International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD)

The Fourth International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD) 2025

The Fourth International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD) is being held on Monday, 6th October 2025.  This will be organised by Maria Chivers from Dyslexia A2Z.

“Let’s Play & Write!”

The IDAD is an annual event that celebrates and promotes the importance of handwriting while raising awareness about dysgraphia—a specific learning difficulty that affects writing skills. The event invites parents, educators, therapists, and specialists to come together for a week of fun, learning, and collaboration.

With the playful theme “Let’s Play & Write!”, IDAD embraces the power of joyful, movement-based learning to support handwriting development. Through every wiggle, giggle, and game, the aim is to help build stronger, more confident writers in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Dysgraphia often goes unnoticed or is misunderstood, leading to frustration and low self-esteem in children. IDAD helps to break the stigma and offers positive, practical support for learners of all ages. Events during the week include expert talks, workshops, activities, and resources focused on recognising dysgraphia, supporting handwriting development, and celebrating neurodiversity.

IDAD is coordinated by Dyslexia A2Z and is open to professionals, families, and anyone passionate about helping children thrive through accessible, engaging handwriting support.

Social Media Tips to Celebrate International Dysgraphia Awareness Day:

• Share photos or videos of playful handwriting activities from your classroom or therapy space.
• Post a carousel of “before and after” handwriting samples showing the impact of OT or AT tools.
• Highlight a child or student’s success story—big or small—related to writing progress.
• Create a reel featuring handwriting games that build fine motor skills.
• Share advice from an Occupational Therapist or AT specialist about how to support kids with dysgraphia.
• Post a list of signs to help teachers or parents identify potential dysgraphia early.
• Link to downloadable worksheets or handwriting apps that support diverse learners.
• Start a conversation by asking followers: “What helped your child feel more confident about writing?”
• Promote events happening during IDAD week and encourage people to attend or share.
• Raise awareness by posting an infographic explaining what dysgraphia is—and what it isn’t.

“Celebrate and Promote the Importance of Beautiful Handwriting”.

The aim of (IDAD) is to raise awareness of dysgraphia and celebrate it together with like-minded people interested in spreading the importance of good handwriting.  We will work with parents, teachers, Educational Psychologists, Math Professors, Occupational Therapists (OTs), Assistive Technology (AT) specialists and other professionals.

Empowering Change: The Journey of Dysgraphia Awareness Day

Maria Chivers and Dr David Edward Cowell’s journey in researching and advocating for dysgraphia awareness is inspiring and commendable. Their dedication to shedding light on dysgraphia and its challenges and their efforts to provide a working definition for the condition have played a vital role in helping parents, teachers, and individuals better understand and address dysgraphia.

The development of a definition for dysgraphia in 2008 and its subsequent update in 2019 demonstrates their commitment to creating a reference point for those dealing with dysgraphia-related issues. This definition has undoubtedly been a valuable resource for many individuals seeking clarity and guidance.

The initiative to establish Dysgraphia Awareness Day in 2022 is a testament to Maria Chivers’ determination to drive positive change and raise awareness on a global scale. The event’s success in making international contacts highlights the importance of the cause and the need for increased recognition of dysgraphia as a significant issue beyond mere handwriting difficulties.

The upcoming International Dysgraphia Awareness Day, with the support of experts worldwide, promises to be a crucial platform for promoting awareness and understanding of dysgraphia. It is essential to recognise that dysgraphia is not merely about poor handwriting or weak motor skills; it is a complex neurological condition affecting information processing and recall.

Maria Chivers’ analogy of dysgraphia as crossed wires transmitting information from the brain to the hands provides a vivid and relatable illustration of the condition’s challenges. Such explanations can help individuals, especially parents and teachers, better grasp the nature of dysgraphia and offer more effective support.

The hope that the British Psychology Society and the American Society will collaborate to produce a working definition for dysgraphia in the next five years underscores the need for continued progress in understanding and addressing this condition.

Finally, the International Online Conference, organised by Maria Chivers and her team, featuring occupational therapists specialising in various aspects of learning difficulties, promises to be a valuable resource for parents, teachers, psychologists, and anyone involved in education worldwide. Their dedication to sharing knowledge and expertise is a commendable effort in helping individuals with dysgraphia and similar challenges.

In conclusion, Maria Chivers and Dr David Edward Cowell’s tireless efforts and advocacy have significantly contributed to raising awareness about dysgraphia and providing valuable resources to support individuals affected by this condition. Their commitment to the cause is an inspiring example of how dedicated individuals can drive positive change and make a difference in the lives of those facing learning difficulties.

23rd September 2023

Research shows that the brain engages differently when we write by hand rather than typing.

¹ Furthermore, studies have also shown that if children can continue to write by hand to the age of ten, they will be more successful in their academic careers in the future.

Maria Chivers & Dr David E Cowell – 2023
www.dyslexiaa2z.com

¹Alli Can’t Write is a children’s book on handwriting with a section for parents, carers and teachers at the back of the book.

First Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD)

The First Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD)  in the World was registered in July 2022 by Maria Chivers from Dyslexia A2Z.

Second International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD)

The Second International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD) was held on Monday 1st October 2023.  Maria Chivers organised this from Dyslexia A2Z and Arran Smith from SEND.

Third International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD)

The Third International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD) will be held on Monday 7th October 2024.  This will be organised by Maria Chivers from Dyslexia A2Z.