Betwal is a remarkable individual from the Marshall Islands who now calls Seattle, Washington, home. A trailblazer at heart, Betwal is currently attending The Outreach Program (T.O.P.), where he continues to shape his own path forward with resilience, curiosity, and courage.
From the moment he arrived at T.O.P., Betwal's Speech-Language Pathologist saw his immense potential—not only as a communicator but as a friend and a self-advocate. That belief in what Betwal could do set the foundation for a journey of incredible growth.
When Betwal first joined T.O.P., he didn’t yet have a reliable way to express himself. But that quickly changed. With support and high expectations from his team, Betwal became one of the first individuals in North America to use the innovative Grid Pad 16, an advanced eye gaze communication device. And he didn’t just adapt—he thrived.
Now using the Alpha Core grid set in Grid, Betwal has become a master of his own communication. He confidently programs new responses for frequently asked questions he gets from coworkers and customers at his job. His manager, Jennifer, has seen a remarkable transformation: “Since getting his eye gaze device, Betwal’s confidence has grown exponentially. He’s more outgoing than ever.”
His SLP, Carey Pease, adds,
“He smiles a lot more. He feels more independent. And just the idea of this independence has opened up so many doors for him that he didn’t realize could ever be opened.”
With his device, Betwal is now more connected—to his peers, to his work, and to his world. He enjoys choosing videos to watch, chatting with friends, and having far greater control over his environment. Betwal is a pioneer too. His early use of the Grid Pad 16 and thoughtful feedback helped improve the device for others who rely on it to communicate.
Betwal’s journey is a powerful reminder that when we presume ability and provide the right tools, people don’t just find a voice—they find their place in the world as contributors, changemakers, and leaders. He is not only flourishing, but he’s also discovering what’s possible for himself. With AAC and the trust to express his full potential, Betwal is proving that this is far more than a success story. It’s the start of something extraordinary.