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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 |
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| 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. To make them
aware that handicapped people are not to be afraid
of and that they have friendship and abilities to offer.
- 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
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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
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