In 2012, we at the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN received an email from a lady who was caring for a former neighbor. According to the description, he was an elderly man, completely lonely, without contact with the outside world. Deaf and probably also visually impaired. Hidden from everyone. Invisible. Unheard. Forgotten.
The first visits to the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN did not bear fruit, but we still did not give up. When we met him, he was scared, closed in on himself. We entered his world very slowly and carefully.
In the empty refrigerator there was only an onion and a bottle of Coca-Cola. But in his eyes there was a mysterious spark that perhaps he wanted more.
With great caution, we began to include him in the deafblind community. The feeling of belonging, security and respect began to change him. He learned to communicate in an adapted way. For the first time in his life, he got a place where he was noticed, heard, seen and respected.
Today Matevž is a creator. He mainly makes houses, paintings, and works of art from scrap wood. He also had his own solo exhibition. When he now steps in front of a person, he bows deeply, introduces himself, and briefly tells something about himself, in his own way.
He has always been considered a deviant, a strange person in society. Today he is a human being. Independent, yet very creative. And above all, present.
Matevž is proof that it is never too late. That there is no person who cannot be invited back into life.
