When is a conference not just a conference.

The Dyspraxia Foundation conference and 30th anniversary celebration.

I have been to and spoken at many conferences over the years but I can honestly say that the Dyspraxia Conference I attended on Sat June 23rd 2018 is the best yet!

Of course for someone who has worked closely with this Charity for many years people may feel that I am biased and perhaps I am but that is only because I know that this charity really is what it says on the box. No frills or excessive spending, just a devoted and passionate group of people who are determined to make Dyspraxia/DCD something that is recognised by everybody for the good of everybody. There is of course always that lovely 'returning to friends' feeling and a chance to catch up with people who I only see once a year as well as to meet people who i have 'met' only on social media and to form new friendships which have dyspraxia at their heart.

In national  charity terms the Dyspraxia Foundation is small in that it has very few paid staff members (who work extremely hard and at times almost buckle under the weight of demand for their services). Other than this handful of wonderful cohesive people it is kept afloat by a merry band of wonderful volunteers in all manner of roles, who wave the flag and help countless people come to terms with their challenges. 

Saturday was a celebration of the 30th anniversary of this Charity which has survived against the odds in an extremely challenging climate for charities. It is determined to continue to champion the very people that it represents.

Amongst the trustees there are three people with the condition, and I think it is testament to its beliefs that people with the lived experience help to shape the organisation and drive it forward. All the Trustees have an emotional investment in the condition and are driven by that passion that exists when one witnesses the difficulties faced by a loved one with the condition when it is poorly understood and responded to. These are people with fire in their bellies who really ache for positive change around this poorly understood condition that affects some 6% of the population. They work extremely hard, in their own time for no financial gain.

On Saturday the Charity Trustees and staff were joined by over 150 delegates for a day of learning, exploring, celebration  and  restoration.
Dyspraxia is a complex hidden disability that greatly influences living and learning skills and also bears an emotional impact often manifested in anxiety and/or depression. The keynote speaker was Dave Smithson from Anxiety Uk and the immediate and impassioned involvement of his audience underlined what an important issue this is for those that live with the condition. 

The day was cleverly and appropriately split so that there were seperate sessions running for families and professionals, youth members and adults, allowing the exploration of issues that were important to each stage of life and enabling people to get the most out of the day for them as individuals.

The Charity is rightly proud of its youth membership. A group of now 400 + individuals who discuss, share and support via a monitored facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/DyspraxiaFoundationYouth/   These young people come together at these conferences in an utter celebration of the friendships formed and solidarity shared. It is a joy to witness and they have a huge amount of positive energy and creative ideas that will also help to shape the charity as it moves forward.

The day was hosted at and by Norton Rose in London who generously sponsor these events and ensure that every person is looked after, well fed and comfortable.

The day covered topics including  the Importance of Teaching Resilience, Pathways to diagnosis,  Anxiety, Opening doors to Employment, Disclosure, Neurodiversity as the catalyst to Creativity and was drawn to a close by a positive look at the Joys of Dyspraxia by yours truly.

This small but perfectly formed Charity is  wholly dependent on voluntary contributions and membership fees to continue its services. It is currently surviving but not thriving because the resources are simply not there to employ more  much needed staff, increase the helpline opening hours, offer training and more conferences, publish information and develop services. That friends is really  down to you, the ones who have been interested enough to read this but are yet to take out membership (which is as cheap as chips).  Imagine how much more the charity could achieve if every facebook supporter (there are over 40,000 of you) became a member. You don't need a diagnosis to join our family but we are dependent on each and every one of you for  survival. Don't delay, join today by clicking this link...  https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/members/join-foundation/


A few comments from the day

'A wonderful day that I felt proud and privileged to be apart of'.

'Supportive, inspiring and restorative'

'I feel informed and energised and able to really strive for my sons support needs'

'Wow , what a brilliant day!'

'...inclusive non pressurising, allowing people to take their time and giving people the option to opt out and that people wouldn’t think less of you no matter what and those words meant so much to me'.

'If anyone has any spare change, please consider donating to the Dyspraxia Foundation so they can continue to support families and raise awareness of the condition that not everyone has heard of.'

