One-handed techniques for school

TOILETING

• Use moist wipes or boxed tissues that dispense one at a time and place within easy reach in the bathroom.
• With standard toilet paper, pull the amount needed, pinch the sheet you are tearing off with your thumb and RING finger then use your pointer and middle finger to tear and pull it off from the roll.

 
GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL AND CHANGING FOR PE

• Wear easy to manage clothing such as elastic waistband pants, loose overhead shirts, and slip on shoes. Avoid zips, buttons, snaps, and buckles when possible.
• Elastic shoelaces turn any pair of tie shoes into slip ons.
• A sports bra can be used which slips over head. Look for softer/more elastic styles rather than very tight ones.
• Easy to manage hairstyles save time. Snap barrettes or headbands can add color and style.

 
STABILIZING THE PAPER FOR WRITING

• Use a clipboard with dycem (non-slip surface) on the back. Attach the marker using a pencil holder or tie it with yarn, etc.

           
CUTTING

• Stabilize the paper with a clipboard, then turn/cut as needed.
• Thicker paper such as construction paper is sometimes easier to manage.

 
LUNCHROOM

• Bring a lunch from home in easy to open containers and a flip-straw drink container.
• Have an easily accessible location in the cafeteria which contains a fork (to pry open the milk carton or poke/pry off cellophane tops), a pair of child safe scissors (to cut open snack and ketchup packages), and a placemat of non-slip dycem (to keep things from sliding around) if needed.
• Most foods at school are finger or fork/spoon foods, but if cutting is necessary and it is too tough to do with the side of a fork, ask staff or a friend to cut it for you.
• Ask a friend to open your milk or stabilize the milk carton between your knees while sitting. Put your thumb in the open space below the spout and push up to tear into two divided spout tabs then use a fork or pick at the top with fingers to make a hole, then pull open.
• Hold the tray with one hand and use the weaker helper hand under it to support the tray if possible.
• May need to make two trips to carry everything without spilling.

 
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

• Keep pathways and floor areas clear of hazards.
• Store needed materials and all heavy items within easy reach. Rather than carry heavy books between classes, consider keeping a classroom set of books in each classroom.
• Request a locker that is close and within easy reach if your school uses lockers. Lockers can also be adapted to use a key rather than a turn combination if needed.