since childhood I have been living with serious diagnoses: angina pectoris, rheumatoid arthritis and most importantly severe scoliosis of the spine, which is not operable and carries the risk of pinching the spinal cord. One wrong move could cause paralysis. Recently, doctors also discovered a network of benign tumors on my thyroid gland.
Nevertheless, I live a life full of creativity. I paint on glass, fabrics and canvas, take photos and dance with fire and light. For me, dancing is not only a way to express emotions, but also a relief for my back, although I have to pay great attention to every movement. Since February 2025, I have had my own business and I dream of an e-shop and website where I could present my work and especially a series of mandalas, which I am really proud of.
My biggest barrier is psychological discomfort — internal pressure, outbursts of anger and aggression, which often hold me back. That’s why I started working with coach Kateřina Pešková. She helps me regain psychological security, work out priorities and develop my talent. My big dream is to perform in the circus and connect dance, fire and emotions into something exceptional.“

Monika

„My name is Monika and I live in a social services center. I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair, but this does not limit me in either my active life or in achieving my goals. It brings me experience, teaches me patience, creativity and finding ways to overcome obstacles.

My passion is social media marketing, so I work with Lady’s, where I take care of client communication, product presentation and team support. Working with people fulfills me every day, motivates me to learn new things, move forward and look for ways to be better.  My goal is to one day have my own salon, where I can help people to feel beautiful and confident. I would also like to travel more and one day fulfill my goal: to look at the sea.

From coaching, I expect that I will learn to plan and achieve my goals better, strengthen my sales and communication skills and be able to provide even better support and care to clients and colleagues.“

Marcela

“I am blind and have several other diseases of civilization. I worked part-time in a non-profit organization – together with the nursing service, I visited seniors in their homes and talked to them about their problems and lives. Unfortunately, I was laid off due to lack of funds. 
I would like a female coach with whom I would have as many personal meetings as possible. This is important to me. With a coach, I would like to find a new job in which I would at least have some fun and where I would be useful. I would also like to discover new possibilities, talents, skills, abilities and knowledge in myself. I also want to find encouragement, inspiration and motivation for the next life, to move somewhere further, not to stay at one and the same point, to be able to make decisions, develop, grow and gain self-confidence. 
I like to go with sighted friends to the cinema, to the theatre, to concerts and tactile exhibitions, to swim, to walks in parks and gardens. But I don’t have many friends. With the help of a coach I would like to find a way to make more friends.“

Jana

„About six years ago, I developed an infection in my leg. Since it could not be treated successfully, my leg had to be amputated. This put me in a wheelchair and I lost my independence. Without assistance, I cannot get anywhere. Because of the unavoidable long- term sitting, I suffer from pressure sores, so-called decubitus ulcers.

I am now living in RoSa. Due to my diagnosis, I feel broken inside. With the help of a coach, I would like to heal this wound. For me, this means finding the value and meaning of my life, self-confidence, love for myself, and a sense of solid ground under my feet. This will allow me to move forward and use my potential.“

Angelika

“I have lived with cerebral palsy since birth. Doctors did manage to get me on my feet, but only with the help of crutches. After the birth of my son, however, my health deteriorated and I ended up in a wheelchair. Even so, I don’t give up—what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.

Right now I struggle with being rejected for jobs because of my disability, as I couldn’t perform my work to the same degree as a healthy person. That’s why I’ve decided to work on myself with the help of a coach—I want to strengthen my self-confidence, develop my own potential and, at the same time, be able to secure my own livelihood.“

Marketa

„In the United States, I worked as an internist and a specialist in sleep medicine. However, my professional life changed dramatically after my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis became known. Although I managed to stay in the field for many years, the illness and a later injury eventually confined me to a wheelchair. Today, I am fully dependent on the assistance of others, and this dependence is the greatest obstacle I face every day.

