What is literacy?Literacy can be broadly defined as the ability to read, write and use numbers to perform common everyday tasks. Literacy is different from English as a Second Language (ESL) because it defines a person 's skills in their first language. Clients who require English as a Second Language speak a first language other than English and can read and write in that language. Clients who speak a language other than English as their first language but who do not read or write in that language would require ESL Literacy. It is generally believed that it is easier to learn to read and write in English if you are literate in your first language. Therefore some programs suggest that you learn literacy in your first language prior to learning English literacy. In Ontario there are four streams in the literacy field: Anglophone, Francophone, Native and Deaf/Blind. Clients in Anglophone literacy programs have English as a first language and are learning how to read and write and do basic math in English. Clients in Francophone literacy programs have French as a first language and are learning how to read and write and do basic math in French. Often these learners include people who are newcomers to Canada, such as refugees. By attending a francophone literacy program, these clients can tap into resources in the community for their language group. Clients in Native literacy programs are aboriginal Canadians. Native literacy programs use a culturally specific approach to literacy learning. This allows native learners to learn literacy skills within their own culture. Clients in Deaf and/or Blind literacy programs have either hearing disabilities, sight disabilities or both. In these programs clients can learn literacy in Braille or with American Sign Language. The focus of this Information and Referral Protocol is on literacy programs that provide services to homeless clients. However, where appropriate, we will provide basic information on ESL, ESL Literacy and high school upgrading. (See Referral Chart, page 18. ) |