Dealing with paperwork

Recognizing a literacy problem

There's no single easy way to tell if someone has a reading problem. What's important to remember is that, in most cases, literacy doesn't become an issue in people's lives until reading difficulties prevent them from doing something they want to do. So, you are most likely to notice someone's reading problem at the same time they are forced to notice it - when not being able to read actually is a problem for him. This may be when someone is dealing with society's deluge of printed and written materials.

For example, often someone who has difficulty reading will have relied on a close friend or family member, (or, in the workplace, a colleague) to handle any day to day paperwork. If this person drops out of the picture, literacy support will have to be found elsewhere. A friend or intermediary may be asked to help fill out a form, for example, and begin to wonder if the person asking for help has trouble reading and writing.

If someone comes to you for help with paperwork, you should look at the request in context. Needing help filling out a form doesn't necessarily indicate a literacy problem. For example, most people need help deciphering complicated forms such as income tax returns.

So, think about the following questions. Why is help needed? Is it because the form is complicated or requires specialized knowledge that you might have? Is it because the individual is uncertain of the information required, and wants to discuss it with someone else (think about how often you consult with family member or co-worker when filling out forms)?

Or is it because the person needs help reading the form and can't easily write down the answers? Does he know what he wants to say, and is dictating the answers, or is he consulting with you? Are you doing all the writing? Most people want to check over a completed form before sending it off to its final destination - does he want to read the form over after you've finished, or is he relying on what you say you've written down?

Similarly, someone might bring printed material, such as a rent change notice or instructions for operating equipment, to you and ask for help. Is it because the material requires specialized knowledge that you might have? Is it so complicated (or important) that it's reassuring to go over it with someone else? Or is it that she can't read it? Is she reading it with you, or are you reading it to her?

People who have literacy problems may say they "don't like reading". This may be true. Try to notice if they read when they have to read, or do they always get help?

When a lack of literacy skills interferes with people's ability to comfortably function in everyday life, they may be ready for a literacy or ABE program.