For 16 years, the Federation’s associations and professionals have been coming together for France’s National DYS Day (#JNDYS), to raise awareness of learning disorders and their consequences on school life, later working life, and personal life too. Dyslexia, dysphasia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and more: millions of invisible struggles, summed up by “I am ‘DYS’… so what will I do later?”, the theme of this 17th edition!

“I am ‘Dys’… so what will I do later?”

In partnership with Mila, the French Federation of DYS associations is organising the 17th National DYS Day around the theme: “I am ‘Dys’… so what will I do later?”! At the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris, on Saturday 14 October 2023, they have put together a programme of talks, panel discussions and workshops on the future for people with DYS:

  • A panel discussion on “Actors of inclusion: life plans, guidance, employment”
  • A screening of the documentary “Non conforme” by Vincent Dumesnil
  • A panel discussion on “The benefits of music in DYS rehabilitation”
  • A talk by Catherine Billard, paediatric neurologist, on the possibility of improving learning disorders in secondary school: the benefits of an experimental study.
  • A discussion on supporting people with DYS through Artificial Intelligence
  • A presentation on the impact of lamps and glasses on reading for people with dyslexia.

Please note: entry to the event is completely free, but you must register in advance to attend!

DYS events all over France

Beyond the event organised by the FFDYS in Paris, members of DYS associations across France are getting involved in their own towns:

  • In Rodez, “Focus on DYS”, on 10 and 11 October, with a screening of the documentary “Papion en avier” and shared perspectives on the support offered to people with Specific Learning Disorders;
  • In Artigues (near Bordeaux), APAJH Gironde is organising a talk on 12 October on DYS disorders within neurodevelopmental disorders: what are we really talking about?;
  • In Nice, the Saint-Roch Library is using National DYS Day on 14 October as an opportunity for families to meet professionals and associations, to discover how their child’s brain works;
  • In Chasseneuil-du-Poitou (near Poitiers), 14 October brings a host of discoveries to the ENSMA site: adapted software, graphotherapy, psychomotor therapy. Not forgetting a presentation of the support plans available in France (PPRE, PAI, PAP, PPS…);
  • In Clermont, in the Oise, the André Pommery hall hosts talks and professionals, along with 3 personal accounts from people with DYS proving that “success is possible”!

All across France, events are being organised to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with DYS and what’s at stake for their lives. As this list is far from exhaustive, don’t hesitate to check with your local town or the DYS association in your area.