Barriers to Participation in Literacy Activities Facing People with Physical Disabilities

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgements
• The Neil Squire Foundation
• Introduction
  - Definitions of Literacy
  - Literacy Competence
  - Literacy and Disability
• Purpose of the Project
• Rationale for the Project
• Study Process
  - Data Collection
  - Participant Involvement
  - Participant Profile
  - Table 1: Profile of the Participants
•  Study Findings
  - Description of Self-defined Literacy Difficulties
  - Learning Assessment
  - Barriers to Learning
     · The Emotional Response to Literacy Difficulties
     · Attitudes and Expectations of Others
     · Negative Experiences of School
     · Access to Programs and Technology
  - Motivation to Upgrade Literacy Skills
     · Reclaim Self-esteem
     · Afford New Interests and Opportunities
     · Enjoy Reading and Writing
     · Communicate With the World
  - Identifying Specific Literacy Problems and Strategies to Promote Learning
     · Writing Problems and Strategies
     · Reading Problems and Strategies
     · Facilitators of Literacy Learning
• Recommendations / Useful Strategies
  - Awareness
  - Assessment
  - Principles of Adult Education
     · Pacing
     · Autonomy and self-direction
     · Life Experience
     · Goal Orientation
     · Relevancy
     · Practicality
     · Respect
     · Self-Esteem / Confidence
  - Professional Development of Literacy Practitioners
     · Previous Experience
     · Peer Instructors
     · Need for Sensitivity Training
     · Support for Literacy Practitioners / Instructors
  - Accommodation
     · Resources, Learning Materials and Technology
     · Approaches to Learning and Teaching Techniques
     · Opportunity to Practice
     · The Learning Environment
  - Architectural Modifications
  - Funding
  - Transportation
  - Partnership
• Conclusion
• References
• Appendix 1: Interview Questions Guide
• Appendix 2: Guidelines for Research Assistants