People who can’t read...
People who can’t read...
- can’t/don’t vote, because they can’t read names or information about candidates.
- won’t go near a computer, because the screen is covered in words. (The word start is very difficult, and is used to mean close on a computer.)
- can’t read notifications from hospitals or instructions about usage on medicines - such as Take twice daily. Do not exceed dosage - and cannot read vital diet sheets.
- are reluctant to leave their home and immediate area, because they can’t read street names, bus destinations, addresses, maps etc.
- can’t apply for jobs and, if given manual jobs, find them difficult to hold down because written instructions are everywhere. For example, a cleaner will not be able to read the labels on cleaning products.
- find it very hard to organise their lives, as they can’t read the days of the week or month on a calendar.
- have little idea what is on television, because they can’t read the TV guide.
- can’t choose and buy food products in shops, read recipes, read instruction on packets, so cooking is a real problem.
- can’t/should not drive a car, because they can’t read words like slow down accident ahead or major roadworks - diversion or police slow.
- can’t follow a map or read signs or place names.
- can’t seek help from Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous, because they can’t read The 12 Steps.
When you get up tomorrow morning, imagine you can’t read - and see how many times a day you look at the printed word. Toothpaste, shampoo, coffee/tea, cereal box, the newspaper, emails, mobile phone, letters on the doorstep from the Council and the electricity bill…and that’s just the first hour.
Now imagine that this is your life.