Learn How To Spot Adults Who Can't Read

Brenda Rigdon, executive director of Kosciusko Literacy Services, said that being able to recognize adults who can't read is half the battle in getting help for those adults.

She also said adults who are illiterate are good at hiding the fact they can't read because they are embarrassed or ashamed.

"People who don't know how to read hide it by finding ways to get others to read out loud to them," she said.

For example, she said, they might say they forgot their glasses and hand a letter to someone nearby to read to them.

"It's the same with forms to be filled out," she said. The person who can't read may give the form to someone else, saying they're too busy or don't have time.

"They also might carry a newspaper, but you don't see them read it," Rigdon said. "At a restaurant, they will order the same thing every time or will order what other people are having because they can't read the menu.

"If you know someone who exhibits these behaviors on a consistent basis," she said, "let them know KLS is here and all our services are free."

For more information on KLS or its services, call Rigdon at 267-5380.