Be the 1: Kindness, awareness, and autism advocacy | PaTTANpod [S7 E2]

Ben Hartranft joins PaTTANpod at the 2024 Pennsylvania Department of Education annual conference, where he was a featured speaker. As the president of Benergy1 Presentations, Ben advocates for autism awareness and acceptance by sharing his personal experiences. The episode also features Ben’s brother, Dan, and his parents, Sandy and Glenn, who share perspectives on navigating the complexities of autism as a family.
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Ben Hartranft is a 25-year-old young man who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. At that time, he knew only 20 words and everything was a safety issue. Ben has exceeded all expectations and is strengthened by his faith in God and the people He has placed in Ben’s life. He received his diploma, works part-time for Philadelphia Eagles Game Day Staff, earned his driver’s license and treats everyone he meets like a rock star. Ben has had the extraordinary opportunity to carry the Lombardi trophy to start the ring ceremony for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Ben’s dream came true in October 2018 when he was invited to be a guest on the Ellen show and promote Autism Awareness and funding for research. His latest adventure was traveling solo to Los Angeles and being a contestant on The Price Is Right. Ben loves being an advocate for Autism Awareness and wants to take awareness to action.
Dan Hartranft is the middle child in a sibling sandwich of 3 boys. He has a passion for creation, both the Lord's nature and man-made technology. Dan chooses to build something a little different. “We are made in the Lord’s likeness; this systemic creation leaves us with our own passion to create.” Some people build computers, some people build homes, Dan likes to build dreams, meeting people where they are, finding out what their dreams are and how he can help them accomplish those dreams. His college education lends to his ability to help lead and develop others. He has spent years working with neurotypicals and the neurodivergent adults helping them reach their own goals and dreams. Culminating in Benergy1 Presentations, the most ambitious dream to help build, Dan provided his brother with all the equipment and material for his road to success. “Benergy1 Presentations is the first of many roads I will help to build for others. Accomplishing your dreams is amazing, doing it with someone by your side cheering you on is way more fun.”
Sandy Hartranft has been an RN for over 40 years and a CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) for the past 28 years. She now works at the very hospital that diagnosed Ben with autism at the age of 2. She is the proud mom of 3 wonderful grown sons, an avid reader, an loves to travel with her family. Sandy is always willing to talk to other families about their experiences and hopes to encourage others the same way she was encouraged on her journey. Sandy’s first book “Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey through Autism” is a memoir taken from the many journals she kept over the years raising her 3 boys and the wild ride it has been.
Glenn Hartranft is the father of 3 sons and has been married to Sandy for over 33 years. Glenn graduated from Temple University with a BA in business and LaSalle University with an MBA. He works at SAP National Security Services in Newtown Square, PA in software development support. He enjoys doing projects around the house, taking walks with Sandy and is actively involved in several men’s groups including one for families with special needs children. He is the one who thinks outside the box and provides creative problem solving to the many issues that have touched their family. Glenn’s passion is to be able to share with other families that are on the journey of raising a special needs child.
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Animation
Media Solutions
Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,
And Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at www.pattan.net