Methods for writing your own checks
Having control over your own money is a symbol of independence for all people, blind, sighted or visually impaired. There are several readily-available resources and easy-to-learn methods that allow the blind and visually impaired to write their own personal or business checks free of assistance from others. There is also a simple solution for the problem that check writing presents for individuals who don't know how to write print.
If you are visually impaired, one of the easiest solutions is to ask your bank for large print or raised line checks. Large print checks are just a couple inches larger than regular checks and come in high contrast colors that make them easy to read. Raised line checks are also larger and have lines that can be felt and followed with a trailing hand as the owner fills out the check using the other. All blocks on the check requiring customer attention are tactually indicated.
Another solution for people who are blind and know how to write print is a check writing template. A template is a piece of plastic or cardboard cut to the size of the check. The template has rectangular "holes" or spaces that serve as a guide indicating where the signer needs to write in the Date, Amount, Pay to Order Of, Amount Written and Signature fields.
Betty Jo and Jack Keitzer offer a multipurpose check-writing and signature guide. The guide measures 6 1/4 inches wide by 3 1/8 inches long, weighs 2 oz. and has a lifetime guarantee.
Click this link to purchase a Keitzer Check Writing Guide from http://www.checkwritingguide.com.
Blind individuals can also use raised line checks. The raised lines mark the beginning and end of each section of the check that requires signer input. The trick when using a template or raised line checks is to memorize the order of the sections so that you provide the proper input in its proper place.
A method for easily locating the signature line of a check is to create your own signature guide. This task can be done by punching dots along the signature line. You may use your slate and stylus or a sewing needle to punch the holes and form a guideline for where to place your "John Hancock."
4 comments:
How do you get consistant signatures on a cheque? This is assuming that you don't know how to write print.
Interesting. American Printing House for the Blind is right in my hometown. ( found as I follow you on twitter ). I am Brian Ginn ( usermac )
trying to find a way for blind lady I'm helping to write checks. She can sign her name but not sure if she can print. If she can't print, what are her options?
RJeanne
The easiest way, for folks who can write but maybe not consistantly enough where the name can be read is to use a stamp. The person is asked to write their name three times on a card, the best one is used to make a stamp that can be used to place the name on the check. For some, after contacting the bank, an X can be placed on the signature line and then, depending on the bank, they either take the check with the X or someone else has to also sign the chec, to notorize it.
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