Participation
KHA is building a normative database rooted in current, real-world data. By participating in a brief assessment session, you contribute to research that helps clinicians and educators make better, more accurate decisions for children and adults alike. As more people participate, KHA evolves to capture the true average range across each age group.
Why is this important?
Research norms tell us what is typical for any given age. They are the benchmarks that occupational therapists, educators, clinician professionals, and researchers use to objectively measure performance and identify when development may not be progressing as expected. But many existing handwriting norms were established decades ago, before touchscreens and digital tools became part of daily life. Before curriculum demands shifted away from time for play and exploration and towards seated activities. If the benchmarks are outdated, we can't accurately identify who is learning, developing, or maintaining, vs who needs support.
Your participation helps establish current, real-world norms so that educators and clinicians can better understand the people they serve.
What to expect
15 minutes or less (assessment itself averages 8 to 10 minutes)
Free and voluntary
Open to ages 3 to 100
No preparation needed
After brief paperwork is covered, you'll move to a quiet space with the administrator and be seated at a table or desk. The administrator will verify your birth month and year and confirm which hand you write with. If you have questions, the administrator will be there to answer them.
Standardized assessments are completed the same way every time. The administrator uses the same language, descriptions, and phrasing with each participant. This ensures an equal opportunity for everyone to perform at their best for their age and increases the validity and reproducibility of results.
You'll be handed an Apple Pencil and iPad. The administrator will explain each task as you go. The assessment will ask you to draw some shapes shown, followed by some basic handwriting tasks. The handwriting tasks are timed, but the timer is not visible. Some younger users will only be able to complete certain parts of the assessment, which is completely normal, as this is an assessment to be used across the lifespan.
Once the final screen completes, the assessment is finished. Your results are calculated and sent securely to the cloud. Only your age and handedness are associated with your results. No personal identifying information is stored.
After you book
You'll receive an immediate confirmation email. The assessment address and any additional details will be sent 24 hours before your appointment, and a reminder one hour before your scheduled time. If you need to reach us day-of, contact information will be included in your reminder.