School and University Programs
Disability Speaker - Disability Advocacy- Disability Awareness -
Keynotes & Workshops- Staff Development-Consultations-
In-service training
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Do you need a speaker on the subject of Disabilities and
Bullying? Ben D. Anderson will speak to your youths.
See
attached information
VIDEO of Ben
speaking on the education process
in special education
Break Through has a wide range of school
programs and presentations for students, teachers and staff.
We offer staff development training.
They focus on disability sensitivity, diversity, and motivation. We have
done speaking, training, and instructor in-service training at all
levels of education. Since Ben has had a much broader range of education
than most of us can experience, he has some interesting insights for
both students and instructors.
When "Ben Presents Ben" He…
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Tells it like it is (and was) from the perspective of a real kid.
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Helps build self-esteem, self-confidence, and hope.
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Shows how important it is to "Never Give Up!"
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Helps those who have "been there" to see how they can "get out of their
boxes" and helps those who haven't "been there" to learn how to relate
more helpfully to those who have.
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Increasingly students with disabilities and those without are walking
the same hallways, sitting in the same classes, and participating in the
same activities.
Fear of the unknown or unfamiliar makes it difficult for a student
without a disability to relate to one with a disability;
"What is life like for her?"
" Should I feel sorry for him?"
" What could I do to help?"
" Should I ignore her so as not to embarrass her?"
And sometimes embarrassment makes it difficult for a student with a
disability to escape the protective "box" they've built around
themselves to join effectively with their fellow students.
Ben's presentation helps students to learn to respond constructively to
such challenges and to come away with a more positive attitude toward
each other. He also helps those who have been struggling with their
disability to feel more effective and hopeful. In a creative, sometimes
humorous, highly anecdotal presentation, Ben describes what life is like
for a student growing up with cerebral palsy. He discusses where he
found his strength and hope, gives tips on how to relate effectively to a person with a disability, and
teaches us all that we must "Never Give Up!"
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Review:
November 5, 2010
"A
homecoming of sort,
Ben D. Anderson grew up in Kenmare, North Dakota and
delivered a great message to the students of Kenmare High School. (Oct. 6th 2010) His talk centered on acceptance of those with
disabilities and also touched on bullying, two topics very important in
schools. His talk was interactive and our groups responded well to
Ben. Great job Ben and keep up the good work."--
Scott
Faul, High School Principal, Kenmare, North Dakota
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March 26, 2013 "I am pleased to be
writing this letter of recommendation for Ben Anderson. I have known Mr.
Anderson for several years and have enjoyed reading his books and
hearing him speak.
During 2012, Mr.
Anderson received two grants from the SD Council on Developmental
Disabilities to provide disability awareness and bullying sessions to
schools across the state. In addition, he presented at several places of
worship. Mr. Anderson traveled across South Dakota during April and
October 2012. He spoke to thousands of students, teachers, coaches and
community members – sharing his life story and providing information on
bullying and why it needs to stop.
Mr. Anderson has
presented many times at conferences in South Dakota. His sessions are
always educational and enjoyable as he uses humor to get his message
across to everyone. Evaluations always show that people enjoy the
sessions and feel they learn more about people with disabilities as a
result of Mr. Anderson sharing his story.
If you have any
questions, please contact me at 605-773-6369.
Sincerely,-Arlene
Poncelet,Executive Director
Contact us for more information on having Ben
speak at your school.
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NEW BOOKLET
(2014)
"IF I CAN DO IT,
SO CAN YOU"
Going to College
by Ben D.
Anderson
30 page booklet for
educators and high school
students with special needs
to know they can and should
attend higher education.
$5.00 each
"Last One Picked, So What!
we can turn it around
( March 2012)
(review dated March 30, 2012)
Dear Ben and Dee:
"Thank you for the lovely new booklet. WOW! I was deeply touched by the
genuineness and honesty of your story, Ben. Not being affirmed for
who we are is painful-regardless of our age or particular disability.
You continue to teach me about what it means to be accepting not only of
others but also of the vulnerable parts of myself.- May God continue to
bless your ministry. You both are such a gift to so many".. D. R.
- Wisconsin
BOOKLET ON "BULLYING"
(23 pages)
Good read for students
Buy here $5.00 each Free S/H
Schools
and organizations can purchase multiple copies of
"Last One Picked " or "If I Can Do It, So Can You" at a discounted price
by emailing us with request to
by@bendanderson.com
10-40 copies - $4.00 ea. Free S/H
40 copies plus - $3.50 ea. Free S/H
Your purchase helps us with funding to support our
mission to provide education, support and awareness regarding people
with disabilities
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Educational
& Inspirational
“ Hearing Ben Anderson speak was truly inspirational."
“Eloquent--he had such a positive and high-spirited attitude”
“I cannot imagine anyone who hears Ben’s story to not leave with a
smile and a new sense of determination toward life...I know I did”
These are but a few of the overwhelming positive reflections shared
by students after attending a one hour talk by Ben. He truly
captivated our hearts and minds with his message.John Achter, PH.D., Director Counseling Center, University of Wisconsin
Stout
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Ben's
book is presently being used at two universities. It is a textbook at UW-Stout
and at Minot State University.
“As an
Instructor teaching students to work in the field of Vocational
Rehabilitation, I feel that Ben Anderson’s book “IQ of 63 – So What” is
a must read for not only for students but for all professionals working
with persons with disabilities. Ben takes a very thoughtful and
insightful look at his life and what it means to be “labeled” as a
person with a disability in our educational system. He shows what can be
accomplished when one cast aside the labels placed on them by society
and seeks to accomplish their own personal goals, dreams, and desires.
Ben very simply and eloquently tells a story of growing up with a
developmental disability in the 50’s, how he was shaped by the
experiences in his life, and what it means to not give up in the face of
adversity. This book is so helpful in understanding what it’s like to
grow up with a disability from a personal perspective, that I use it as
a required textbook at UW-Stout in the Psycho Social Aspects of
Disability course. Many of my students have commented how much they
enjoyed reading the book and the insights they have gained from it. I’m
very thankful for all of the hard work and advocacy that Ben has done
and continues to do on behalf of persons with disabilities.”
Kyle
A. Kleist – Instructor, UW-Stout
Here he
is lecturing for special education class at Minot State University,
Minot, North Dakota
See clips of his lecture on his You Tube channel on home page
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Ben spoke in K-12 schools in Wyoming in 2013.
reviews-Weston County
#1-Newcastle
Attendee at the March 17th 2013 Sheridan College presentation
wrote:
"He (Ben) needs to be speaking in our Wyoming schools
@ the junior and senior high schools,
parent groups, parent /teacher
groups"
other Sheridan reviews
here
Glenrock K-12
Upton K-12
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South Dakota Tour
October 1st-25th 2012
(co-sponsored by the
DD Council of South Dakota & Break Through Inc)
Our tour has ended -
see reviews here
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Email webmaster
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