Illiterate individuals are
here among us!

Today, on the way to work, at the grocery store or when you went to pick up your kids from school, you may have crossed paths with someone who is illiterate. You may have exchanged a few words with them without being aware of their difficulties. They may even be someone close to you: your spouse, father, sister or friend.

To find out whether you know someone who is illiterate or has difficulty reading, read the statements below and place a check against situations you have encountered. If you have checked several of these situations, you have likely been in the presence of an illiterate person.

I have come across someone who:

Chooses to read a document or fill out a form at home, using the excuse that he does not have his glasses or has a sore arm or hand.

Mispronounces words with more than three syllables, or with more complex sounds.

Has a limited vocabulary and has trouble expressing a simple idea clearly or putting more abstract concepts into words.

Tries to memorize information I give him rather than writing it down or asks me to write it down for him because his handwriting is not very good.

Presents me with a handwritten bill or work estimate containing several spelling errors.

At work, refuses to accept a new position or a promotion because she is not interested in it.

Misses an appointment, even though I wrote to him confirming the meeting.