Low literacy is more than just not knowing how to read. Some adults might read at an elementary school level. Others might manage simple sentences, but struggle with complex documents like rental agreements, job applications, or medical instructions.
Think about your typical day: you read text messages, follow cooking instructions, fill out forms, interpret medication labels, and navigate road signs. For someone with low literacy skills, these everyday tasks can become significant hurdles, creating barriers to full participation in society.
We’re breaking down what low literacy means, how it impacts individuals and communities and what The Reading Partnership is doing to address barriers to reading success in the communities we serve.
Nearly 1 in 5 Canadian Adults Struggle to Read
The reality of low literacy in Canada might surprise you. According to the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), 19% of Canadian adults struggle with basic reading skills. This means that nearly 1 in 5 adults face invisible barriers in their daily lives that many of us never consider. From missing job opportunities that require written tests to avoiding social situations where reading might be necessary, these challenges shape life experiences in profound ways.
Low literacy isn’t a small, isolated issue affecting just a few communities. It touches every neighbourhood, workplace, and school across Canada. It affects people of all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life.
The causes of low literacy are vast. Some people may fall behind due to lack of access to books, while others may have language barriers or learning disabilities. Despite these individualistic challenges, the sole reason why so many struggle with reading is because we don’t have systems in place to support children and families and to meet their needs. You can learn more about barriers to literacy in this academic paper by The Canadian Paediatric Society.
Low Literacy can Take Away Opportunities to Build a Better Life
The effects of low literacy ripple across many aspects of life.
Economic Opportunities: Adults with lower literacy skills often earn significantly less than their peers and face higher rates of unemployment or underemployment. They may find themselves unable to advance beyond entry-level positions despite having valuable skills and experience.
This impacts our broader economy, too. One report suggests that if literacy levels went up by just 1%, our country’s economic output (GDP) could grow by $54 to $67 billion.
Health Outcomes: Understanding medical instructions, reading prescription labels, and having the vocabulary to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system all require strong literacy skills. Adults who struggle to read can feel stressed out by navigating everyday life. This stress can compound over time and take a toll on a person’s mental and physical health.
Cycles of Low Literacy: When adults struggle with reading, they may find it hard to support their children’s education, which risks their children falling behind too. This creates a cycle of low literacy that can persist across generations.
Social Wellbeing: Research shows that low literacy can contribute to feelings of isolation and exclusion. As a result, someone struggling to read may feel a decreased sense of community and have difficulty seeking help.
Self Confidence: Low literacy is closely linked to diminished confidence and self-esteem. Individuals who struggle with reading often experience feelings of embarrassment and frustration. Over time, these feelings can create limiting beliefs and reduce how people view their own potential.
The Reading Partnership’s Approach – Early Intervention
We focus on early intervention because we know that building strong foundations makes all the difference. Our community-driven approach means we work directly with the families we serve, adapting our methods to meet their specific needs and building on the strengths already present in the community.
Here’s how our programs are addressing the challenges and barriers that prevent children from learning how to read.
- Inclusive Programming: We offer all of our programs entirely for free and have adapted our in-person programs to work online to suit various learning styles. With our signature Reading Partnership for Parents program, we’ve incorporated child minding and meals into the program to help families attend our sessions on busy evenings and focus on the program.
- Evidence-Informed Curriculum: Our programs are built on the science of reading. After each program, we collect data to better understand how effective our programs are and consider any necessary changes to better serve our community.
- Diverse Materials: Our reading materials reflect the families that use them. We centre diverse characters with diverse backgrounds so that children see themselves in the stories they read.
Moving Forward Together
Low literacy isn’t just an individual challenge—it’s a collective issue that affects all of us. But it’s also an opportunity for community strength and growth. The good news is that literacy skills can improve at any age. With the right support, resources, and encouragement, people can develop stronger reading abilities throughout their lives.
In 2015, we made a documentary titled “Exploring the KGO Literacy Landscape,” where we spoke to residents and stakeholders in Kingston Galloway-Orton Park (KGO) about literacy challenges and potential solutions posed by local residents. This is a direct example of how working together to improve literacy skills across generations builds stronger, more resilient, and more connected communities.
We invite you to join us in this important work. Learn more about our programs and how they support families in developing strong literacy skills. Consider donating to help us continue to provide quality programming to more children locally and nation-wide. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to discover the joy and power of reading.
