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The National Literacy Act defines literacy as the ability to read, write, speak, calculate, and solve problems at a proficient level. Adult literacy is a widespread need, and illiteracy can be caused by various factors. Many organizations provide aid for adults pursuing literacy.
There are several different definitions of literacy around the world, but the National Literacy Act, enacted by the United States Congress in 1991, defines literacy as,
“An individual’s ability to read, write and speak English, as well as calculate and solve problems at the levels of proficiency necessary to function at work and in society, to achieve their goals and to develop their knowledge and potential.”
This definition points to the widespread need for adult literacy. Adults need to be literate for many of life’s tasks, from shopping to voting to instructions for work-related demands. In home life, literacy is needed to make a recipe or help a child with homework.
Although the United Nations (UN) declared in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights more than 50 years ago that literacy is a human right, adult literacy remains a problem at the beginning of the 21st century. Thus, when the 21st century began with approximately one-fifth of people aged 16 and over lacking literacy, the UN was moved to declare 2003–2012 a Literacy Decade to focus on adult literacy.
Teaching children to read draws attention to school problems and educational publicity. Fewer people may be aware that adult literacy is an issue. However, 861 million adults are illiterate and represent 88% of all illiterate people.
Illiteracy is not caused by the same situation or factors in all cases; therefore, achieving adult literacy does not depend on a single solution. Illiteracy can be caused by learning difficulties, family issues that interfere with learning, ranging from abuse to poverty; continuity issues, when literacy is interrupted due to migration or illness; bad instruction; language barriers; and cultural issues if the person’s culture does not value literacy.
Adult literacy aids are available from a variety of sources. Tutoring and other forms of assistance for adults who want to pursue literacy are available from a variety of organizations. For example, LiteracyLink, a joint project of the Kentucky Department of Education, KET Adult Education, the National Center for Adult Literacy (NCAL), and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) provides materials for teachers and students. The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) works to address family literacy issues. The National Literacy Institute and Partners (NILP) provides literacy resources and sponsors a Literacy Directory to help adults and young adults find local literacy programs.
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