Who is Ben D. Anderson?
Ben D. Anderson was born with cerebral palsy, grew up in the small town of Kenmare, North
Dakota. When he was three years old his grandfather promised him a John
Deere (pedal) Tractor if he would learn to walk. Anderson graduated from Minot Senior High in
Minot, North Dakota in 1972. He attended both Lake Region Junior College
in Devils Lake, North Dakota and Golden Valley Lutheran College in Golden
Valley, Minnesota. Ben is a 1992 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stout
at Menomonie, Wisconsin. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational
Rehabilitation with an emphasis in community-based rehabilitation.
Anderson began Break Through, Inc. in 1978. Break Through is a non-profit
organization that provides leadership training to churches, community
civic groups, schools, universities, businesses, and professional
groups. The training enables them to build a new awareness of and
sensitivity towards persons with disabilities. The message motivates
people to face their discomfort and opens the door to better interpersonal
relationships. Ben travels nationwide as the CEO and
Chief Trainer for Break Through, Inc. Since his marriage to Dee in
2006 they have traveled together as husband and wife greeting
individuals and giving them a hope and encouragement to go beyond
expectations despite any disability.
In January of 2006 Ben was appointed by the governor
of Wisconsin to the Rehabilitation Council .
He enjoys his North Dakota roots and the memories of
the "John Deere" tractor that his grandfather gave him when he was a
boy. Ben has always loved the country and all the activities that goes
with living with the farm industry.
1993
2007
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More About Ben
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Read "My
Disability... An Incredible Journey" by Ben Anderson
(pdf)
Breaking Through was co-authored by Ben D. Anderson and
Rev. Dick Beckmen.
It was published in 1981 and revised in
1993. The book relates to the issues of disabilities through
Ben's personal experience with cerebral palsy. They wrote
the book in retreat format for working with youth at church
retreats.
To order the new re-edited version to person
first language (with blue cover) buy it online
here.
Ben's
statement of faith
Online interview for the
beach center website (pdf)
January 10, 2006 - Appointed by Wisconsin Governor Doyle to Rehabilitation Council
(Microsoft Word Document)
March 26, 2006 Ben marries Dee
August 2007 Ben writes "IQ of 63, So What!" Going
Beyond Everybody Else's Expectations.
The book is being used since 2008 as a textbook for
students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the
Vocational Rehabilitation Department in the psych-social
class and in 2010 a textbook at Minot State University in
the special education department. Purchase here
Break Through Inc.
Rapid City, SD 57701
715-554-1179
EMAIL US
Need a website for your business? check out Website
Designs by
Dee Anderson at
"HundredThousandBelow.com"
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