Writing guides are low vision aids designed to improve the penmanship of those who are blind or visually impaired through handwriting templates. Many styles are available, such as signature, letter writing, envelope writing, check writing, and greeting card guides.
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Handwriting is an important skill to maintain, even for those who are visually impaired or blind. The ability to write a personal signature helps keep an individual’s independence intact. Plus, to write a letter, write and sign a check or a greeting card improves positive feelings of self-reliance and self-worth.
What are Writing Guides?
Writing guides are made from plastics and metals to help those who are visually impaired so they can be more independent. There are many types to choose from, such as check writing guides, signature guides, envelope writing guides, greeting card guides, and letter writing guides. These guides can assist an individual to follow a straight line, keep the bases of the letters on the writing line, use the correct amount of space between letters and words, cross and dot letters, and correct letter formation. The more the contrast there is between the writing surface and the words that are written will make it easier to produce good handwriting. For best results, use black or navy ink on ivory paper because white paper may cause glare. Another good tip is place the paper on a dark-colored surface or desktop to help avoid writing off the page.
The Different Styles of Writing Guides and Their Benefits
There are many different types of writing guides available to fit individual needs. A signature guide is a convenient, portable aid which enables a person to sign their name on any type of document, and may be plastic or metal. It has a rectangular cutout in the middle and is approximately the size of a credit card. If more than one signature line is required, some guides come with a string to split the writing slot in half. Other guides have a magnifier along with it to enlarge the numbers on a credit card or for other tasks that need magnification. Some signature guides are incorporated with another device, such as a slate for note-taking in braille.
A letter writing guide assists the user to write clearly and neatly in straight horizontal lines for letters or making lists. It has wide openings and works with 8.5 inch x 11 inch unlined, standard paper and can be made of aluminum or plastic. Some letter writing guides have a hinge so it can be folded for easier storage and transporting, or for smaller pieces of paper. Other guides are attached to a clipboard on the side for an all-in-one writing surface and guide. This makes it portable to take it wherever it is needed and to stop and continue writing when convenient.
Check writing guides are made from plastic or aluminum and enable an individual to fill out a standard-sized check clearly and neatly with all the information in the correct places. Some guides are made to hold a pack of checks so it is all in one place. Others are designed for business checks with special corresponding spaces.
Envelope writing guides help the user to clearly and cleanly address an envelope independently and are made of plastic or aluminum. They are designed so the information is placed in the proper locations with a three line return address area and a three line mailing address area. Greeting card writing guides assist in filling out greeting card envelopes and are made of plastic.
Other assistive writing devices that are available include a raised line drawing kit to create raised, tactile lettering on polyester film sheets which are included. This writing can be utilized as an alternative to brailling. A grip writer improves an individual’s ability to grasp a pen or pencil with a textured material so it does not slide while writing. A script guide is attached to a clipboard and slides down the edge so the writing stays neat and even. Some clipboards have a rubber face so it can be used with aluminum foil drawing sheets.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry a wide variety of efficacious writing guides for those who are visually impaired from high quality vendors, which include MaxiAids, LSS, and Grip Solutions.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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