Dyspraxia Project

In 2006, ARCOS initiated the "Adults with Dyspraxia" project to meet some of the needs identified by adults with dyspraxia attending the self-help group "Adults With Dyspraxia At ARCOS" (A.W.D.A.A.).

Dyspraxia is described as a 'hidden' disability. People who have dyspraxia may be thought to be clumsy, lazy, rude, difficult, disorganised or even stupid. They often have difficulty in discriminating between left and right, feel they have to 'scramble to get things done' and have problems 'getting the right message across'. Dyspraxia makes it difficult to interpret social cues and "turn-take" appropriately in conversation. This means people with dyspraxia can find it difficult to form friendships and struggle to obtain and maintain employment.

This three year programme designed to provide specialist help for adults with developmental dyspraxia. A combination of therapy and counselling is provided, comprising individual sessions and group work. It is designed to provide a basis for learning that will help each participant to deal with past trauma, current experience and their future life. The project is led by a specialist occupational therapist and counsellor.

This project was initiated with funding from The E & D Cadbury Charitable Trust, Eveson Charitable Trust, Four Acre Trust, The Grand Charity, J B Albright's Grimley Charity, HBOS, The Edgar E Lawley Foundation and the Mary Webb Trust. It is reliant on further grant funding for its continuation. To donate to ARCOS click here . link this to the standing order form? Further information about dyspraxia can be found from the dyspraxia foundation and DANDA websites, which are accessible via our 'Useful Links' button in the top menu.

Carer training

Many people with whom ARCOS works are dependent on others for their health, welfare and quality of life. Carers including parents and partners, are often left to cope throughout 24 hours, seven days a week without adequate training or practical support. ARCOS recognises the need for specialist carer training.

It is essential that carers possess knowledge, understanding and requisite skills to support the individual in a comprehensive way and help them to be as independent as possible in each of the areas below:

• Airway protection through swallowing, throat clearing and coughing
• Posture and mobility
• Communication

Training is workshop based, comprising self-experience, supervised work with the client concerned and theoretical background. It is carefully targeted to each individual's needs.

Generous funding from BBC Children In Need Appeal, the E F Bulmer Benevolent Fund, The Richard Cadbury Charitable Trust, Baron Davenport's Charity, D'Oyley Carte Charitable Trust, George Fentham Birmingham Charity, The Grand Charity, The Hedley Foundation, The Harry Payne Trust, St James' Place Foundation and the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation has helped ARCOS to provide carer training schemes in established venues in Hereford, Gloucester and Luton. These centres are being further developed with distance learning support. The BBC Children In Need Appeal has provided funding that will enable this programme to be further developed into 2007. To donate to ARCOS click on 'Helping ARCOS' from the main menu.

Self-experience helps the integration of therapy for breathing, voice and physical stability. Videotape analysis supports peer group learning.