“This book is
deeply touching as Ben shares his journey through life. Ben’s story
takes us from disappointments to his goal focused pursuit as a person
filled with gifts to share with others. His story telling begins with
his birth on the prairies of North Dakota. We are shown the strength and
deep devotion of his parents and family as they sought the necessary
support services. The special bond with his grandfather demonstrates the
precious gift of a loving relationship. Ben’s recollections validates
for us the need to feel bonded with others and recognize the importance
of family. His stories are filled with tenderness and introspection. He
expresses his dreams and the challenges he faced. Ben ardently pursues
these dreams and will not be swayed from reaching his goals.
His romantic
journey is shared and reflects both humourous and sensitive moments. Ben
with his wife and soul mate Dee currently travel around the nation
bringing precious hope through his presentations. He offers his
audiences encouragement and inspiration to be the best they can be.
Testing scores
relegated Ben to the bottom of the group yet Ben defied the results. He
proved that perseverance coupled with loving support from family and
friends are enablers of results that can only be described as
“supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. Ben welcomes us joyously into his
life experiences and proves categorically that he has surpassed the
expectations of his 63 IQ. As pilgrims traveling on the road of life Ben
provides us with a destination and a purpose. I am proud to have such a
wonderful friend and it is definitely an honour and privilege for me to
have been asked to provide the foreword.”
Dr. Ashleigh
Molloy- Director, Transformation Institute
"As a mother of a child
"labeled" as having a disability, I feel Ben Anderson's
"IQ of 63 -
So What!"
is a must reading for parents
and professionals of individuals with disabilities. Rarely are the
experiences of having a disability and its impact on one's life so
simply yet eloquently retold as through the direct, honest voice of Ben
Anderson. You will find yourself cheering for Ben through every
page as he expertly leads the reader through the up's and down's
of the life of a person born with cerebral palsy in the 1950's. If
you or someone you love has ever been told to"give up"or "be realistic"
about their dreams: you need to read this book."
Sandra
Padmanabhan, Ph.D
"Ben's story
gives us more than a message to think about, it provides a tool for us
to teach and learn from." -Donna
Halverson, fifth grade teacher
"An easy but profound read which
is important as it can be shared with people of all intellectual levels.
It really touches home for those who are raising children with
disabilities as it allows for the perspective that children would love
to share but many times can't for a variety of reasons. The
quintessential story of the value vs. detriment of labels. Yes, they can
help drive services, but they can also create boxes that are hard to
break out of. Thanks for your continuing work on behalf of those
who live daily with the reality, difficulty and joys of disability."
--Jennifer
Newhouse, Parent to Parent Coordinator, Washington State
“This book is a “must read” for all folks that will be interacting with people with disabilities
– which should be ALL of us. Ben’s very thoughtful look at himself and realization that things should and could have been different if he were
born later in the Century, is a sensitive way to deal with the issue of neglect and discrimination in our educational system and society. Ben is a survivor!!
Miraculously, his determination and will were not stifled and he is able to “make a difference” in the lives of those he comes into contact with.
He has spoken to thousands of students in the classes in teacher preparation at UW-Stout. His message is clear as he shares “his story” and then
explains to the students why Inclusion in the classroom is so important for students with disabilities. He is an inspiration and a strong advocate for those
with disabilities and their parents and the teachers that willingly teach them.”-
Lynn LaVenture-Instructor, UW-Stout
“Ben Anderson is a remarkable man.
He has established lofty goals for himself and has achieved them. Ben’s
relationships with his friends and his presentations to thousands of
persons over the years have brought positive turnabouts in how we view
and interact with individuals with disabilities. Ben’s book is a mirror
into his life from infancy to this day. We meet the persons who saw the
true Ben, and those who placed upon him the lowest of expectations. We
encounter Ben’s hopes, faith and persistence. Those attributes provide a
lesson for ours. This book deserves a wide audience and discussion over
many cups of coffee!”
- (Rev) Harvey Stower,
Mayor, Amery, Wisconsin
