• being able to apply, use, and interpret language – both written and oral
• computer literacy
• everything from the basics – the ability to read – through to numeracy, general competency, functional employability, likeskills
• K-12 math and English as well as personal, career, health and wellness, and general life skills
• problem-solving, interpreting information from symbols, being able to function and adapt outside one’s environment
• being able to function in everyday life: paying bills, filling in forms, communicating with one’s child’s teacher, etc.
• realizing one’s full potential " reading without hindrance, writing, spelling, communicating, having confidence, being effective at getting a job, being part of the community, being involved in society
• having no personal or employment barriers: being able to speak publicly in a meeting, to lead projects, to get opinions and feedback.

“Cradle to Grave” vs. Age-Specific Distinctions …

“I think we have to be careful to limit our discussion to the ‘adult’ literacy field … it’s far too complex if it is broadened to include children and youth.” – Participant in the Workforce Literacy Practitioner Survey

• During the consultation, we repeatedly heard age-related distinctions being made around literacy. Early childhood literacy, youth literacy, and adult literacy were described as separate albeit inter-related issues for which separate streams of programming are required. However, others argued for the need for a more seamless and holistic approach to literacy – where, for example, integrated strategies for family, school, workplace, and community literacy might cross over and transcend age-related distinctions.

A Rose by Many Other Names…

• Throughout the consultation, we heard people say they didn’t like to call it “literacy” because the word has negative connotations. Instead, they preferred “plain language”, “foundation skills”, “essential skills”, “basic skills”, “cornerstone skills”, etc.

• Several union representatives we spoke with said that unions only respond to what the membership asks for – and members aren’t likely to come forward to ask for help with “literacy”.