This spring Dee and I are looking for a full schedule as we are leaving Wednesday to the Association for Education of Young Children Conference in Indianapolis. From there we will be going to my Rehab Council meeting (meets 4 times a year) which will be held in Oconomowoc. I am also speaking at the SDAEYC conference in Watertown, South Dakota followed by two full days at the ECE conference held at UW-Stout in Menomonie. First week of May I give a keynote presentation at the “Pathfinders of North Dakota” state conference. My sister was one of the parents that started the organization in the 1980’s.
Break Through is a non-profit organization that seeks to educate people about persons with disabilities. We are seeking donations to help to be able to continue to travel and fulfill the educational workshops that we provide. We have made it easier for you to make a donation online by going to this link on our website and belong to our support team called the 10/10 Team
Visit our website at http://www.bendanderson.com/ and click on the 10/10 Team link in the middle of the page.
Please help us in Break Through’s Mission:
"Our mission is one of rehabilitation education and advocacy for and about people with disabilities to encourage and enlighten the public about people with disabilities in that they are people first and have rights and needs and that they also have gifts and talents to bring to the community."
Thank you for any support you can give.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
INCLUSION ALSO MEANS HEALTHCARE !
Dee and I got back from Texas the beginning of March after about 4 weeks away from home speaking at differnent conferences. We had a great time. We met a lot of interesting folks fighting for advocacy, inclusion and education for children. "Morgan's Wonderland" ( a family park for inclusion of people with disabilities) was interesting as I wrote in my last Blog entry. Hopefully this will not be the only park of its kind in the USA in the future. So we are getting things done for everyone to go beyond expectations in their life and enjoy life to it's fullest.
Now, last night I had the opportunity to watch the debate on health care and I know this is a very controversial subject but one of the reasons I like this bill is that it will do away "pre-existing conditions". As a disability advocate I have been in many conversations throughout the Country about the lack of understanding in this area. It was about time to "step up to the plate" and get this health care done for millions of people who could not obtain medical health benefits because of a pre-existing condition.
Dee and I will be traveling again in April to several conferences and meetings. Dee doesn't enjoy the driving but enjoys meeting people
I have been invited back to University of Wisconsin-Stout as a presenter at the Early Childhood Conference for the 3rd year. I remember as a student on that campus that this conference was a huge conference and thinking that I would love to be a speaker there and now here I am for my third time! Have a nice week.
Now, last night I had the opportunity to watch the debate on health care and I know this is a very controversial subject but one of the reasons I like this bill is that it will do away "pre-existing conditions". As a disability advocate I have been in many conversations throughout the Country about the lack of understanding in this area. It was about time to "step up to the plate" and get this health care done for millions of people who could not obtain medical health benefits because of a pre-existing condition.
Dee and I will be traveling again in April to several conferences and meetings. Dee doesn't enjoy the driving but enjoys meeting people
I have been invited back to University of Wisconsin-Stout as a presenter at the Early Childhood Conference for the 3rd year. I remember as a student on that campus that this conference was a huge conference and thinking that I would love to be a speaker there and now here I am for my third time! Have a nice week.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Texas tour
We were invited to speak in Austin, Texas at the Texas Transition conference, February 15-17th. It was an interesting conference as we met a lot of parents and professionals and my book was well received as I spoke on Tuesday the 16th.
We then we moved on to Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas where I did a 15 minute chapel talk. The interesting thing about it was that Dee had a chance to speak to a young lady that had cerebral palsy and she was able to give her encouragement and she was also intrigued by my book.
On Saturday we were invited to a parent support group in San Antonio for children with autism. It was surprising to learn they are fighting hard for rights there in Texas. There were a lot of questions from these parents about how I had gone through the "system" years ago as a person with a disability. I was able to give them the assurance that their teenagers will be okay as they begin to develop their own independance.
On Sunday were were back in Seguin at Faith Lutheran Church were I did a confirmation class with the high school students. We had a very intriguing conversation about persons in their own families that struggle with disability. Both Dee and I walked away with "awe" to see how open these teenagers were to talk about their life and family members who deal with different kinds of disabilities.
On Monday we were invited to "Morgan's Wonderland" in San Antonio. You can read about that on the other post.
We are finally relaxed and were able to take a walk and a boat ride on the "Riverwalk" in San Antonio yesterday--it was sunny but only about 50 degrees.
No folks- we are not getting a suntan as it is cloudy and 39 degrees above,--- cloudy, ---rainy and possible snow today! Oh well- I thought I would get away from the Wisconsin weather but I guess there were other plans!
