Handwriting

Handwriting Frame

For anyone who encounters handwriting challenging at times, it is possible to purchase writing frames from NCBI or RNIB. These frames are made of durable plastic, they can be purchased in A4 or A5 size, and, consist of a hinged part behind which you slide in loos-leaf paper. The hinged part has a clasp along the right side in order to secure the frame and prevent slippage. A felt-tip pen comes with the frame, - although I prefer to use a pen or biro so as, I can feel the impression of the handwriting. The A4 frame has a total of twenty-three lines and the smaller A5 frame consists of sixteen lines. The lines are made up of elastic which is threaded through the frame, and so, once you feel along the elasticated lines, you are guaranteed to be able to write in a relatively straight manner! Sometimes the simplest things are the best!

Geometry Wheel

I’m someone who still likes to use my cheque-book for paying for certain items. In the past, I often had difficulty signing my signature in a straight line (or in a reasonably straight line!) This is no longer the case! I was chatting with someone in the National Council for the Blind Equipment shop within the past few weeks and while I was paying by cheque for another product, he drew my attention to this wheel with serrated edges on it. There is a bar which is gripped lightly like gripping a pen, and if you run the wheel along the back of the page on which one’s signature is to be written, it is possible to feel a tactile impression. This is such a simple, but useful tool to have in one’s bag when signing documentation, cheques, etc. I usually ask someone with sight to mark in a tactile manner any documentation I have to add my signature to! So, in advance my cheque-book is marked so as I can add my signature with great ease! This little geometry gadget was purchased for 15 Euro and can be ordered from the NCBI equipment shop. I can’t emphasise how simple, yet how useful I find this gadget! Prior to possessing this item for assisting me with drawing tactile lines, I tried several alternative methods of improvising how to create a tactile impression for signing my signature along, this is definitely the best tool to use!