OT 4 Kids with DCD

22/03/2026

Just 5 wee numbers left with a sensory play jar to win and a £15 costa voucher - total prize of £25 - all postal, literally win win X

21/03/2026

Hi everyone, this week is Sign Language Week! So if you would like an introduction to the world of Sign Language, then please read on...

Sign language plays a vital role in communication, inclusion, and accessibility. It allows people to EXPRESS THEMSELVES visually using their hands, facial expressions, and body language, rather than spoken words. While it is most commonly associated with Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, sign language benefits a much wider group of people.

People use sign language for many reasons, including:
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who rely on visual communication rather than sound
- People with hearing impairments who may find spoken language difficult in certain environments
- People who can't express themselves verbally, such as individuals with speech and language difficulties, learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries, or neurological conditions
- Children and adults who benefit from an additional way to communicate, especially when speech is delayed or limited

Sign language supports independence, reduces frustration, and allows people to connect, share ideas, and take part fully in everyday life.

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE (BSL) is a fully developed, natural language with its own grammar and structure. It is not based on spoken English and has regional variations across the UK, much like spoken accents.

BSL is the first or preferred language of many Deaf people in the UK and was officially recognised as a language in 2003. Learning even a small amount of BSL can make a huge difference in breaking down communication barriers and showing respect for the Deaf community.

A great place to learn more about BSL, its structure, and how to get started is:
👉 https://www.british-sign.co.uk/what-is-british-sign-language/ 👈

This website also signposts learners to further resources, courses, and guidance.

SIGN SUPPORTED ENGLISH (SSE) is different from BSL. It uses signs borrowed from BSL but follows spoken English word order and grammar. Not every word is signed; instead, key words are supported with signs while speaking.

SSE is often used by:
- Hearing people who are learning to sign
- Professionals working with Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals
- People who use spoken English but benefit from visual support

While SSE can be helpful in some settings, it’s important to remember that it is not the same as BSL, and many Deaf people prefer communication in BSL.

If you’re interested in learning basic BSL signs, there are free and accessible resources available online. A popular and beginner-friendly option is:

👉 Commanding Hands on YouTube 👈
https://www.youtube.com/

This channel offers FREE content to help you start learning everyday signs, fingerspelling, and simple phrases.

Sign language is about more than COMMUNICATION — it’s about inclusion, equality, and understanding. When more people learn to sign, even at a basic level, it helps create a world where everyone has the opportunity to be heard, understood, and valued.

Learning sign language is a powerful way to SUPPORT accessibility and CONNECT with people who experience the world differently — and that benefits all of us 💛💚💙🤍🤎

Image Description:
A bright, cartoon-style classroom illustration shows two young schoolchildren sitting side by side at a desk. Both are smiling warmly and raising one hand in a friendly greeting, signing “hello” in British Sign Language.

The girl on the left has long light brown hair held back with a blue headband and is wearing a blue school jumper over a white collared shirt. The boy on the right has short dark hair and is dressed in a matching blue jumper and white collared shirt.

In front of them on the desk are open exercise books with writing visible on the pages, along with a yellow cup filled with coloured pencils. The background features a cheerful classroom setting with educational posters on the wall, a bookshelf with neatly arranged books, and two other students slightly blurred in the distance.

The overall style is colourful, friendly, and inviting, with large expressive eyes and soft shading typical of children’s cartoon illustrations.

21/03/2026

Only 5 numbers left!! Ends at 10pm tonight!!!!! Don’t miss out 🐰🐥

17/03/2026

🐰🐥

Our current competition to WIN a play jar thanks to The Play Jar and a £15 costa voucher- thanks to OT 4 Kids with DCD ( go and show both of their pages some love 💞) and all POSTAL!!
This ENDS on the 21st March so get buying a number before they run out! Still plenty to go at 🐰🐣🐥X

10/03/2026

Join in our fab new competition all postal so literally anyone can enter xx

09/02/2026

If anyone fancies sponsoring these little stars we would be so grateful x

05/02/2026

Oh my goodness! How have i not discovered Friendly Shoes UK before now! Lots of options for trainers/ boots etc that have a shoe lace look but zip up along the side to access!
If anyone uses them now or in the future please let me know what you think? I always like knowing options out there 🥾👟
Maybe you all know about them? 🤔

26/01/2026

Happy International Handwriting Day everyone! 📝🖊️😄

Many neurodivergent people experience differences that can make handwriting more challenging. Neurodiversities such as autism, ADHD, dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder), and dysgraphia can affect fine motor control, hand strength, coordination, attention, sensory processing, and planning. This may result in writing that is slow, tiring, uneven, or difficult to read, and can make tasks like holding a pencil, spacing letters, or maintaining posture harder.

These challenges are not a reflection of intelligence or effort, in fact the individuals affected are usually having to work even harder to attempt to 'keep up' with their peers.

However, this is where our charity comes into play! This is because a range of educational equipment can help support handwriting, including pencil grips, weighted pens or pencils, sloped writing boards, adaptive or ergonomic pens, handwriting guides, lined or textured paper, wrist rests, and visual prompts.

In addition, assistive technology such as tablets with stylus pens or speech-to-text tools can reduce pressure while still allowing people to express their ideas comfortably and confidently.

Therefore if you know a child or young person struggling with their handwriting, then please check out our eligibility criteria at www.equipped4learning.org.uk to see if they fit the criteria and fill out an application form for our next application window! 💛💚💙🤍🤎

Finally, if you would like to learn more about dysgraphia (a neurological condition that affects a person's ability to write, impacting both handwriting and written expression) and ways you can aid either yourself or someone you know in a home, work or school environment; check out the YouTube video below, by OT4Kidswithdcd:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-bziw4jyJU

** Image Description **

A bright, friendly cartoon illustration shows a young girl sitting at a desk in a classroom, smiling as she writes. She has brown hair tied back in a ponytail and is wearing a pink top. In front of her is a blue angled writing board holding yellow lined paper, which she is writing on with a pencil fitted with a grip, supporting comfortable handwriting.

The desk is neatly arranged with colourful learning materials, including stacks of coloured paper, sticky notes, and a pot of coloured pencils. The classroom background is calm and welcoming, with a chalkboard on the wall, a noticeboard, bookshelves, and another pupil working quietly at a desk behind her. The overall style is warm and positive, with soft colours and rounded shapes that create an inclusive, supportive learning environment.

17/01/2026

Just a day to go to join in the fun 🎈🎈

You know what you all need to do! Buy a balloon and help us make our first fundraiser of the year a big success 🎈🎈X

https://www.balloonrace.net/ejwu

22/12/2025

17/12/2025

Just to let everyone know i will be on holiday from the 20-30th December. During this time i will not be answering any emails or telephone messages but please, still feel free to contact me and i will catch up when i resume work!
Thank you so much for all your patience and support the later half of this year, without which i probably wouldnt still have a business! I see and appreciate every one of you!
I hope you all have whatever type of christmas or holiday/break you wish for or can manage and i will be back firing on all cylinders on the 30th.
Nicky 🎄X