Shining a Light on Developmental Coordination Disorder
DCD Awareness Week is a global initiative dedicated to increasing understanding of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), sometimes known as dyspraxia, and celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of those living with this often-misunderstood motor skills disorder.
From Monday, 06 October 2025, iconic landmarks across Canada and around the world will light up in teal to raise awareness and spark conversations about DCD. Each year, families, educators, health professionals, and community leaders come together to share knowledge, support research, and build inclusive environments for children and adults with DCD.
What is Developmental Coordination Disorder?
Developmental Coordination Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects motor coordination and daily functioning. Children and adults with DCD may struggle with tasks such as handwriting, tying shoelaces, riding a bike, or participating in sports. Despite these challenges, individuals with DCD demonstrate remarkable creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills. Early recognition and support can make a lasting difference.
Highlights of DCD Awareness Week 2025
Teal Landmark Light-Ups: Famous buildings, bridges, and community icons across Canada will glow teal to show solidarity and spark conversation.
Community Events & Resources: Workshops, webinars, and social campaigns provide opportunities to learn more about DCD and how to support those affected.
Global Connections: DCD Awareness Week is celebrated internationally, connecting families and advocates across borders to share experiences and resources.
How You Can Get Involved
Spot the Teal: Visit a participating landmark and share your photos on social media using #DCDawarenessweek2025 and tag @dcd_kids_advocacy.
Educate & Share: Check out our resources, share them with schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers, and help spread understanding of DCD.
Support Ongoing Initiatives: Donate, volunteer, or partner with DCD Kids to help fund programs that provide resources and advocacy all year long. Register your interest with sue@dcdkids.com
A Year-Round Commitment
While the teal lights shine brightest during DCD Awareness Week, our mission continues year-round. This page will host updates for future DCD Awareness Week events, resources for families and educators, and inspiring stories that highlight the achievements of people with DCD.
If you would like your community to be involved next year, email sue@dcdkids.com for more information.
MONDAY - LIGHTS UP DAY
Today marks the start of DCD Awareness Week 2025! 💙
On Monday 06 October 2025, iconic landmarks across Canada will light up in teal as part of this global initiative to expand knowledge and understanding of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and to celebrate the strength, resilience, tenacity, and achievements of those living with DCD.
Across Canada, 53 landmarks in 7 provinces will shine bright, check the carousel to see if your community is on the list.
Spot teal lights tonight? Share your photo and tag us @dcd_kids_advocacy using #DCDawarenessweek2025.
Together with ISRA-DCD, we’re shining a light on DCD and the incredible individuals who live with it every day. Want your community involved next year? Contact sue@dcdkids.com
TUESDAY - AWARENESS
DCD = Developmental Coordination Disorder.
💙 1 in 20 people are affected.
💙 That’s 1 child in every classroom.
💙 It makes everyday motor skills more challenging, like tying shoes, brushing teeth, or using cutlery.
💙 It’s lifelong, impacting school, work, social engagement, and health.
Knowledge is power. Learn more at DCDKids.com. #dcdawarenessweek2025
WEDNESDAY - ADVOCACY
At DCD Kids, advocacy is at the heart of what we do. We’re working to ensure that:
✅ DCD is recognised as a whole-of-life condition.
✅ Children are supported in education & communities.
✅ Families have the resources they need to advocate.
Need help accessing resources in medical or education settings? Visit our Resources page.
#dcdawarenessweek2025 #advocacy
THURSDAY - ACTION
Wondering how to support a child with DCD at home or at school? 💙
Here are 4 practical approaches that empower kids and families:
💡 CO-OP Approach: Goal, Plan, Do, Check 👉 www.icancoop.org
💡 MATCH Strategies: Modify, Alter, Try, Change, Help 👉 www.canchild.ca
💡 5Cs Framework: Consideration, Confidence, Cooperation, Compromise, Creativity 👉 (credit: University of Notre Dame WA)
💡 The F Words: Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, Future 👉 www.canchild.ca
Check out our resources page for more tools and ways to take action.
#DCDawarenessweek2025 #TakeAction #TheFWords
FRIDAY - ACHIEVEMENT
What does achievement look like for kids with DCD? 💙
Sometimes, it looks like this ⛷️👇
✨ Showing up every week, every winter, for 8 years.
✨ Staying at the same level while friends move up, and showing up anyway.
✨ Falling down (a lot), but getting back up again (and again).
✨ Accepting help from incredible supports like @WhistlerAdaptive 🙌
This is resilience. This is joy. This is achievement.
#dcdawarenessweek2025 #strengthindcd
LIVE WEBCAM LINKS
Niagara Falls: 15 minutes at 10pm
Toronto: CN Tower
OFFICIAL RECOGNITION
We’re proud to share that the Government of British Columbia has formally proclaimed DCD Awareness Week. This official recognition highlights the importance of raising awareness, supporting families, and fostering understanding of Developmental Coordination Disorder within our communities.