Dyspraxia Foundation Announces Closure Amid Financial Challenges
In a heartfelt announcement made on Saturday, April 20th, the Dyspraxia Foundation revealed its decision to cease operations, citing insurmountable financial obstacles. The closure marks the end of a nearly four-decade-long journey dedicated to supporting individuals with dyspraxia and their communities.
The Dyspraxia Foundation's Board of Trustees, after extensive deliberation, concluded that the organization's financial struggles had become unsustainable, despite the appointment of a new CEO, Lucy Owen, who had brought renewed energy and vision to the charity. The prevailing economic climate within the third sector, compounded by diminishing grant opportunities and increasing demand for services, proved to be insurmountable barriers for the foundation.
"We write to you today with heavy hearts but with utmost transparency and respect," stated the Dyspraxia Foundation in their announcement. "It is with profound regret that we must announce the closure of the Dyspraxia Foundation."
The closure comes as a devastating blow to the dyspraxic community, which has relied on the foundation's support for decades. The organization's efforts have been instrumental in helping thousands of individuals with dyspraxia navigate life's challenges and reach their full potential.
Sophie Kayani, a former Chair of the Dyspraxia Foundation, expressed confidence in the community's resilience. "As a former Chair, I am confident that the seeds sown by our collective efforts will continue to flourish," Kayani stated. "I have received many messages and calls from stakeholders, on the sad news of the closure of the DF, who are keen to explore new pathways, ensuring that the journey of support, understanding, and advocacy for dyspraxia perseveres. The time now is to reflect and assess the current situation, but my commitment to empowering those with dyspraxia remains steadfast. The story doesn't end here; it simply turns a new page."
Charis Hawkley, reflecting on her journey within the dyspraxia community, shared her sentiments. "I was late to the dyspraxia community as I did not find the community until 2021 after being diagnosed in 2016 as an 18-year-old," Hawkley stated. "The Dyspraxia Foundation was my first venture into the dyspraxia community. I found the foundation to be exactly what my life had been missing. The community and the foundation demonstrated to me that I was not alone and helped me to build my confidence and realize that dyspraxia was not a bad thing. Dyspraxia Foundation helped me to become a leader and advocate for the community through youth champion, local group coordinator, and blog editor. I would not be an advocate for the community without the support and opportunities the dyspraxia community offered me. While the foundation will be incredibly missed, the leaders that the Dyspraxia Foundation encouraged will endeavor in keeping the community together."
Despite the closure, the Dyspraxia Foundation expressed gratitude to its supporters, donors, volunteers, and partners who have stood by them throughout the years. They also reassured the community that efforts are underway to ensure that all legal and financial obligations are met with integrity and transparency.
"While this marks the end of a chapter for the Dyspraxia Foundation, we remain committed to the values and principles that have guided our work," the foundation stated. "We encourage our supporters to continue their compassionate efforts to make a positive impact in the dyspraxic community."
In response to the closure, Dyspraxia Magazine reaffirmed its dedication to raising awareness and supporting dyspraxia-related research. Despite the loss of the Dyspraxia Foundation, Dyspraxia Magazine aims to continue its mission of advocating for individuals with dyspraxia and providing a platform for sharing stories, resources, and information.
As the dyspraxic community grapples with the closure of the Dyspraxia Foundation, there is hope that the spirit of support and advocacy will endure, ensuring that dyspraxic individuals will continue to receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.
Several prominent figures and organizations within the dyspraxic community have also made official public statements in response to the closure of the Dyspraxia Foundation. These statements, which express solidarity, gratitude, and determination to continue supporting dyspraxic individuals, can be viewed below.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the Dyspraxia Foundation’s closure after nearly four decades of invaluable service. This organisation has been a support for thousands, helping individuals in the UK with dyspraxia to find the information they need. It is profoundly distressing that, despite increasing demand, the necessary resources have dwindled, leaving dyspraxia to remain, tragically, the ‘poor cousin’ among its neurodivergent peers in terms of financial support. Today, we stand in solidarity with the staff and volunteers who are losing jobs, and with the wider community of the Dyspraxia Foundation, recognising the impact of their work over the years and lamenting the stark reminder of how critical, yet underfunded, this field remains.”- Laura and Sophie, Girls Interrupting
"It is with a heavy heart that I write this post.
After approximately 40 years of supporting individuals with dyspraxia and raising awareness, yesterday, the @dyspraxiafoundation announced that it is closing down.
I first got involved with the foundation at the age of 16. I was also part of the Dyspraxia Youth Group.
It has always been a joy to be in a room where people actually understood what life with dyspraxia is like.
The charity has done incredible work. I have attended DF events all over the country.
Last year was my most memorable year, where I had the immense privilege of sharing my experiences with dyspraxia. I was also awarded the Mary Colley Award. Mary Colley was a trailblazer, so it was an honor to receive an award in her memory.
