programs_school.htm

School and University Programs

Break Through Inc.
PO Box 284
Amery, WI 54001

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…

Tells it like it is (and was) from the perspective of a real kid.
Helps build self-esteem, self-confidence, and hope.
Shows how important it is to "Never Give Up!"
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.
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!"

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

Ben's book is presently being used as a textbook at UW-Stout. Read the review

“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

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