Rehan is dusting off his cape once again. And this time, he’s feeling more daring than ever.
Like any 11-year-old, Rehan enjoys playing soccer and Roblox with his friends. But for the two-time Capes for Kids ambassador, some days include using his voice to make the world a more inclusive place.
As a kid who has been bullied for being different, Rehan speaks up when someone is treated unfairly. And as a Holland Bloorview ambassador, Rehan uses his voice to support Together We Dare and Capes for Kids, a campaign which will increase access to pediatric disability care across Canada.
“I love this hospital so much. I always want to give back. And I’ve also loved being an ambassador here,” Rehan says. “The people here are so kind. Holland Bloorview is my home away from home.”
Rehan was born with cerebral palsy and later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a learning disability. He started coming to Holland Bloorview when he was two years old. Since then, he’s gotten stronger physically and mentally. At Holland Bloorview, therapy shaped Rehan into the person he is today, he says.
“My therapists helped me learn everyday skills, like holding a knife and fork and zipping up a sweater. They even helped me do my geometry homework by finding an accessible way for me to use a protractor.”
Through therapy, Rehan’s confidence grew. And with support from Rehan’s care team, his parents felt a shift at home for everyone.
“His confidence is our confidence, too,” says Arpita, Rehan’s mom. “Holland Bloorview crafts every child’s care according to the support they need. We are so grateful.”
Through art and music camp, swimming and sports at Holland Bloorview, Rehan had opportunities to play, dream and belong. Disability inclusion is near to Rehan’s heart—and it’s at the hospital where he found friendship.
“Robotics class has a special place in my heart,” Rehan says. “It’s where I learned how to problem-solve and build robots. I also learned how to socialize and make friends for the first time.”
Holland Bloorview’s FIRST® Robotics program, which is expanding across Ontario with support from The Slaight Family Foundation, promotes independence, communication, and life skills while supporting therapeutic and developmental goals. Using problem-solving and teamwork, Rehan and his friends built robotic sumo wrestlers and had a friendly wrestling competition with their robots.
Inspired by his time at Holland Bloorview, Rehan has big dreams to join a robotics club in his community. Until then, he’s planning for a fun year filled with taekwondo lessons and playing soccer with friends.