Handwriting For Heroes

• One-Handed Shoe Tieing technique
• One handed necktie tying
• One handed hair and jewlery
• One handed pony tail tying

Radiation-Induced Brachial Plexopathy (RIBP) is a progressive and painful paralysis of the arm and shoulder, brought on by radiation treatment for breast cancer and certain other cancers. With improvements in radiation technology, RIBP is rare these days, but can still occur when multiple overlapping radiation fields or high radiation doses are used. It most often involves lymphedema of the affected arm and, like lymphedema, RIBP can develop at any time following radiation treatment of the area. There is no cure, though interventions are possible to slow progression, optimize remaining arm and hand function, control related lymphedema, and relieve pain.

RIBP survivors are often left unable to use their dominant hand for normal function. Recently, Step-Up/Speak Out reviewed Handwriting For Heroes in the context of RIBP.  Step-Up/Speak Out’s Director Bonnie Pike wrote:  “We are very impressed with Handwriting For Heroes.”

Look for an article by Kristin Gulick on helping clients learn to write with the nondominant hand in the “In the Clinic” department of the June 15 issue of OT Practice. We’ll post links when the issue goes to press.

Juanita Watson, host of Inside Scoop Live, interviewed Katie Yancosek and Kristen Gulick on her show recently.  This 40-minute segment covered a wide range of issues about handwriting, the nature of handed-ness, and transfer of skills/rehabilitation.

You can Download the MP3 file  and listen on your iPod
or click on the audio-player bar below to listen immediately.

You remember those extra credit assignments that your teacher used to give to those students eager to go the extra mile? Here are some additional opportunities to hone your new writing skills.  Katie and Kristin have prepared a series of worksheets (in PDF) that you can download and work on at your own pace.  See the complete list

If you operate a nonprofit clinic/agency for occupational therapy please contact us or call 888-761-6268 to receive a complimentary evaluation copy of Handwriting For Heroes to see if this method is appropriate for your population of patients.