International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD) – Monday, 2nd October 2023

This International event with expert speakers from around the World has been organised by Maria Chivers of the “Dyslexia A₂Z”  and helped by her friend and mentor, Dr David Cowell.  Thanks must also go to Arran Smith and his team from SEND for all the technical ‘Know how’!

“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.

International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD) Website

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 being like crossed wires in 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

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