With the support of a coach, I want to rediscover a sense of purpose and let go of the resignation that has accompanied me since losing my family and my career. I believe that with guidance, I can create a new path for my life—one where I can once again help others. I am already working on a book about multiple sclerosis, aiming to share both my experiences and hope. My motivation is not only to overcome my own limitations but also to show that even after great losses, life still holds meaning.“

Pascale

“As a premature baby, I suffer from cerebral palsy and autism which causes me to be hypersensitive. As an orphan, I grew up in an institution but longed to be independent. After two years of effort, I bought an apartment in Ostrava and am now learning to live a full life.

I am 26 years old. I have no parents and my grandparents have also passed away and financially paying the mortgage and paying for my medication and rehabilitation is unmanageable. Without the contribution of Konto Barriers and Belong Together Ola, I would not be able to pay for the necessary rehabilitation. I would love to do the rehab again in the fall as it helps me so much, but I will not be eligible from insurance this year or next. I would also like to pay off part of the loan.

A coach could help me find other avenues of help and most importantly find a surrogate family.”

Pavla

„I am a trained cook and used to work in restaurants, and later as a postwoman. When I was 32, I had my first stroke. After cervical spine surgery in 2015, I was left in a wheelchair. However, I went on to have four more strokes, and in 2018, a fifth one. The rehabilitation required great effort—today, from being completely paralyzed, I’ve reached the point where I can even write again, with the help of my daughter. Unfortunately, I have been diagnosed with retinal arteriosclerosis and am gradually losing my sight.

I used to enjoy acoustic shooting and even represented my school in shooting competitions. I’ve always loved sports and nature—my grandfather instilled that in me. My husband helps me a lot, but he is beginning to show signs of physical exhaustion.

With the help of a coach, I want to discover a new reality for my life, new ways to live with these disabilities.“

Eliska

„I was born with cerebral palsy with spastic quadriparesis. CP is my primary diagnosis, but it is also associated with other conditions, such as frequent epileptic seizures.

I move around in a mechanical and electric wheelchair, live alone in a wheelchair accessible apartment and depend mainly on myself financially. I currently work in a sheltered workshop as a production assistant (sewing workshop). Although my health is deteriorating, I wish to continue working so that I can take care of myself. My goal is to be an inspiration to others.

Working with a coach, I would like to open new doors, find a path to personal growth, get psychological support and help in finding a new job.“

Veronika

„I have been living with cerebral palsy since birth and am wheelchair bound. I was born prematurely as one of twins. Unfortunately, my little sister died after giving birth. I have heard since I was a child that I am a great fighter – I believe it was she who passed on her strength to me.

In addition to my physical limitations, I also struggle with psychological difficulties that not everyone can understand or accept – and sometimes I struggle with that myself. Recently, I lost the opportunity to fulfill my dream – to finish my high school diploma – because of a man who didn’t give me a chance. It was another of the many life blows I had to accept.

I look to coaching to help me accept myself. I hope that through it I will be able to become independent from my family, find a job, a partner and new friends in the future. I would like to lead my own life one day. Albeit with occasional help.“

Michal

“I am studying to teach German at a German university. With the help of a coach, I want to find ways to fulfill my dream of becoming an interpreter after graduation, despite my disability. Although I crave the company of people, I spend most of my time alone. With a coach, I want to clarify my ideas about making friends and partnerships, and I want to find out what I should do better to make more friends and find a partner to start a family with in the future. I want a life change.”

Dagmar

“I suffer from many mental traumas due to the neurological syndrome Guillain-Barré, which repeatedly causes the body to collapse, a completely paralyzing condition.  I have been out of my wheelchair twice. But I still have mental conditions based on these experiences.

I don’t want to keep swallowing medication, it doesn’t work for my anxieties. They only cause dizziness and loss of appetite.

By working with therapist and coach Petra Chvátalová, I hope to be able to live without phobias. I want to feel motivated to live again and to be aware of nice things. As it is, I can’t do it without help. I need to unblock traumatic events so that they don’t come back into my mind and stop taking away my motivation for life.”

