Limerick,Avril Webster “Off We Go “Book Launch, O’Mahony’s, Limerick
Avril Webster Off We Go
Little did Limerick based Avril Webster know when she created books at her kitchen table to help her disabled son Stephen cope with everyday activities, that they would lead to a publishing contract for a series of six books .in just over a year from those homemade versions, her first series is now published, with another six to follow in 2008.
Seeing the benefit Stephen was getting from the homemade books,Avril set about adapting them to be suitable for Stephen’s classmates .With the help of illustrator David Ryley ,whose close family friend Christia attends St.Vincent’s Special School ,Lisnagry with Avril’s son Stephen,Avril created the Going Swimming book. Things took off from there.
The Off We Go! Storybooks explain ‘what comes next ‘ on an everyday outing ,like going to the Dentist etc(simple everyday issues we take for granted but can be very stressful for someone who has child with a disability, society has improved but not to a degree of total acceptability as of yet) and therefore reassure the child and encourage cooperation in each situation .By reading the book together at home and preparing a child for a new task or event ,they can manage the stages more easily ,ultimately reducing stress for themselves and those around them.
Each book contains colourful illustrations and is 12 pages long, a length recommended by Speech and Language therapists. The simple text uses basic vocabulary which can be easily understood and with the pictures it will help give structure and routine to children of different ages and abilities.
Avril Webster lives in Limerick, Ireland, she and her husband Robert (an ardent Liverpool fan), have three children, their eldest son Stephen has a moderate to severe intellectual disability.Avril has been a full time — carer for Stephen since 1998, 24 x 7, I call it a fact that our current government need to recognise more because this nation has so many carers. Avril and her family have strived to give their son Stephen the best in life; they have already made a good start today for him and for so many others out there with a disability. We wish them well in the future, it’s a difficult road.
www.limerickblogger.org
For more information email info@speechmark.net www.speechmark.net
The books are available locally in O’Mahony’s bookshop, Limerick.
Duration : 0:7:38
Neil Fetherstonhaugh and Stephen Travers at the launch of their book on the Miami Showband murders at Eason’s in Dublin
Part 2 of a video taken at the launch of Des Kennys book Kenny’s Choice: 101 Irish Books You Must Read.
Kevin O’Hara, author of Last of the Donkey Pilgrims, launches his new book, A Lucky Irish Lad, on January 31, 2010, in Pittsfield, Mass.
Bill was born in Cork in 1926, moving to Cahir and returning in later years, getting married in 1944, Bill documents what it was like to grow up, work and live in these times in Ireland. Throughout his lifetime he grappled with the path he was guided through, leading to his healing and psychic experiences. In the winter of his days, Bill is now 83 years of age, Bill is spiritually strong, but his physical body is wearing out and he has difficulty with vision, walking and requires frequent hospitalisation. He is overwhelmed by the messages of love and prayers which come from all quarters of the country and indeed much further afield. Please be aware that Bill is unable to answer all your emails and letters as it is simply too much for him. Part of the job Bill wanted to fulfill before he departed this world, was to write down his story as it is. It may help you or it may not but this in reality is the last great task which we can ask Bill to complete at this time in his life. With every best wish and blessing to each of you.