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Break Through Inc.    P.O. Box 284         Amery, WI 54001     715-554-1179

 

 

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We thoroughly enjoyed your presentation, Ben, here at Lockheed Martin this afternoon. The Diversity Council of Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems in Eagan, MN, of which I am the Chairman, really wanted a dynamic and interesting keynote speaker to help us kick-off October Disability Awareness Month, and you certainly filled the bill. Your ability to lighten the audience with your self-deprecating humor and insights on seeing the workplace from the eyes of someone with a disability allowed the audience to really grasp some of the main issues people with disabilities deal with on a daily basis and to empathize with them. I feel it was very worthwhile for our employees to be able to ask questions of you directly and to appreciate your perspective of living in a world and workplace of varying levels of accommodations. Your discussions opened many eyes and I m sure will go far in changing the attitudes of many of our employees toward those co-workers with disabilities. Thanks so much for adding so positively to our working environment! You re doing a great service for all of us.

--Gary Moore
Chairman, Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems Diversity Council
Eagan, MN

Dear Mr. Anderson,

I applaud your efforts and passion for advocating in favor of persons with disabilities! Thank you for lecturing in our Inclusion class at the University of Wisconsin Stout. I respect everything you are accomplishing and admire your strength and perseverance in fulfilling your goals.

Sincerely,

An aspiring Technology Education Teacher
Andrew Jacob Nymanv


Ben speaks to a Special Olympics Adult Organizer's and Trainer's Conference.


Ben Anderson speaks to Special Ed class at St. Cloud State.


Ben at Kansas City University with graduate students

Dear Mr. Anderson, (Ben)

Thank you so much for coming to our class to share your experience and your passion.  As an advocate who has experienced the problems within the system, your perspective was invaluable.  I found the information regarding the stress and demands placed on parents of children with disabilities very helpful. 

Sincerely,

Karen L. (St. Cloud State student)

 

Dear Ben,
You get better and better!!
Thanks so much for talking to the students in inclusion classes.
Several students thanked me for inviting you and say that they really enjoyed meeting you.

-See you next semester.
Lynn LaVenture
UW - Stout

Thank you once again for visiting Seattle Pacific University and sharing with us about your journey of faith. I especially appreciated your advice for parents of children with disabilities. I visited the Beach Center website, and it looks like that will be a valuable resources as we learn more about our son’s disability as well as support available to us as parents. Below, you will find the recommendation you requested from me.

Sincerely,

Heath Spencer
Center for Learning
www.spu.edu/depts/cfl/

Dear Sir,

I was asked to send an informational note regarding the presentations that Ben has done in my 5th grade class room.

I have known Ben for about twenty years. He is a good friend and a person I quite admire. His story from childhood is an interesting one from being misdiagnosed as "retarded" to graduating from Stout University at Menomonie, WI. I have him speak to my students for two reasons:

  1. 1. To make them aware that handicapped people are not to be afraid of and that they have friendship and abilities to offer.
  2. To make them aware that each of them has a disability. Therefore they ought to be accepting of others rather than
    judging them.

Ben speaks to the students with humor yet stresses the seriousness of hurting people like himself. He speaks from first hand experiences as he relates stories about being teased on the playground as a child and being turned away from public places as an adult. The best part of the session is watching the students ask questions at the end. Years later my former students will stop me on the street and say "I saw Benny today". He makes an impression that can be remembered and help change the stereo-types and scares of the disabled. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at this address: halver@spacestar.net.

Thank you,

Donna Halverson


 

 

 

 

 

Ben Anderson and Steve Vandeburg discuss ADA requirements and the difference between meeting them and meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. The Americans With Disabilities Act makes it easier for persons with disabilities to physically get into and work at businesses. There is a great deal more to be considered when a business wants to give good service to persons with disabilities.

" Just because someone can get through the door, it doesn't mean you are accommodating that person's needs."

November 8, 2002

Ben D. Anderson
Executive Director
Break Through, Inc.
2500 39th Avenue N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55421
 

Dear Mr. Anderson:

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for coming to Eau Claire, WI on Tuesday of this past week. Your presentation to the students enrolled in our teacher education program at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire was enthusiastically received. I am certain that the knowledge, understanding, and passion that characterize your presentation will enhance
their understanding of the role of families and that of their sons and daughters with disabilities in education.

Your personal story and first hand knowledge of law and best practice paralleled our studies in family involvement. We look forward to the opportunity to have you back on our campus. If there is anything that we can do to support your important work do not hesitate to ask. On behalf of our students, our faculty and the School of Education I sincerely thank you for your contribution to our teacher education programs.

Sincerely,

David J. Franks, Ph.D.
Department of Special Education
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire