Interview: Mary Anderson, executive director, ABLE Inc. and Monte Besler, Frackinator Consulting, Williston, ND
In this interview, host Jason Spiess talks to Anderson and Besler about ABLE Inc. and how it is impacting the Bakken oil fields. Anderson discusses the integration into the Bakken oil fields and some of the projects underway. Besler gives a first hand testimonial on how ABLE’s social services have allowed him to continue to work in the oil and gas industry.
Prior to 1984, people with intellectual disabilities were referred to the State Institution at Grafton, ND. During this time there were very few or no community supports available to people with intellectual disabilities and families. In 1980, the Association of Retarded Citizens of North Dakota filed a class action suit against the State of North Dakota, declaring that the state’s method of providing care for people with mental retardation violated their constitutional rights. In 1984, The North Dakota ARC won their lawsuit and people began going home. ABLE, Inc. was incorporated in October 1984 as a result of people moving back to their home communities. A southwest regional board established supports in the communities of Bowman, Dickinson and Hettinger.
Currently ABLE, Inc. supports nearly 100 people in their homes, work and in their communities. ABLE, Inc. employs approximately 150 support staff whose primary role is to discover who people are, who they love, what they enjoy and what enhances their lives. Discovery of all of these things about people happen through day-to-day supports as well as working with a team of family, friends, coworkers and community associates who support the life-long process of personal growth of all people.
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