Professional Development of Literacy Practitioners

· Previous Experience

Previous experience, on the part of learners and instructors, of learning situations involving people with special needs represents a valuable resource. Accessing instructors that are knowledgeable about physical disabilities has been identified as beneficial for both learners and instructors involved in providing new programs.

· Peer Instructors

Hiring people with physical disabilities as instructors can assist in ensuring an understanding of the issues of living with a physical disability and how these might present barriers to learning. Peer instructors can also act as influential role models and assist with problem solving using their own experiences of living with a disability.

· Need for Sensitivity Training

Given the negative experiences articulated by many of the participants in this study, it is essential that the learning environment be equitable and inclusive. The quality and effectiveness of the learning relationship developed between the instructor and the learner are crucial in establishing the support and trust necessary to promote learning and encouragement.

· Support for Literacy Practitioners / Instructors

This is a difficult undertaking and it is important that those providing the service have access to appropriate support and constructive and systematic performance evaluation.

Accommodation

· Resources, Learning Materials and Technology

Accessing and choosing effective resources, learning materials and technology to support individual learners is of central importance. Many of the participants in this study mentioned the value of having access to a computer and appropriate software. Assistive technology has the potential of assisting the learner to interface comfortably and productively with the computer.

· Approaches to Learning and Teaching Techniques

In order to make learning accessible it will sometimes be necessary to creatively adapt teaching methods used in a more conventional educational environment (e.g. T.V., CD-ROM, DVD, Computer), and to develop instructional strategies specifically to meet individual needs.

· Opportunity to Practice

Having the time and space in which to practice skills in order to consolidate learning can be critical in assisting the learner to succeed.