AT Assignment 2 The Pen Grip

The Pen Grip

This simple, no technology device can be home made or made in the clinic to aid those with degenerative diseases and limited hand strength and coordination such as ALS, MS, and Parkinson's to continue writing. This can also help individuals with Parkinson's Disease with micrographia by correcting the grip and focusing on the size of the letters. The Pen Grip can also be used by children who are learning to write to help them to maintain the proper pencil grip and fingers in the correct place. Also, with today's technological advances, the Pen Grip can be used on a stylus for an iPad or any touchscreen device.

 The Pengrip provides the extra strength between thumb and forefinger to hold the pen in place to help write well. The grip is made from a 1/4" strip of splint plastic that becomes pliable when heated in near boiling water and is available at medical supply stores. Each grip will need to be custom shaped by trial and error, depending on the persons gripping style and strength. Each arm of the grip comes around just far enough to provide a solid grasp of the finger or thumb but still allows the person to put it on and remove it without help. 

Patient with ALS using the Pen Grip

 Because this device is custom made, it could be made at home, or at the clinic, at a relatively low price. 

CREDITS:

Jeary, S. (2009). Workshop solutions: The pen grip. Retrieved from http://www.workshopsolutions.com/COMPLETE/pengrip.htm