Jakub

„I’m 31 years old. I have been living with a disability since I was a child due to cerebral palsy and my life requires the assistance of another person all day long. But I am very active, I lecture at the Faculty of Philosophy about the way of life of a person with disabilities and I am a lecturer in the Moravian-Silesian region in the project „Live normally 2“.

I consider the fact that some people treat me like a child to be an obstacle to my employment. I am not alone, some other people with disabilities also experience this. That’s why I want to work on raising awareness in this respect and explaining how to approach us. With a coach, I want to explore my strengths and find ways to make my life better.“

Alena

“I come from a dysfunctional family and grew up in orphanages. I trained as a weaver. I fell off a roof when I was 20 and have been paralyzed ever since. Since 1996 I have lived in a social services centre in Hrabyně, North Moravia. After the death of a friend who had a severe disability, I longed to become independent and succeeded. Since 2024 I have been living in Opava temporarily in a sublet. My dream is to live on my own permanently. I want to help more people in the Association of the Physically Disabled of Hrabyně (STP) and my friends in wheelchairs, and for this I need better technical means, such as a quality wheelchair and an additional drive. With a coach I want to find out what activities would be gainful for me, for example I enjoy doing graphic work on the computer. At the moment I am doing administration in a sheltered workshop and the earnings are very low, not enough for my plans.he future. I want a life change.”

Helena

“My name is Helena Šestáková and I am a pharmaceutical laboratory technician with a focus on homeopathy. My approach to health is holistic – I believe that it is possible to live a healthy life without the excessive use of medicines. I try to work on myself and help people find balance.

However, fate has put me to a difficult test. My husband was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor (stage 4 glioblastoma). After three surgeries, he is now at home but completely dependent on my care. In addition, I had to undergo knee surgery myself. Nevertheless, I am determined to stay with him because I believe that being together helps him to keep his personality and dignity.

This experience has taught me that I also have to deal with my own psychosomatic problems that interfere with my life. I would like to find a way to impart my knowledge to people in a different way than in a pharmacy, with more emphasis on individual attention. I am already fulfilling this dream, but I need to move on so that I can live and work within my means.”

Michal

„My name is Michal Krch. In 2001, I lost my sight as a result of an injury, which fundamentally changed my entire life. Nevertheless, I studied special education and completed a massage course. Now I work as a massage therapist. Since 2010, I have been involved in bowling and represent the Czech Republic in international tournaments. In my professional and sports career, I have reached my limits, and I want to overcome them in collaboration with a coach.“

Oliver

“I’ve been practically blind since birth. I got my high school diploma without a high school diploma because the school was not equipped with access for the blind and I failed my high school diploma in accounting. I have a third degree disability and am now not employed. I DJ for fun. I really enjoy electronic dance music. Recently, I was disturbed by the cancer illness of a very close person and have taken it hard mentally.

What is my current barrier that I believe a coach can help me resolve? I am unsure about personal matters, I would like to start a family and gain a new purpose in life. I realize that personal growth and greater self-confidence can help me do this.”

George

“I live with my parents and currently have no job and no family of my own. Due to a brain tumour I am partially paralysed, thanks to intensive rehabilitation I have already improved my condition a lot, only my arm is paralysed. This limits my work capacity. What do I want to change? And why do I want to work on myself with a coach? My goal is to change my life so that I can start a family.”

Radek

“My name is Radek Halas, I come from Klatovy and I am blind. My interests are

walking, swimming, reading, listening to music or shows and radio games

and a cat cafe. I expect coaching to move me somewhere with my

thoughts and plans in the present and future. I look forward to coaching.”

Jitka

“In 2001, after graduating from high school, I had an accident that left me using a wheelchair. Since then, I’ve been studying, working, and trying to improve myself bit by bit.

Professionally, I’m involved in environmental education. Simultaneously, I guide people who are newly using a wheelchair due to spinal cord injuries as a so-called peer mentor. During my free time, I enjoy contemplation, attempting to learn the art of doing nothing, or at least slowing down, and engaging in both dry land and water-based activities, preferably in nature. An ideal day for me would have at least 30 hours to fit in everything I have planned.

