I enjoyed his workshop at an early childhood conference on special needs children. Very motivating for me and he gave me sense that I can now help my students.

I happened to attend a conference for parents of children who had disabilities in North Dakota. I was impressed by the person who was talking about his experiences growing up in the 1960's when his disability was little understood by the educational system and general public. His name is Ben Anderson and he is part of this Break Through non-profit. I would love to hear him again. His story was very educating and it left me with a better understanding about disabilities and mostly about the people that are sometimes left by the wayside and not befriended because of misconceptions about their disability.

I work for a company that is a website for persons with disabilities. Last year I had the opportunity to meet, through our website, Ben and Dee Anderson and our organization purchased a few copies of his book to give out at our holiday giveaway. I also bought one for myself, because I was intrigued with his story and wanted to learn more. I was very moved by the book that I read and the journey this wonderful person had undertaken. I loved the fact that the book was written in such a manner that you felt you were almost just having a conversation with Ben about his experiences. Because of his "no airs" approach I really feel it is a story that anyone could relate to. You can't help but want to cheer Ben on through the obstacles that he has faced. I have the utmost respect for individuals who rise above adversity with this determined spirit to want to reach out and help others, and I only hope I am fortunate enough to meet Ben and Dee in person some day.

In June of 2008, our oldest daughter (then 12) came home from a week at Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She had learned a new word during her week away at camp: "disability." It's not that she was unfamiliar with the term, of course, but more that she'd never given it much thought. We have a close friend confined to a wheelchair, but as is the nature of children, our daughter always just sort of "accepted" the fact that our friend can't walk, and never looked further. But then she heard Mr. Ben Anderson of Break Through, Inc. speak at camp, and was deeply impressed by what was said. She talked about the presentation for weeks, and still mentions it to this day (two years later). The topic was reinforced by her camp counselor that year who used a walker, despite her young age. Our daughter came home with a much more mature understanding of human nature and the ability to see limitations as gifts and opportunities. I applaud Mr. Anderson’s efforts to increase awareness of the potential of those with disabilities by his campaign to teach those who may not have had much prior experience with disabilities.