Off Avril goes to publishing success

A LIMERICK mother has successfully turned an idea to help her severely disabled son into a publishing opportunity.

Avril Webster yesterday launched her first series of Off We Go books.

Another six will be published next year.

Avril hit on the concept when trying to prepare her son Stephen for ventures outside his home environment, such as visit to the swimming pool, an appointment with the dentist, a visit to the supermarket and others. Stephen, whose intellectual development is short of his nine years got to terms with new situations with the help of colourful series of placement visuals devised by mum, Avril.

English publishers, Speechmark, latched on to Avril’s idea and commissioner her to do a series of 12 Off We Go books.

The first six were launched yesterday.

Stephen attends St Vincent’s special school in Lisnagry and Avril got suggestions from Stephen’s team of therapists to help with her project.