We will be heading up north again in a few days and stopping in Manhattan, Kansas for couple of days. We will be home soon to our warm balmy 60 degree Wisconsin Sunshine!!!!
We then we moved on to Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas where I did a 15 minute chapel talk. The interesting thing about it was that Dee had a chance to speak to a young lady that had cerebral palsy and she was able to give her encouragement and she was also intrigued by my book.
On Saturday we were invited to a parent support group in San Antonio for children with autism. It was surprising to learn they are fighting hard for rights there in Texas. There were a lot of questions from these parents about how I had gone through the "system" years ago as a person with a disability. I was able to give them the assurance that their teenagers will be okay as they begin to develop their own independance.
On Sunday were were back in Seguin at Faith Lutheran Church were I did a confirmation class with the high school students. We had a very intriguing conversation about persons in their own families that struggle with disability. Both Dee and I walked away with "awe" to see how open these teenagers were to talk about their life and family members who deal with different kinds of disabilities.
On Monday we were invited to "Morgan's Wonderland" in San Antonio. You can read about that on the other post.
We are finally relaxed and were able to take a walk and a boat ride on the "Riverwalk" in San Antonio yesterday--it was sunny but only about 50 degrees.
No folks- we are not getting a suntan as it is cloudy and 39 degrees above,--- cloudy, ---rainy and possible snow today! Oh well- I thought I would get away from the Wisconsin weather but I guess there were other plans!
We will be heading up north again in a few days and stopping in Manhattan, Kansas for couple of days. We will be home soon to our warm balmy 60 degree Wisconsin Sunshine!!!!
Morgan's Wonderland- the only park of its kind in the world
Can you imagine going to a park that everybody could enjoy even if you are in a wheelchair? That person could swing, ride the train, fish and much, much more.
While we were in Texas my wife and I were invited to preview a new family park in San Antonio. We were welcomed by the staff of Morgan's Wonderland. We spent the day looking, participating and seeing other people and their families having FUN without being limited in enjoying the activities. What joy it brought to Dee and I that somebody had the vision to create a park like this. Please visit their website at Morgan's Wonderland
It is truly a "wonderful" Wonderland! Imagine seeing and hearing people with disabilities having fun at Morgan's Wonderland park. The uniqueness of this park is that it for everyone and it is FREE to those that have a disability.
Hopefully in the future we will see these parks all over the U.S.A and other countries. You will come away with a smile on your face as you realize that in that park everyone can enjoy the activities.
COME AND ENJOY!
While we were in Texas my wife and I were invited to preview a new family park in San Antonio. We were welcomed by the staff of Morgan's Wonderland. We spent the day looking, participating and seeing other people and their families having FUN without being limited in enjoying the activities. What joy it brought to Dee and I that somebody had the vision to create a park like this. Please visit their website at Morgan's Wonderland
It is truly a "wonderful" Wonderland! Imagine seeing and hearing people with disabilities having fun at Morgan's Wonderland park. The uniqueness of this park is that it for everyone and it is FREE to those that have a disability.
Hopefully in the future we will see these parks all over the U.S.A and other countries. You will come away with a smile on your face as you realize that in that park everyone can enjoy the activities.
COME AND ENJOY!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Long Time Friendship
In the summer of 1976 this small town North Dakota boy moved to the big city. It was part of a gospel team for 8 weeks at Augustana Lutheran Church downtown Minneapolis where I met my supervisor, Dr. William E. Berg.
Today my wife went to the post office and we received a letter from Dr. Berg. He is now 99 years old. Dr. Berg and I have been in touch by mail ever sinse. That is true friendship.
I hope you can experience friendships like I have that will be life long and meaningful as the friendship I have with Dr. Berg.
Dr. Berg, like I said is 99 years old, and in his Christmas letter to me he wrote that he is publishing his eighth book on his 100th birthday in May 2010 and we pray God for that achievement and for good health to him.
Today my wife went to the post office and we received a letter from Dr. Berg. He is now 99 years old. Dr. Berg and I have been in touch by mail ever sinse. That is true friendship.
I hope you can experience friendships like I have that will be life long and meaningful as the friendship I have with Dr. Berg.
Dr. Berg, like I said is 99 years old, and in his Christmas letter to me he wrote that he is publishing his eighth book on his 100th birthday in May 2010 and we pray God for that achievement and for good health to him.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
An Interesting and sad week in Haiti
After we look at the headlines of what went on in Haiti I can't stop and think that it is incredible damage and death that happened. My hope and my prayers go out to each one of the families that are grieving their loss.
What an excitement when I heard last night that there was another life that was saved from under the rubble after 10 days from the earthquake and people are still be found alive. That is amazing.
