Writing the Future – pen revolution benefits children

Yoropen solves handwriting difficulties

Trials of a revolutionary pen design have led to praise from occupational therapists, handwriting specialists, teachers and parents, on behalf of the 1 in 20 children who suffer writing difficulties.

Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Children’s Handwriting Specialist, Debra Bone, estimates that 5 per cent of children struggle with handwriting – that’s at least one student in every classroom.

Bone has trialed the new Yoropen in her practice for two years, and now uses the pens and pencils not only with her clients but for her own writing too.

“Of all the adapted pencils and pencil grips I have trialed, the Yoropen is the most outstanding innovation I have seen,” she said.

“I have found that children who previously refused to write now enjoy writing. The innovative design assists them in holding the pencil in a functional grasp. This design is also considered to be ‘cool’ to use, and the results I have seen have demonstrated a remarkable improvement in handwriting quality and speed.”

Winner of the Gold Medal at the Geneva 2002 Salon International Invention Awards, the Yoropen was invented in Taiwan by Bao Shen Liu, whose aim was to create a distinct alternative to the conventional pen.

Yoropen has been tested, endorsed by professionals and proven to reduce writing strain for everyone, especially young writers and left-handers:

• Fingers are prevented from slipping down to the point of the pen or pencil, helping to establish a correct and comfortable grip.
• The angle of the pen means fingers don’t get in the way so the writer can clearly see what they are writing – ideal for left-handers who won’t smudge their writing.
• The tripod grip can be rotated for a comfortable writing position, improving posture and reducing strain.

Conventional pens need to be held at an upright position, which results in many unconventional and potentially painful pen holds.

The Yoropen’s unique offset nib means that pressure is exerted directly above the pen tip, reducing writing strain, increasing visibility and preventing both a poor grip and an awkward writing position. The grip is also adjustable, making the pen equally suited to right- and left-handers.

Teacher and parent Debra Eustace described how her daughter suffered years of struggle and discomfort as she tried to keep up with her class.

“My daughter is dyslexic, dyspraxic and left-handed. Taking notes and writing for more than five minutes has been hell for her for 10 years.”

Within just four weeks of using Yoropens, Debra speaks of the joy she has in watching her daughter “write for hours and hours and happily showing me how much she can write without pain and with legibility”.

“She now feels she can plan a future at university and aim for a career, not just a job,” said Debra.

Further information
Yoropen is also proving invaluable to those with writing problems caused by arthritic hands, writer’s cramp, stroke and other conditions.

Yoropen ballpoints and pencils are designed to appeal to students as well as adults, available in several colours and styles for each age range. They can be ordered online at www.yoropen.com.au

For more information, contact:
Gavin or Sue Jay
Tamtec Solutions
(02) 4626 3003
0415 220145
gavin@yoropen.com.au

For images, contact:
Jane Hammond Foster
PublicityShip
1800 468 416
0434 246 564
jane@publicityship.com.au