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My name is Ben D. Anderson and I have been a speaker and educator for many years. My two books are textbooks at two universities. I speak on most any subject regarding disabilities including "bullying" and inclusion.

I have been asked by a parent to speak at schools in Wyoming on the subject of Disabilities and Bullying in memory of her son who committed suicide believed to be due to bullying he had received during his school years and continuing into his early employment.  He was bullied by people who may not have understood his "hidden" disability. Young students need to be made aware of both disabilities and acts of "bullying" that can cause hurt and harm to their fellow students and community. 

Last April and October I spoke at about 35 schools  (6000 students/educators) in South Dakota with a grant from the DD Council of South Dakota and the SD Dept. of Education ( special education dept.) purchased my books.  The Wyoming DD Council has given me a small grant to speak in Wyoming and I would like to be invited to speak at your schools in your area this school year.   I am open to speak anytime tentative and open to small date changes to accommodate weather driving conditions.

I can speak directly in classrooms or in an open forum.  I can also do in service training. Here is webpage for you---http://www.bendanderson.com/programs_school.htm  You can also read about the reviews I received from that South Dakota tour. http://www.bendanderson.com/school_reviews.htm

I suggest that school assemblies be broken down into age groups.  Elementary,  Middle, and High School as I give a different message to each age/grades. 

Below are some reviews from a High School Principal regarding my open forum. 

REVIEW: "A homecoming of sort, Ben D. Anderson grew up in Kenmare, North Dakota and delivered a great message to the students of Kenmare High School. (Oct. 6th 2010) His talk centered on acceptance of those with disabilities and also touched on bullying, two topics very important in schools. His talk was interactive and our groups responded well to Ben. Great job Ben and keep up the good work."--Scott Faul, High School Principal, Kenmare 

REVIEW FROM A 7TH GRADER: Dalton
"The assembly taught me:

Not to make fun of people just because they can't do the things you can do. I was listening to the speech thinking about all of the 'wrong I have done to other people. When I realized when I was once a bully how much I probably hurt them. I was bullied for a small amount of time, And it hurt me to be called fat and overweight. Things that are wrong with you are hard to overcome, but that doesn't mean you should be laughed at. I think when I first saw the man who gave the speech I judged him. When I heard him talk I chuckled a little bit, but after I knew what he went through I felt a little bad about what I had done. I once judged people like him because they couldn't do the things I could. He was born with a birth defect that he could not control." 

REVIEW from a parent: "Ben is a very moving speaker; communicating from the heart he touches everyone from teachers, providers to parents and individuals who live disabilities themselves. Ben is able to address questions and issues with both compassion and a depth of insight that only someone who experiences life with a disability can. That can be invaluable information to a parent or provider who have children who can’t express how they feel. Insight, caring, compassion and honesty – Ben D. Anderson is your guy! Finally, someone who can really help you reflect on some of life’s great mysteries and leave you feeling like you are on the right track." Jennifer Newhouse –Parent to Parent Coordinator Grant and Adams Counties in State of Washington"

Please fill out the sign up form via the link below and email it back to me ASAP.  Thank you.

Look forward to hearing from you.  Please forward to interested parties/high school and middle school principals, counselors. Thank you. 

Ben D. Anderson-CEO
Break Through Inc.
1761 Harmony Heights Lane, #105
Rapid City,SD 57702
715-554-1179
www.bendanderson.com 

SIGN UP FORM LINK HERE    
 
Sponsored in part by the Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disability and  Break Through Inc.