For the survivors it is about time to step up and get those resources to the survivors so that they can get back to some sort of civilized life.
One of the resources that Dee and I are aware of is that I received an email from a gentleman by the name of Keoke King this past week that provides wheelchairs for Haiti that are made for rough terrain. His website is at www.whirlwindwheelchair.org
Our thoughts and prayers are with Haiti and everyone involved in helping them.
What an excitement when I heard last night that there was another life that was saved from under the rubble after 10 days from the earthquake and people are still be found alive. That is amazing.
For the survivors it is about time to step up and get those resources to the survivors so that they can get back to some sort of civilized life.
One of the resources that Dee and I are aware of is that I received an email from a gentleman by the name of Keoke King this past week that provides wheelchairs for Haiti that are made for rough terrain. His website is at www.whirlwindwheelchair.org
Our thoughts and prayers are with Haiti and everyone involved in helping them.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Merry Christmas Everybody!
December 8th 2009
Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas! The season of being joyful at Christmas time.
Greetings!
We had a full year of activities. We had 6 major conferences in 2009. Dee drove to all of them except the NAEYC conference in November which was in Washington DC.
We met a lot of interesting people all over the U.S. from late April in Utah- to Tennessee -to Florida and back to Wyoming and then Iowa which was in October. We met many educators, parents and self-advocates. It was great meeting and learning from each other.
In June we gathered together with Ben’s family and friends in North Dakota to celebrate Ben’s dad’s 90th birthday. It was good to see everybody there from all over the U.S.
In 2009 we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Marj and Wayne Nelson. Wayne was Ben’s supervisor on his first job as a public awareness person in Grand Forks, ND back in the early 1970’s.
2010 looks like it will be another full year of meeting people as we are looking at some major tours beginning in February. We will be touring from Texas through Kansas.
The book continues to be a good item for people to read as we receive emails from people who enjoyed the book. We haven’t made the million mark yet for sales LOL but we are looking at the focused groups of people that are gaining insight about disabilities rather than the quantity of sales. We are getting the message out about awareness and advocacy to help people with disabilities, their families, and educators to continue to bring inclusion and independence to persons with disability.
As we look forward to many awareness workshops in 2010 we are hoping that you will financially sponsor us with your gifts. We are offering a Christmas special of “IQ of 63, So What!” at the cost of $10. each plus $3. S/H. ( half price) You can send a check to Break Through Inc at PO Box 284, Amery, WI 54001 or order online at http://bendanderson.com/IQof63.htm It makes a great gift.
We will be celebrating Christmas here in Amery with Dee’s brother and friends. Dee has been busy working on a website business where she has some clients. She also enjoys singing at the Lake Wapogassett Christmas Dinner Theater.
Wishing all of you the best Christmas and New Year! God Bless!
Ben and Dee Anderson
Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas! The season of being joyful at Christmas time.
Greetings!
We had a full year of activities. We had 6 major conferences in 2009. Dee drove to all of them except the NAEYC conference in November which was in Washington DC.
We met a lot of interesting people all over the U.S. from late April in Utah- to Tennessee -to Florida and back to Wyoming and then Iowa which was in October. We met many educators, parents and self-advocates. It was great meeting and learning from each other.
In June we gathered together with Ben’s family and friends in North Dakota to celebrate Ben’s dad’s 90th birthday. It was good to see everybody there from all over the U.S.
In 2009 we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Marj and Wayne Nelson. Wayne was Ben’s supervisor on his first job as a public awareness person in Grand Forks, ND back in the early 1970’s.
2010 looks like it will be another full year of meeting people as we are looking at some major tours beginning in February. We will be touring from Texas through Kansas.
The book continues to be a good item for people to read as we receive emails from people who enjoyed the book. We haven’t made the million mark yet for sales LOL but we are looking at the focused groups of people that are gaining insight about disabilities rather than the quantity of sales. We are getting the message out about awareness and advocacy to help people with disabilities, their families, and educators to continue to bring inclusion and independence to persons with disability.
As we look forward to many awareness workshops in 2010 we are hoping that you will financially sponsor us with your gifts. We are offering a Christmas special of “IQ of 63, So What!” at the cost of $10. each plus $3. S/H. ( half price) You can send a check to Break Through Inc at PO Box 284, Amery, WI 54001 or order online at http://bendanderson.com/IQof63.htm It makes a great gift.
We will be celebrating Christmas here in Amery with Dee’s brother and friends. Dee has been busy working on a website business where she has some clients. She also enjoys singing at the Lake Wapogassett Christmas Dinner Theater.
Wishing all of you the best Christmas and New Year! God Bless!
Ben and Dee Anderson
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