It may not always be obvious to right-handers that left-handers have unique problems due to their handedness. A majority of our everyday environments has a right-hand bias which is, naturally, invisible to them. Here I'll list some of the more common inconveniences, and solutions or possible solutions. I'm sure I'll overlook some, but the idea here is that there are many accommodations in the course of living and working that a lefty must make in order to function. Generally, we get used to it, but sometimes it's annoying and other times dangerous.
First, I'll start with those problems that are school-oriented:
| Problem |
Solution |
| School |
|
| 1. Pencils & pens - The ink or carbon rubs on the side of a lefty's hand, dirtying it and then leaving smudges on the page; some pens are tiring to use. |
There are pens with inks that don't smudge, and some built for comfortable use; and we can use a harder pencil lead. Also, putting a piece of paper under the hand helps. We could always write backwards. . . |
| Writing in itself can be very tiring for lefties, as the normal pulling action that righties use turns into pushing. The hand cramps up and tires easily due to this. There can be deleterious effects on penmanship, as well! |
Try to minimize the need to write, especially for long periods or passages. Nowadays, much work can be done with a keyboard and computer, which helps avoid fatigue. |
| 2. Rulers - It's awkward to draw a line from left to right. |
Rulers marked from right to left are available from lefty retailers. |
| 3. Spiral notebooks - The coil interferes with writing for a lefty. |
Bound notebooks with serrated tear-out pages are available, or use the spiral from front to back, writing on the backs of pages (but the teacher may not like this). |
| 4. Desks - Some high school and college desks are shaped optimally for right-hand use. This calls for awkward and back-aching positions for lefties, as they twist and turn when using them. |
Schools should provide a good 10% of the desks in lefty versions, or better yet, use hand-neutral style desks. Good luck getting school bureaucracies to do this reliably without a good push. |
| 5. Scissors - Boy, does it hurt when they are molded for right-handers! |
Left-handed scissors are generally available, although many times they are not "true" lefty style: the blades should be opposite as well as the finger hole molding. |
The next category of problems and solutions will be those found in the kitchen.