Statistics show that the prevalence of dyspraxia is higher than autism and ADHD, yet many people still don't know about it.
As Professor Amanda Kirby mentioned in her latest blog post there are many people doing great work to improve the lives of those with dyspraxia. I will also link to the newsletter in the comments.
With the increased awareness of neurodiversity, and as a dyspraxic advocate, it is clear that work to support dyspraxia and raise awareness is definitely needed. It's not the time to give up.
It's so unfortunate that in the current economic climate, such an amazing charity directly serving people like me with neurodiversity has to close.
Running a charity is incredibly tough, which is why I salute all of those who have been involved in running the Dyspraxia Foundation. I am thankful for all your endeavors. Please don't be offended if I forget to mention everyone, but thank you too: Lucy Owen, Jonathan Levy, Sophie Kayani, Matt Devonshire, Rosie Edmondson, and others. Thank you so much for all that you've done. I am truly grateful." - Tumi Sotire, The Black Dyspraxic
"At Dyspraxic Me, a charity that provides peer support for dyspraxic young adults, we were sad to hear that the Dyspraxia Foundation was closing its doors. For four decades, the foundation has paved the way for research, innovation, and advocacy efforts by the dyspraxia community itself. The staff and volunteers have put so much hard work, time, and effort into programs and initiatives that support dyspraxic well-being. As an organisation that relies so heavily on volunteer efforts, we greatly appreciate and respect their efforts.
The foundation’s legacy is important to us. They have played a crucial role in introducing dyspraxics and their families to vital resources, support networks, and advice on navigating education and the workplace.
Although we cannot replace every program and initiative the foundation offers, we will continue providing dyspraxic-friendly activities that build valuable relationships in the dyspraxia community. As an organisation, we are dedicated to supporting the efforts and projects of the dyspraxia community while celebrating the small wins of dyspraxics in their everyday lives. That will continue to be an important part of our work in the years ahead, even though dyspraxia is historically one of the most under-researched and underfunded neurodivergent conditions.
If you need support outside our scheduled activities and are unsure who to speak to, we recommend contacting Mind, a mental health-focused charity, or Samaritans." - Dyspraxic Me
"The closing of the Dyspraxia Foundation UK is a very sad day indeed. In 2001 at the age of 20...I decided to study in England and was immediately given answers pertaining to my Neurodiversity.
Sadly I had to fight the UK Foundation to have adults recognized and the disorder being more than a motor disorder.
The UK Foundation was a great start but so much more must happen. - Warren Fried, President and Founder www.dyspraxiausa.org
"**Statement from Dyspraxia Magazine re: the closure of The Dyspraxia Foundation:**
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Dyspraxia Foundation for their unwavering support to our community over the past four decades. Their dedication and advocacy have not only provided invaluable support but also encouraged education and fostered increased research in the field of dyspraxia. The Foundation's commitment to sharing knowledge and promoting understanding has led to significant strides in improving the lives of dyspraxic individuals.
While Dyspraxia Magazine does not provide the same services as The Dyspraxia Foundation, we are dedicated to increasing awareness and providing peer support through our connected networks. We remain committed to continuing the vital work of supporting dyspraxic individuals and ensuring that their voices are heard. The legacy of The Dyspraxia Foundation will always be remembered, and we stand ready to honor it by continuing to serve our community." - Krystal Shaw, Dyspraxia Magazine
"It is with deep sadness that I process this news, but simultaneously, I completely understand the decisions made.
Right now, operating in the charity sector throughout the Anglosphere is hard because so many are being squeezed by endlessly rising living costs anyway. Not to mention, dyspraxia has always been a tough one. As an advocate within this space, you are constantly faced with the barrier of insufficient research, insufficient support in places that count, like workplaces and education, and insufficient resource access. That is exactly why this news hits a deeply personal place. In the mid-90s, my parents learned I was dyspraxic, and the resource that helped them understand how best to support me was a pamphlet from the dyspraxia foundation they got their hands on.
Although I refuse to see this as the end of hope for solutions to the problems dyspraxics face that their non-dyspraxic peers don't. The best thing we can do is lift each other up and cheer each other on when something good is done for the entire DCD community." Rosemary Richings - read full statement here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the community navigates this challenging transition, the outpouring of support and commitment from various stakeholders underscores the resilience and unity within the dyspraxic community. Together, they vow to uphold the values and principles championed by the Dyspraxia Foundation, ensuring that the legacy of support and advocacy for individuals with dyspraxia endures.
Preservation of Resources Amid Closure:
Additionally, the dyspraxic community is urged to know that all the resources previously offered by the Dyspraxia Foundation won't disappear. While we're unsure about how exactly these resources will be provided in the future, we're committed to making sure that the wealth of information gathered over the past 40 years remains in existence. Once we're able to share and provide these resources again, the public will be made aware.
