Illiteracy is a hidden problem in America. A person with low literacy skills may be embarrassed and have difficulty admitting a reading problem. Family, friends and co-workers may be able to recognize common recurring signs in a person who cannot read or reads at a low level. The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports that Kosciusko County has an estimated 9 percent adult illiteracy rate. The estimated number of people over age 16 needing improvement in basic literacy skills is 5,000. ProLiteracy America has compiled possible indicators of low reading skills. When dealing with written information, the person with low reading skills may pass paperwork on to another person or take paperwork home, say he or she cannot read because of forgotten eyeglasses or that the print is too small. He or she may not respond to written messages or make mistakes when given written instructions. The low literacy level person may also use avoidance to mask poor reading skills. The person may avoid participating in activities in which reading or writing is needed, using ATMs, or reading and signing forms. Certain behaviors may also indicate a person who struggles to read. These behaviors include writing very little and frequently misspelling, mispronouncing or misusing words. In restaurants, a nonreader may order the same item each time, order something not on the menu, or ask someone else to order for him or her. Typically, the nonreader dislikes classroom learning situations and is reluctant or becomes angry when asked to read aloud. He or she may describe landmarks rather than signs when giving directions or ask for a map instead of written directions. The person avoids writing checks by paying bills in person with cash. Delays in responding to written correspondence, to allow someone else time to read and interpret the material, may be an indicator of a low-literacy adult. A person with low literacy levels may cope in the workplace by refusing advancement, being absent during transitions to computerization or other changes, performing slowly immediately after receiving a new assignment. Other tactics include claiming that they did not receive or did not have time to read the correspondence or asking others to tell them what was written. Since the low-literacy adult may be reluctant to admit a reading problem, family, friends or co-workers may have to encourage the individual to seek help. In the workplace, a general announcement for reading skill development may be done in group settings. However, in the workplace or in the family, referring a nonreader for help should be done in private since person needing help may be ashamed or embarrassed. When approaching someone needing help, emphasize that this problem is common and encourage the adult to contact the local literacy council. Explain that he or she needs to make the call and to expect to make an appointment. In most cases, the person will need to be tested and placed in the appropriate class and then with a tutor. In Kosciusko County, Kosciusko Literacy Services works in collaboration with Warsaw Adult Education at the Gateway Education Center to provide help for adults learning to read, earning a GED, or learning English as a new language. Literacy and GED® classes are available. In addition, Kosciusko Literacy Services strives to place tutors with adult students needing individual help. Preliminary calls may be made to Kosciusko Literacy Services at 574-267-5380. Literacy classes are held in the mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Gateway Education Center. Morning and evening GED® classes are held Monday through Thursday at Gateway Education Center, the old Madison Elementary School, 201 N. Union St., Warsaw.
