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September 6, 2025 · Peter Bernscherer · Share on Facebook · Share on Twitter
For World Down Syndrome Day on March 21
For people with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), access to the digital world is an important element of their social participation. The BEREGYNJA and PCs FÜR ALLE organizations make the dream of owning a computer a reality, even for those without sufficient financial means.
Viktoria Tsykalo, 24, had to flee her Ukrainian hometown of Kharkiv with her mother two years ago to escape the Russian war of aggression. She found refuge in Vienna and has quickly built a new life for herself: Viktoria is a member of the "T21büne" ensemble and the "Ich bin OK" dance company. This requires a great deal of discipline and perseverance – qualities she cultivated early on with the support of her mother, even leading her to participate in the Special Olympics. Viktoria also finds support at BeregynjaFounded by Alina Zavatska, who herself had to flee Ukraine with her two children two years ago, the association offers therapeutic, educational, and creative support to mothers and children with special needs. All courses and groups are led by volunteers and offered free of charge. "I know how difficult it is to start a new life in a foreign country," says Alina Zavatska. "Mothers who have to care for children with special needs face even greater challenges. One hurdle is often the lack of digital access to government agencies or educational institutions. Many simply don't have the money for a laptop."
Through a cooperation with the association PCs für alle can Beregynja now offers mothers and their children the opportunity to participate in society through laptops or tablets. "People with Down syndrome, in particular, need digital support and the opportunity to practice their independence," she knows from her work with individuals with this rare genetic condition (in Down syndrome, the 21st chromosome is present three times, not twice). With appropriate support, individuals with Down syndrome, also known as Down syndrome, can achieve independence in many areas and lead fulfilling lives.
Viktoria is very active online, attends online courses for people with Down syndrome, learns German, and runs a Facebook page – so far always on borrowed computers. During a visit to the workshop of PCs für alle She now received her own device, which she can use to work independently. "I'm very happy," she beamed upon receiving it. "In addition to studying, I can now also watch international dance videos."
The Association PCs für alle supports people with limited financial means with donated, used, and refurbished computers. Here, too, the organization is run exclusively by volunteers. Founder Peter Bernscherer supports the organization. Beregynja for some time out of conviction. "Almost all people with disabilities are threatened or affected by poverty," he knows from his daily work with the association. "In Beregynja They find support, encouragement, and stability. We support these courageous and strong families with laptops and tablets that most could never afford."
PCs für alle refurbishes donated devices and distributes them free of charge to people with limited financial means. "We strive to address individual needs. The hardware required to support people with visual impairments or other disabilities is expensive. We are therefore happy to receive donated equipment for such needs. Through our collaboration with various support organizations that work specifically with and for people with disabilities, we can draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience."
Photo note:
Copyright: Florian Wieser. The press photo with Viktoria Trykalo and Beregynja-Founder Alina Zavatska can be downloaded here: www.pcsfueralle.at/presse. Use is free of charge if the clubs are named Beregynja and PCs für alle.
For further inquiries please contact:
PCs für alle
Peter Bernscherer
Email: peter.bernscherer@pcsfueralle.at
Tel: 0660-165 96 45
Insights into Beregynja’s work:
