Homeless Clients: How to identify a possible literacy need.

The following items are suggestions of difficulties clients may have in a hostel or drop-in if they cannot read, write or do math very well. However, there may be non-literacy related reasons why clients have difficulty with these tasks. It is important that staff not use this information to "diagnose" literacy needs, but rather use it to help identify a potential need for referral. Proper literacy assessments should only be done by a trained literacy practitioner.

• Not able to follow hostel/drop-in guidelines (guidelines are only available in written form)
• Not able to follow chores schedule (schedule only available in written form)
• In intake client does not fill or has difficulty filling out forms, reading agreements, signing name or writing the date
• Client asks for help reading/interpreting/understanding documents from lawyer, doctor, housing, social assistance, etc.
• Client asks for help in writing letters, statements for lawyers, filling forms, reading classified ads or signs
• Client has difficulty managing money, does not have a bank account or know how to use an ABM, complains of often getting "ripped off" at stores etc.
• Client asks for appointment times to be written down and still has difficulty keeping appointments.
• Client has indicated being labeled/diagnosed with a Learning Disability or with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

Other possible signs that a client may have problems with literacy

• Difficulty following instructions
• Not asking questions for clarification
• Choosing to take a form and bring it back later rather than filling it out on the spot.
• Makes many spelling and grammar mistakes on a form.
• Nervousness during an interview
• Left formal schooling with less than secondary school diploma
• Lived in many places of residence when a child
• Employed at only short-term, lower skilled jobs
• Indicates dislike of school
• Gives only one-word answers
• Mixes up word sounds - e.g. Seems to get tongue-tied on words
• Makes inappropriate word choices
• Uses very poor grammar when speaking
• Has been labeled learning disabled

Sources: United Way Put It on The List, Sudbury Literacy Creating a Referral Protocol, Quill Literacy Network Youth Literacy Referral Kit.