What is Literacy?

Literacy is the ability to read, write and use numbers well enough to handle most everyday situations.

Being able to read, write, and use numbers affects a person 's ability to participate and make decisions in society.

Reading

According to the 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS):

• Among the 2,141,800 people aged 16 years and over surveyed in Toronto, 24% were not able to read most everyday printed material such as instructions on a bottle of medication or information on a bank machine.

Using Numbers (Numeracy)

According to the 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS):

• Among the adults surveyed in Toronto, 21% were not able to use numbers in most everyday situations.

These individuals may recognize numbers but have difficulty filling in a bank deposit slip or adding up a bill.

Issues related to Literacy

The 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey points out that literacy is related to several issues:

Education

• Approximately 12% of high school graduates in Canada are not able to read or use numbers in everyday situations.
• Students who complete high school have better literacy skills, and have better chances of maintaining these skills, than students who do not graduate.

Adult education increases literacy levels, promotes life-long learning, and improves a person's chances of getting a good job.

Age

• 10% of Canadians between 16 and 25 years old are unable to read most everyday material.
• Over 50% of Canadian adults over the age of 65 years old are not able to read or use numbers in everyday situations.

Employment and Training

• About 12% of Canadian workers have low level literacy skills.
• The majority of workers in Canada with low level literacy skills have jobs in the manufacturing or construction industries.
• Workers with low level literacy skills are at the greatest risk of becoming unemployed.
• Most skills training offered in Canada is geared to workers with higher literacy skills.
• Approximately 50% of retired workers in Canada are not able to read most everyday material.

Literacy skills improve with use; for example, in a job that requires reading and writing. Having a regular job helps an adult maintain and improve literacy skills.

Social and Economic Support

• Having inadequate income often prevents adults from returning to school or gaining access to literacy programs.

Providing support in the form of bus and subway tickets and child care services helps adults to gain better access to literacy programs.