A New Journey Begins

Today is the Autumnal Equinox and just as seasons change so do people.

Fifteen years ago, Joshua Englehaupt decided he wanted to be an artist. Over the years he’s gone from finger-paintto this and the artist, Josh E, came into being.

Mystic Rider hi res

Three years ago, Joshua has acquired a voice. The Tobii Dynavox company put out a computer that is accessed by eye-gaze technology. Joshua can now speak. And read. And…write.

Using the computer, Joshua told me…over and over…that he wanted to be a writer. So, in addition to the artist, we now have Joshua Englehaupt, the writer.

He is working on a series of picture books. They are based on what he knows. Which is himself, and his life in a wheelchair. The character is a little boy named Joshua. Each book, geared to the 4-7 year-old child, will deal with a specific issue that Joshua himself has dealt with.

Every week, we’re going to share the journey. The struggles, the frustrations, the joys, and the accomplishments as Joshua learns a new skill. This is a journey I’m very excited to witness, and help with.

So far, he has six stories lined up. Illustrations are going to be a challenge. Joshua is an artist but he cannot work at the speed required. So our solution is for Joshua to be the one who decides on composition and colors. I will be his paintbrush. What he wants, I will execute. Between us, I think we’ll come up with something special.

A new journey is starting. Page 1 Book 1 says it best:

HELLO, MY NAME IS JOSHUA.

 

About JoshE

Joshua Englehaupt was born on April 3, 1980. Birth trauma left him with Cerebral Palsy. He is non-verbal and non-ambulatory but he is filled with a wonderful spirit. He has a passion for art. Join him in his journey of discovery.
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