Faith&Friends
COMMON GROUND
Looking Beyond His Disability Salvation Army helps Rabin Betkhoodoo create the business of his dreams. by Linda Leigh
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ever allow your disabilities or weaknesses to prevent you from achieving your goals,” says 45-year-old Rabin Betkhoodoo. “You have to look beyond your challenges to succeed in whatever you put your mind to.” Born in Iran in 1976 and part of the Assyrian community, Rabin was diagnosed at birth with spastic quad cerebral palsy—the inability to control his legs, arms and body. Unable to speak, he eventually learned to communicate by using his toe to type on a computer. Today, with help from The Salvation Army, he is pursuing his ultimate goal—to use his graphic design skills in a small business of his own. Early Life Challenges Rabin’s inability to use his facial muscles and the core of his body meant he was unable to communicate with others. “I couldn’t speak—even to my own family. Those were difficult times,”
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Smiling Through “I always receive encouragement from the staff at The Salvation Army,” says Rabin Betkhoodoo
says Rabin. It was the inspiration he received by watching the bravery of his parents that encouraged Rabin to never give up. “Resources to accommodate my physical challenges were unavailable in Iran,” says Rabin. “My father left his job and moved our family to
