To be seen fully
Tom makes it easier to recognise a person’s character, ideas and contribution before assumptions about disability.
About Alex
The person behind the Wheelz
Alex Xeras is the author, creator and lived-experience voice behind World on Wheelz.
Drawing on almost five decades of life with cerebral palsy and vision impairment, Alex created Tom to help children see the person before the disability and understand that everyone deserves a place in the story.
Author • Educator • CreatorAlex’s journey
Creativity, education and lived expertise
Alex has spent his life finding ways to stand out through ideas, learning and storytelling. World on Wheelz is designed to help children and adults discuss barriers honestly while keeping imagination, humour and possibility at the centre.
“Because I can’t stand up, I’m constantly looking for ways to make myself stand out.”
Qualifications supplied for Alex
- Master of Arts — Creative Writing
- Bachelor of Arts — Creative Writing and English
- Certificate IV — Training and Assessment
- Certificate II — Information Technology
These details were drawn from Alex’s supplied business-plan material and should be verified before formal credential checking or government submissions.
Why Alex created Tom
A character who can outlast the moment
To start honest conversations
Stories can introduce difficult topics in ways that feel safe, memorable and accessible.
To create a lasting legacy
Tom can continue supporting children, families and educators through books, live experiences and carefully governed technology.
Inspired by living characters
Making Tom feel present
Alex was inspired by the way great puppetry creates characters children relate to as real friends. The live Tom puppet, voice performance and future Digital Tom experience are intended to create immediacy without hiding that Tom is a character.
Explore Digital Tom