If you didn't make it to this conference you missed a treat. As a parent or professional you would have learned so much, as a youngster you would have made new friends and as an adult felt a validation of the important person that you are.These days bring people together with an awareness of differences and difficulties and with a huge pair of invisible arms that gentle hug the people within. Everyone feels able to be themselves, free from the constraints of social norms and expectations. A true celebration of who they are and what they do. If you haven't attended a Dyspraxia Foundation Conference, put it on your bucket list, you will be SO pleased that you did.

'

Hanging up my Trustee hat.

The Dyspraxia Foundation and me.

Gill Dixon, PGCE,MA,BHScHons,RGN.

I have had a long and productive relationship with the DF and so it is with a lump in my throat that I hang up my Trustee hat and step down from a role which I have been privileged to hold. My journey with dyspraxia/DCD began way back in 1994 when I happened upon the Charity and called the helpline. I had been trying to get someone to believe that my son was at least dyspraxic but I was beginning to feel that perhaps I was wrong. Then a lovely voice (I wish I could attach a name to it) offered me some validation. I felt believed and that my opinion mattered and it gave me the strength to take up my metaphorical sword once again and return to the battle. More than a helpline, it was a life line and that call features in the top ten moments of my life.

I live in a pretty neuro diverse household, one son with a mild level of dyspraxia, one with a severe form of the condition along with various other co-existing conditions and a husband who would attract a diagnosis if he wanted one I am sure. I consider myself ‘Dyspraxic by Proxy’ because everything I do or view I execute with my mind set to how my family members will perceive it.

I went back to University at age 40 to learn more about the condition which I studied for BHScHons degree and then a Master’s degree in Disability studies where I looked at the needs of children in mainstream school and why it seemed that teachers were unable to see what to me was glaringly obvious. A cathartic journey which led to the publication of my first book (co-authored by Lois Addy) ‘Making Inclusion work for Children with Dyspraxia’.             
I have met some wonderful people and was proud to receive the first ever Mary Colley Award in recognition of my efforts. Mary was a wonderful woman who made such a difference in a life that was cut short far too soon. She had so much more to do. 

It is surprising what a difference having a string of letters after my name and a published book made to my fight and I felt compelled to share the knowledge I had acquired with others. I set up a helpline from home for families in my area, coordinated three ‘local’ support groups, ran a youth group, wrote articles and offered my services as a trainer to schools, parents, organisations…anyone who would listen.

It seemed only natural me to use my knowledge and experience to try and do something for others because I am acutely aware of the tremendous obstacles people face when they are trying to get the needs of a child with an invisible disability met. The Dyspraxia Foundation was the obvious place to be and I am proud to have been associated with the Charity for the many years that I have. The staff and volunteers have become like a second family. I can honestly say to this day that it is only at conferences and functions that are full of people with the condition, or interested in learning about the condition that I have felt totally relaxed and accepted. Being surrounded by people with who ‘get it’ is liberating and fuels ones desire to spread the word further.  I would urge anyone who hasn’t experienced that sense of belonging to book onto a conference.

The DF is a small charity doing a mammoth job. A very few paid staff at the helm, work tirelessly to make the world a better and safer place for those with dyspraxia/DCD. So many opportunities have to be put on hold because it simply does not have the resources to meet demand. It desperately needs people to become members, to support its work and to have a part in enabling it to grow and flourish. I hope very much that the helpline can find the funds it need to once again offer a full time service because that it so very close to my heart. That friendly voice in the darkest of times saying ‘I believe you’ is vital and truly life changing.

I would urge anyone who wants to support a really important Charity that receives no government funding or huge recognition to support the Dyspraxia Foundation. Some 6% of the population have the condition (that’s at least one in every classroom or office space).  Look at the website and learn more www.dyspraxiafoundation.co.uk

My one regret is that I have not met every single volunteer whose efforts really do ensure the charities survival. Every single one of you is valued and your efforts are inestimable. 

Yes, it is time for me to hang up my Trustees hat and move over for younger, more energetic and enthused people. I will always be on side though and my work with and for the DF will continue I am sure. If I was a stick of rock, it’s fair to say that dyspraxia would be written right through me. How could I completely leave the dyspraxia family?  Please support it and help it to both survive and thrive.

Gills books are all available from www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk.

Dyscover Yourself. Aimed at 4-10 year olds.
Making Inclusion work or children with Dyspraxia. For parents/carers and education professional.
Dyspraxia The Foundations. For families, teachers, health professionals and anyone interested in knowing ore.