I love the view from the window into the greenery, and one of my plans is a project to travel Europe by train from south to north (or vice versa).

I believe and hope that collaborating with a coach will help me broaden my horizons and perhaps discover new possibilities and talents.”

Karin

“After two serious injuries, a fire and a car collision, I am in a wheelchair. I have quadriparesis, which is paralysis of the limbs. I suffer from incurable chronic pain, I also have a visual impairment and many other ailments. I am very active. I sing, play the keyboard, the neck and much more. I would like to prioritize my life with a coach and wish to process my childhood anxieties and traumas.”

Kristyna

“I have been in a wheelchair since I was twelve years old after a spinal cord injury. During my studies at high school, I did top monoskiing and represented the Czech Republic. Later on, I also started parasurfing. Now I live with my partner in Olomouc, study psychology and work as a peer mentor for people after spinal cord injury in the Czech Association of Paraplegics. I would like to work with a coach especially on my development in my working and study life.”

Radek

“As a result of an injury I lost most of my eyesight. Nevertheless, I am trying to become independent because I don’t want to be dependent on the help of others. I spend several hours a week teaching people with similar disabilities how to use computers. With the help of my coach Kateřina Pešková, I am gradually figuring out how to cope with the pitfalls of independent living despite my visual disability. Now I will continue to work on myself with a sports coach to get one of the right life habits that I have defined with the Melodio Foundation coach.”

Libor

“I have had many unpleasant experiences. When I was repairing a roof, the scaffolding broke and I fell from 13 meters straight onto the concrete. After a year I learned to walk again, but I got MRSA, which is an aggressive golden staph, in my left leg. I tried to save my leg, I managed to find a clinic in Poland. But because of the high cost of treatment, I had to sell my apartment. Unfortunately, I couldn’t save my leg. Now I would like to find peace and quiet within myself. Since 2015 I have been in a wheelchair, selling New Space and staying in various hostels. With my coach Karolina Chovancova, I got motivated and made it clear to myself that at the moment, the only thing that is really my life anchor is wheelchair accessible housing. Melodio is now helping me to find the right contacts and legal assistance to ensure that my application for an apartment meets all the necessary requirements and that I am granted wheelchair accessible housing.”

Romana

“I have been living with cerebral palsy since birth. I love life, I love writing about it, but I love living it even more. I try to show that a wheelchair is not an insurmountable obstacle. I wish I could turn my dreams into reality, because nothing is impossible. Even a journey can be a destination – that’s why I would like to continue to develop and work on my personal development. While working with a coach, I realized that I would like to make a living as a copywriter. The Melodio Foundation supported me not only in education. Thanks to the Junior Academy of Marketing Girls and the opportunity to work for Melodio NF, I decided to pursue a self-employed career in marketing. This year I am looking forward to connecting with a mentor who will support me in the early days of my business.”

Mates

“In 2003 I became paralyzed after a car accident. I was a keen sportsman and I was drawn to sport. I represented our country in para-hockey, and now I’m taking up para-badminton again, and I want to achieve great results in that as well. With my coach Tereza Dyntar, I have learned important mental techniques that will help me to work better with my feelings after a loss. I will be able to pass on my new experience.”

Thomas

“Even though I was diagnosed with a rare disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, at a young age with a bleak prognosis, I try to have a positive attitude to life. Thanks to the disease, I was in a situation where I lost my current job. I want to start a new project with a coach while clarifying my vision and values.”

Eva

“My name is Eva and I have been in a wheelchair for 20 years due to nerve damage in my legs. I work in a nursing home as a dispatcher of assistants. I worked with coach Eva Strakova for a few months in 2023 and now I am being guided by trainer Zuzana Köhler to improve my telephone work. I want to improve in fundraising and also apply myself as a research interviewer.”