About the Program

The Getting it Write program was started in 1992 by LouAnne Audette, OTR, a registered occupational therapist. She was working under contract with Kenny REHAB at Pontiac General Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan. Anne Karson, OTR, was LouAnne's supervisor at the time, and headed the department that consisted of occupational therapists working in mental health, inpatient, outpatient, intensive care, and pediatric settings.

Kenny REHAB had recently rented a large outpatient clinic in Rochester, Michigan and asked Anne to develop some new programs to make use of the space and to help clients in new ways. LouAnne's son, Christopher, was in 5th grade and struggling with ADHD and dyslexia. His handwriting was very poor and often illegible. In spite of a resource room and special education, no one at the school had time to work with Chris on improving his handwriting. LouAnne knew that occupational therapists had the skills to do this, but was told that Chris did not qualify for one-on-one therapy in the schools.

During her son's struggle, LouAnne was leading a local support group for the community and knew that other mothers were looking for similar programs - but were not able to pay the high price of private individual therapy. LouAnne spoke to Anne about the possibility of a 6-week handwriting group, and Anne loved the idea. Anne needed to talk to her boss and explain the possibilities, and the rest is history!

(See About the Authors and About the Book)

This handwriting program helps kids develop their handwriting skills and improve legibility. By using handwriting worksheets and doing various games and projects, kids are able to improve their handwriting speed, too. These handwriting lessons are helpful for kids with learning disabilities as well as those who need writing practice to develop their skills.