"He always finds a way to bring you into his world."
If Benjamin could be in the Holland Bloorview pool 24 hours a day, he would. Swimming is pretty much his favourite thing to do. Here he is able to float, turn over, even propel himself slightly. Maybe that explains why he's so interested in whales and dolphins. He loves to watch videos of sea animals and nature in general.
It's just one way that he is clearly fascinated and engaged in the world around him.
The pool is a special place of freedom for Benjamin, 14, who has quadriplegia, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy and dystonia. That means he has very little ability to move or speak.
But he is one of the happiest kids you'll ever meet. He's devoted to his family and friends, and instantly welcoming to anyone he encounters. He always finds a way to express his incredible warmth. At a recent Holland Bloorview event, a supporter was interested in what Benjamin was playing on his iPad. To the man's surprise, Benjamin took his hand and used it to manipulate the touchscreen, bringing him wordlessly into Benjamin's world.
While recognizing that there are no silver bullets that will cure their son, his parents acknowledge that the introduction of the tablet computer, with its touchscreen has been "a game changer." Benjamin is able to manipulate the touchscreen, to play with some simple apps – his current favourite involves animal 'stickers' – and Holland Bloorview's Communication and Writing Aids team is now working with him to use the tablet computer to communicate. With more software options in the future, his dad looks forward to more opportunity for Benjamin to express himself.
Benjamin has been involved with Holland Bloorview since he was a year old, benefiting from programs in Pediatric Development, Opthamology, Communication & Writing Aids, and the Spasticity Clinic, where he receives botox injections that relax muscles in his legs, allowing him to assist when others dress, move and care for him.
Benjamin enjoys spending time with his family. His sisters take swimming lessons at the Holland Bloorview pool too. He also enjoys skiing – riding in a sit-ski. Benjamin, his dad says, has taught him more about grace than he could've believed possible. "I do feel blessed to have such an amazing young man as my son."
Thinking of Benjamin's future, his dad smiles. "My hopes for Benjamin are the same as for all my children: that he leads a happy and fulfilled life, and that he continues to enjoy rich experiences and the love of those around him."
