Paul Braun
Founder, Taking Autism to the Sky
I'm a dad of 3 boys (Harrison, Mitchell and Torin) and a husband. By day I am a sales executive in the surveying and mapping industry which was one influence as to how we ended up looking into this project. I've been in and around the GIS and mapping industry since the 80's.
I claim to have a PhD in autism from the 'School of Hard Knocks'. That may be true but in many respects, autism is the best thing that's happened to me. It has given me a whole new appreciate for what matters in life. To slow down. To be mindful. To be accepting.
My 10 year old son has autism. His autism has given me many new insights into what it means to be human, and how to empathize with others that are dealing with their own struggles. The therapies we pursue are aimed at giving him new perspectives; to understand the nuances of social relationships and to relate to the world around him in a fulfilling and meaningful way. We want to give him a new perspective on the world in which he lives.
One amazing influence in our lives is my wife Krysia. Aside from being a loving Mom with a seemingless endless energy to examine and try new things to help her boys, she founded the group Middleton Area Group Improving Community (MAGIC). MAGIC is a parent advocacy group for families having children with special needs.
Workshops
Navigating Crowd-Funding - Kickstart Your Project
Crowd-funding has taken its mantel in society. Ideas that banks, foundations, and government won't fund or will fund but with far too many restrictions, are being given new life by individual interest. This panel presentation will offer an interactive, question and answer session for individuals interested in using Kickstarter or…
