A New-Dominant Hand: Training the Non-Dominant Hand to Perform the Complex Task of Handwriting

Use of the non-dominant hand is a method sometimes utilized to disguise one’s handwriting. FDEs are always mindful of possible disguise in questioned and known handwriting when performing comparisons, but it should be remembered that use of the non-dominant hand is not always used as a means of disguise. Sometimes, it is forced on a writer due to amputation, illness, immobility, or other factors. Consider, for a moment, veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. As of December 31, 2013, there were 1,558 major limb amputations performed on US soldiers. [1] US soldiers remain in combat in parts of the world today, so these numbers are likely to increase.
So it was with our soldiers and wounded veterans in mind that this study began. Using a book called “Handwriting for Heroes” [2], the author personally embarked on a six-week process of training her non- dominant hand to perform the complex task of writing. The project consisted of twelve daily writing assignments such as repetition of letter combinations, tracing cursive writing outlines, shading in objects with a pencil, and copying sentences. There was also a daily “homework” assignment meant to increase dexterity and coordination. Specific problems and challenges encountered during the exercises were documented. Differences between the dominant-hand writing and non-dominant-hand writing were seen in: slant, letter designs, retracings, beginning strokes, connecting strokes, speed and fluency. Changes to the handwriting, which improved noticeably over the six weeks, were also documented.
Those who have lost the use of their dominant hand due to injury, illness, or amputation have no choice but to transform their non-dominant hand into their new-dominant hand. If faced with samples of their writing for comparison, it must be understood that they are not necessarily attempting to disguise their writing, but perhaps just trying to survive and thrive. This exercise is meant to bring awareness to a growing source of handwriting that may appear to be disguised or distorted, to assist FDEs in understanding the process involved when training the new-dominant hand, and to highlight certain features and characteristics that might be observed in the handwriting produced by the new-dominant hand.