Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Image: Child in poolImage: Daughter and mother looking at each other

Programs & Services

Communication & Writing Aids Service: Writing Aids Service

The Writing Aids Service consults for clients who:

1. Are 18 years of age and younger

2. Have difficulty with handwriting because of a physical condition

3. Have regular writing needs at home

4. Are able to compose ideas in writing

After assessing and evaluating the client’s needs and abilities, the writing aids team recommends equipment or strategies that serve as a replacement for a pen or pencil for written communication. This may involve a computer with specially adapted hardware or software. Adaptations may include an onscreen keyboard, switch activation and voice or word-recognition software.

The focus of this service is on home-based writing needs. The service’s focus is to use technology to replace the pencil. Therefore, it is expected that when a young person is referred, the family has already explored remedial handwriting intervention and has decided that the use of technology may be necessary.

Referral

A referral is required to access this service.

Referrals are accepted from physicians, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Contact

Sandra Marshall
416-425-6220, extension 3679
E-mail: smarshall (at) hollandbloorview (dot) ca
Room: 4W 105

Other Important Information

We are an Expanded Level Clinic as defined by the Assistive Devices Program of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Staff can authorize funding support for the purchase and/or lease of writing aid systems and adaptive technology for eligible clients. Families are responsible to pay for the portion that is not covered by the Assistive Devices Program.  Other funding agencies may be approached for funding assistance.

Individuals with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability are not eligible for Assistive Devices Program funding for written communication equipment. We do not offer handwriting training. 

  • Family Corner
  • Youth Corner
  • Kids Corner