International Dysgraphia Awareness Day
International Dysgraphia Awareness Day invites us into a celebration of different writing minds. It explains dysgraphia as a condition that affects letter formation, spelling, spacing, and written flow.
Position assistive writing tools and educational resources as confidence-builders for students with dysgraphia, emphasizing inclusive learning solutions.
- Share real student stories: how speech-to-text or graphic organizers transformed their writing experience
- Host a virtual 'Writing Alternatives Showcase' featuring EdTech tools designed for dysgraphia support
- Create empathy-building content: challenge followers to write with their non-dominant hand and share the struggle
- Spotlight alternative expression: celebrate art, video, and verbal storytelling as valid forms of communication
International Dysgraphia Awareness Day began in 2022 when Deedra Scherm, a mother and advocate, launched the first U.S.-based event.
She saw how little people understood dysgraphia and wanted a day to change that.
What started as a small effort through a Facebook group quickly gathered support. Her idea focused on giving students and families a way to speak up, share experiences, and access better support for writing challenges.
Around the same time, Maria Chivers—founder of Dyslexia A2Z—registered the day as an international event. She teamed up with Dr. David E. Cowell to grow its reach beyond the U.K.
Their goal was simple: make dysgraphia easier to recognize and support.
Since then, the day has returned each October with stronger networks, more global voices, and a growing number of educational tools and events.
Create a Safe Space to Talk
Start open conversations in classrooms, community centers, or living rooms. Invite children or adults to share how writing feels. These moments build trust and bring quiet struggles into the light. People begin to realize they’re not alone, which can change everything.
Introduce Writing Alternatives
Show tools that make writing less frustrating. Offer speech-to-text apps, typing programs, or graphic organizers. Let participants try them in a relaxed setting. Some might discover a method that finally feels right.
Design Empathy Activities
Have others try writing with their non-dominant hand or while timed. Keep it gentle and light-hearted. These exercises open eyes. Suddenly, common phrases like “just write it down” don’t sound so simple anymore.
Spotlight Strengths Beyond Handwriting
Invite kids to draw, build, or explain ideas out loud. Celebrate expression in any form. When someone struggles with letters but thrives in other ways, their confidence grows. That shift matters—especially to young learners.
Connect With Families and Teachers
Host a small meetup or online session. Let caregivers and educators ask questions, swap tips, or share stories. These connections can lead to support that lasts well beyond one day.