Understanding Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
The WAM Programme at AHEAD are running a free training webinar aimed at current WAM employers and potential WAM employers.
When: Wednesday, June 28th 2023 from 11.30am – 1.00pm.
What: An online session to provide awareness and understanding about Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) in the workplace. The webinar will be run in partnership with Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland.
More about WAM: The WAM programme is the transition to employment initiative of AHEAD. It offers graduates with disabilities the benefit of a 6-month minimum fully paid and mentored work placement with high profile employers. WAM was established in 2005 and, to date, have placed over 600 graduates with both private and public sector employers.
EVENT INFORMATION
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also widely known as Dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental disorder effecting approximately 5% of the global population (Biotteau et al., 2022).
According to AHEAD’s report on Students with Disabilities Engaged with Support Services in Higher Education in Ireland for the academic period 2020/21 there are nearly 18,000 students with disabilities in higher education and 6.5% of whom had DCD (AHEAD, 2022).
The WAM programme have noticed a significant increase in the number of graduates with DCD entering employment over the past five years. Since 2018, 9% of graduates placed through the WAM Programme have disclosed DCD/Dyspraxia, with a 100% increase from 2018 to 2022.
The aim of this webinar is to provide an understanding of Dyspraxia (DCD) and to explore the interchangeable terminology used when referring to this disability. The webinar will also discuss how Dyspraxia can present for people on a day to day basis with an emphasis on the potential impact on work and what supports are available to employees and employers.
The webinar will be hosted by Deirdre Moore, WAM Coordinator in AHEAD, with a featured presentation from Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland. The webinar will then wrap up with a question-and-answer session.
About our Speakers
Deirdre Moore – WAM Coordinator, AHEAD
Deirdre joined the AHEAD team in 2021 and is working on The Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme which aims to promote access to the labour market for graduates with disabilities and build the capacity of employers to integrate disability into the mainstream workplace. Deirdre holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies in Social Care and has 18 years' experience working in the disability sector both here in Ireland and in Australia. During this time Deirdre was involved in the establishment and delivery of various new and innovative disability and social inclusion programmes for people with disabilities.
Sharon Lane - CEO, Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland
Sharon Lane is the CEO of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland, a national organisation that supports people with dyspraxia and DCD. She is also the founder of Working Well Ireland, a social enterprise that creates employment opportunities for people with mental health challenges. For over 20 years Sharon has worked across community, disability and mental health services in government and non-government roles where she has developed extensive experience in managing and delivering innovative service models for people with mental health and disability needs. Sharon is passionate about breaking down barriers and making a difference for people who face disadvantage.
