Aedan Lias

Aedan Lias has learning challenges.  Or maybe call it a difference in ability that schools in Australia are not set up to automatically cater for, so he learns alternatively by tapping into his creative skills. His local school has been fantastic in assisting Aedan with iPad learning and catering for his needs in class and with homework.  It would be great for the national school system to recognise how much this has assisted him and how children with dyslexia can be easily catered for.  Writing and illustrating books is his passion and to date he has published 8 books which have been funded by his mum and dad.  He has had his books recognised by the local libraries and radio station and is now a finalist for the Pride of Australia Medal in the young leader category. Aedan has loved every minute of his journey so far.  In many ways kids who learn differently or express themselves differently can be the target of bullying and can become more susceptible to low self confidence.  Writing these books has assisted Aedan in building that self confidence, let him be his happy self and also understand that being different is OK and that he is not alone.  
Aedan has a goal to take his books to the world to inspire others, help people tap into their creative side and also get the message out that the school curriculum can easily cater for many different styles of learning with technology.  It's taken a lot of time and resources to get his books to where he is today and he needs some help to reach his next goal.  The place and opportunity lies at the London Book Fair in April 2015.  This is where Aedan can meet and greet publishers from all over the world.

The writing and illustrating for Aedan started as a fun way to learn and has since then taken on a life of their own.  It has cost a lot of time and money but it has been worth it.  Aedan loves hearing from people who have been inspired by his books and learnt more about dyslexia and other learning challenges.  
Aedan needs to raise $6000 which won't cover all the costs but will help him get there.  This will be flights for him and one parent, accommodation for four nights, miscellaneous travel and the hire of the stall which will be around $3000 itself.  So even though the $6000 won't cover the total costs, it will get him to the fair.  
Attending the Book Fair will be the one real opportunity to set up meetings with as many people as possible to get Aedan's books to the world.  London Book Fair is the one place where the who's who of publishing come together and people's dreams are realised.  It's the chance to break into other markets and help Aedan realise his dream.  Ultimately if any funds raised cover more than costs then some funds will go toward his next run of books for his new release.  The next book is about dyslexia awareness.

There will be a lot of ground work put in to get to London.  There will be lots of meetings to set up and things to be organised.  There will be a fair bit of extra costs that have to be paid.  To date it has been great fun but a lot of rewarding hard work for Aedan and his siblings.  There has also been a fair cost involved with publishing and time.  Taking Aedan's books to the world will be the achievement and likely with no financial benefit.  The point is that he has and will inspire others and send a message about creative learning to the world.  Thanks for sharing as this will make this project happen and will boost dyslexia awareness.