Four Dumfries buildings will be lighting up purple and yellow to raise awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) on Friday 18th October 2024, for international DLD Awareness Day!
Speech and Language Therapy for Children and Young People (CYP) are raising awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in our region, getting local buildings and landmarks lit up in purple and yellow. Lighting up for DLD Day 2024 will be Dumfries and Galloway Council HQ; Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura; Rosefield Mills and The Venue. They will be joining more than 100 landmarks around the world lighting up and raising awareness of DLD.
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a hidden but very common disability causing difficulties in how a person uses and understands language. It is lifelong and has no known cause. DLD affects 1 in 14 people which is approximately 10,500 people in Dumfries and Galloway!
The theme for DLD Day 2024 is “Speak Up for DLD”, calling on the community to speak up for the needs of people with DLD at school and in the workplace. Daily life at school and work often involves talking – lots of talking! And spoken language is a significant barrier to learning and working for people with DLD.
This is where teachers and employers can have a HUGE impact. By creating a supportive and safe environment, anxiety can be reduced and students and employees with DLD then have the space to grow and thrive. Educators and employers are encouraged to head to RADLD.org for resources on how to support people with DLD at school and work.
Speech and Language Therapy are also involving schools across the region and will be active on Facebook on DLD Day, sharing information, resources and photos of the local light ups. If you’d like more information about Developmental Language Disorder, check out the RADLD website.
