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Dyspraxia (DCD) Ireland National Conference 2023

Conference Title: Enhancing our understanding of Dyspraxia/DCD – an inclusive approach to well-being and support

This event is now finished. We would like to thank everyone who attended, and all those connected with organising and presenting this conference, for making it a great success. The original webpage information can be found below.

The Registration Form is located at the bottom of this page.

View/Download the DDCD Conference Booklet

When?

Saturday 11 November 2023

Time?

9.30am – 4:30pm (registrations open at 8.45am)

Where?

Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath

Price?

Standard price is €100 per person. Logged in members can avail of a price of €80.

We are very proud to announce that our Conference will be launched by Anne Rabbitte T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with special responsibility for Disabilities.

For this year's conference we have an exciting range of speakers covering important topics on health and education including:

  • Keynote speaker - Professor Amanda Kirby
    Professor Amanda Kirby has an international reputation in the field of Neurodiversity. She works closely with several charities. Professor Kirby is the author of 8 books and more than 100 research papers in the field, and is an emeritus Professor at the University of South Wales and honorary professor at Cardiff University.
  • Dr Aine O'Dea
    Dr. Áine O'Dea is an experienced occupational therapist, educator, and researcher, having worked clinically for over two decades. She is one of Ireland's foremost experts in Dyspraxia/DCD. In addition, Áine has worked closely with Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland for some years, sharing her passion for education and knowledge with parents of children and adults with DCD. Aine has developed and facilitates training for clinicians in best practice DCD assessment and report writing.
  • Dr. Dorothy Armstrong
    Dr Dorothy Armstrong (MSc PhD) is an Occupational Therapist who works with organisations to provide education and training about neurodiversity and the approaches and environmental changes that are necessary for inclusion in work, play and educational settings. Neurodivergence encompasses a wide range of differences including DCD/Dyspraxia, Autism, learning difficulties and ADHD. For more information about Dorothy please check out her website https://dorothyarmstrongconsultantot.com Dorothy is currently developing an Adult DCD Assessment protocol for clinicians in Ireland.
  • Dr. Rion O'Farrell-Walsh
    Dr Ríon O'Farrell-Walsh is a clinical psychologist who has a wealth of experience diagnosing and working with individuals with Dyspraxia/DCD. She is a practicing clinical psychologist with particular interest and experience in assessing, diagnosing and working therapeutically with neurodiverse individuals, including those with DCD/Dyspraxia. Rion also conducted MSc level research investigating clinical levels of social anxiety in adults with a diagnosis of Dyspraxia. Ríon is an expert by lived experience.
  • Emma Magee – Senior Educational Psychologist
    Emma is a Senior Educational Psychologist and Psychology manager in the Dyslexia Association of Ireland. Emma specialises in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia and Dyscalculia). In her role within the DAI, she carries out assessments and facilitates workshops and courses for parents, children and teachers. She continues to be involved in advocating for systematic change with the Department of Education. Additionally, Emma is a member of the Advisory board for DARE, whom she has worked with for several years.
  • This year's conference will feature informative and engaging workshops that will explore a wide range of topics, with clinicians and education professionals who are working at the frontline with people with dyspraxia (DCD). Topics will include dealing with your child's diagnosis, adult diagnosis and supports, reasonable accommodations (RACE), transitioning to secondary and third level education.
  • A dedicated panel discussion ‘After school – what next?' with AHEAD, DARE, the NLN, ETBs and Youth Reach will highlight a range of options for school leavers and young adults.

Tickets include refreshments and lunch in the restaurant.

We look forward to meeting you all at this exciting annual event in our calendar.

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