Handwriting Instruction

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated February 15, 2025
Developing legible handwriting is an essential skill that fosters independence, communication, and confidence for students with low vision. By applying targeted strategies and incorporating adaptive tools, students can build the skills necessary to write effectively in both academic and real-world settings. 

Strategies to Support Handwriting Development

Individualized Instruction
  • Personalized Approach: Tailor handwriting instruction to address the specific needs and abilities of each student. Example: A student with some functional vision might benefit from large-print guidelines, while a student with more severe vision loss might use tactile supports.
  • Collaborate with Specialists: Partner with occupational therapists and vision specialists to design strategies that align with the student’s abilities.
  • Gradual Progression: Begin with basic strokes or large letters and gradually transition to smaller, more complex handwriting tasks.
Engaging and Meaningful Activities
  • Relevant Writing Tasks: Focus on writing activities connected to the student’s daily life or interests, such as writing their name, making shopping lists, or composing letters to family members.
    Example: Have a student write out the menu for a pretend restaurant activity or draft a birthday card.
  • Age-Appropriate Materials: Ensure tasks align with the student’s developmental and academic levels, promoting both skill-building and confidence.
Incorporate Optical Devices
  • Video Magnifiers: Offer devices that magnify the writing area, providing adjustable zoom and contrast settings. These tools allow students to work comfortably without straining their vision.
  • Portable Magnifiers: For tasks outside the classroom, provide smaller magnifiers for immediate use during writing.
Utilize Non-Optical Tools
  • Bold-Line Paper: Use high-contrast paper with bolded lines to help students stay within boundaries.
  • Specialty Pens and Pencils:
    • 20/20 Pens: Provide dark, high-contrast ink for greater visibility.
    • Soft-Lead Pencils: Offer smoother writing and darker marks that are easier to see.
  • Slant Boards: Use angled boards to improve posture, stability, and handwriting mechanics.
  • Task Lighting: Ensure proper lighting to reduce eye strain and enhance visibility.
Focus on Braille Skills for Non-Visual Learners
  • Teach basic letter formation in print for students with minimal or no vision, allowing them to create handwritten notes for non-braille readers.
  • Use tactile templates or raised-line paper to guide students as they write letters or numbers.
Build Functional Handwriting Skills
  • Signatures: Teach students how to write their signature using tactile aids, such as a signature guide, or by practicing within a confined space.
  • Short Notes: Provide practice opportunities for creating quick handwritten notes, such as labeling items or writing reminders.

Additional Tips for Success

  • Frequent Practice: Include handwriting practice in daily routines, reinforcing the skill through repetition and consistency.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate progress with encouraging feedback to build confidence and motivation.
    Example: “Great job staying within the lines on this assignment!”
  • Adapt and Adjust: Be flexible with materials and strategies, making changes as the student progresses or their needs evolve.
​By integrating these strategies and tools, educators can empower students with low vision to develop functional and legible handwriting skills that support their academic, personal, and social independence.
"The goal is to work toward normal line spacing because writing with normal-sized letters not only conforms to societal expectation but provides the student with a greater speed of writing." - Foundations of Low Vision (p.295),

ECC Instruction

Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development
Alternative Communication
Emergent Literacy
​Access Print
​Access Environmental Print
Pre-Braille 
Braille Code
​​Braille Formatting
​Braillewriter​​Slate & Stylus​​Tactile Graphics​Nemeth Code​Access Classes​Abacus ​Organize​​Study Skills​Time Management​​​​Listening Skills
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Self Determination Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Sensory Input
​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​​​Auditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills​Optical Device Instruction​Tactual Efficiency​Tactile Readiness ​
Independent Living
Personal Care
Hygiene & GroomingPersonal HealthHousehold Skills
Shopping & Consumerism
  • Shopping
  • Grocery Stores
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Expiration Dates
Eating & Table MannersClothing IdentificationTelephone
  • Telephone Use
Food PreparationMoney & Budget
  • ​Money & Budget
  • Money Management
  • Receipts​
  • Payment Methods
  • Buying or Packing Lunch
  • Personal Belongings
  • Paying with Checks
  • Interpret a Warranty
  • School Fundraisers
  • Housing Decisions
  • Paying Bills
  • Vending Machine Purchase
Service Agencies
  • Service Agencies
​Safety
  • General Home Safety
  • Emergencies
  • Evacuations
  • Seeking Shelter
  • Accidents & First Aid
  • Internet Safety
  • Safety
  • Using Locks
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational
Job AwarenessMaintain Job
  • Address Employer Concerns
  • Maintain Employment
  • Following School Rules
  • Work Related Skills
  • Assuming Responsibilities