
We are delighted to share that Dyspraxia DCD Ireland has been awarded €16,000 as part of the latest round of RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grants.
This funding, made possible through the incredible generosity of viewers of the annual RTÉ Toy Show, will support the development and delivery of an innovative new pilot programme, “Minecraft Meets Nature.” The initiative is designed for children with dyspraxia/DCD who are currently on waiting lists for HSE occupational therapy services, providing meaningful support during what can often be a long and challenging period for families.
The six-week pilot programme will work with two groups of children aged 7–14 in the West of Ireland. It will combine guided outdoor activities, such as nature walks and sensory exploration, with creative digital engagement through Minecraft, where participants will recreate natural environments. Through shared challenges, group reflection, and support from parents, carers, occupational therapists, and student OTs, the programme aims to build confidence, support emotional wellbeing, and strengthen social connections while reducing isolation.
CEO Sharon Lane welcomed the funding, saying:
“This funding is a powerful investment in children who are too often left waiting without support and recognises that every child’s experience of dyspraxia/DCD is unique. By combining creativity, connection, and the outdoors, we can build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. We are deeply grateful to the Toy Show Appeal and everyone who made this possible.
The programme will complement our existing POTTS (Partnering in Occupational Therapy Telehealth Services) initiative and will be evaluated with a view to developing a scalable national model. We hope this pilot will not only support participating children and families but also contribute to improving how supports are delivered across Ireland in the future.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and everyone who donated, your support is helping us make a real difference, one child at a time”.
Founded in 2020, the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has raised over €31 million for children’s charities across Ireland, supporting more than 1 million children and family members each year. The Appeal is managed by Community Foundation Ireland, which works to ensure that funds are invested in impactful projects benefiting children and families nationwide.
