Avril Webster, Off We Go Publishing
‘Off We Go Publishing was set up by a Mum on a mission, providing books to help children learn day-to-day skills such as going to the dentist, they have proven to be of particular benefit for children with special needs’
Business: Off We Go Publishing
Product: Series of 6 books, 6 more titles to be published in 2009
R&D: animation, mobile phone application, e-learning
Channels of distribution: Distributors, Retail, Disability organizations, trade inquiries welcome
Website: www.offwego.ie
Our product: The following titles are currently available:
- Going to the Supermarket
- Going to the Dentist
- Going to the Doctor
- Going to the Hairdresser
- Going to the Restaurant
- Going Swimming
These books explain ‘what comes next’ on an outing, and therefore help children to get through the task or situation more easily.
I created the Off We Go Series for my own son who has a severe developmental brain disorder. I got expert input from teachers and speech and language therapists who advised me that many other children would also benefit from them.
Each book breaks down the task into a 12 step sequence using simple clear pictures. Many books of this kind tend to have busy pictures with a lot going on in them; whereas the pictures in my books are clear, uncluttered and use contrasting colours. This is especially important for children with special needs, who can find it hard to understand a busy picture and have difficulty discriminating colours. I have included in each book a guide describing how to use the books to help ‘de-sensitise’ and support children with sensory difficulties.
LEAP Programme
The LEAP programme provides excellent training, delivered in a practical and ‘workshop’ way. It covers a wide range of business areas and is structured around the delivery of an investor ready business plan. The other benefit of the LEAP programme is that you are part of a ‘team’ of start up businesses, sharing ideas with and learning from others in the same circumstance.
Personal Profile
My name is Avril Webster and I participated in the 2008/9 LEAP programme. I am married to Robert and we have 3 children, our eldest son has a developmental brain disorder. I set up Off We Go Publishing in 2008. I was a full time Mum 1998-2008. Previous to this, I worked in sales and project management in the IT industry. I have an honours degree in International Marketing and Languages from DCU, graduated 1992.
CONTACT DETAILS
Avril Webster
74 Salmon Weir
Annacotty
Co. Limerick
Tel:061-332682
Email: avril@offwego.ie
Website: www.offwego.ie
