Dyspraxia Awareness Week (24 - 30 September)
�I�m not naughty � I�m Dyspraxic�
1000�s of children and adults living with dyspraxia � are facing a future of being misunderstood and unfairly labelled, according to the results of a new survey, launched to highlight the week and our 20th Anniversary
Around three quarters (74%) of people questioned in the nationwide poll admitted that they thought behavioural, social and learning problems were simply an excuse for naughty or disruptive children.
We were pleased to work with Trinity PR to help achieve maximum media interest for dyspraxia, the charity and the campaign. Highlights included a feature in TES (Times Educational Supplement); teen magazine, Mizz and the Metro; news items online; weekly magazines and more than 20 regional items or case study features. Dyspraxia also featured on Teachers TV and more than 25 regional radio stations across the country.
Our campaign was off to a flying start with a feature on GMTV with an audience of 5 million. Our special thanks to Kerry Caligari and her son, Ben a delightful 3 year old with dyspraxia for appearing on the show. Mum, Kerry said �Appearing on GMTV was a very positive experience. It was an absolute privilege to be allowed to highlight dyspraxia to the public and I am glad it had the desired effect of raising the profile and awareness of the condition and that the children are fabulous in their own right.�
A letter to the editor
We were delighted to welcome Jon Lee (former member of S-Club 7 and now star of the West End stage) as our celebrity patron for the campaign. Jon has really helped us raise our profile by generating lots of extra media coverage for the charity.
In a letter to over 500 editors of local newspapers, Jon Lee wrote �Until recently, and no doubt like many of your readers, I was completely unaware of the condition and the huge impact it can have on everyday life. To help raise awareness of the condition, I am thrilled to be supporting the Dyspraxia Foundation�s national awareness week and 20th anniversary. The week aims to educate the public and health professionals alike as to the signs and symptoms of dyspraxia and the support available for sufferers.�
Thanks to all of those who appeared in the media or sent us their stories to support the campaign. Together, we really are making a difference.