SARC Supplementary Tutor Handbook: Supporting Literacy for People with Intellectual/Developmental Challenges

Abstract

This handbook, which is intended for tutors, disability practitioners, and others working with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, contains supplementary materials for and about supporting literacy for people with intellectual/developmental challenges. The handbook is a product of the following activities: extensive research of the existing literature; discussion and exchange with literacy experts, practitioners, and some learners; and input from pilot agencies delivering literacy programming in Canada. The following topics are examined in sections 1-6: (1) significance of the handbook; (2) intellectually/developmentally challenged learners; (3) keys to success; (4) advice to tutors; (5) assessment; and (6) literacy activities. Section 7 offers recommendations regarding advocating for disabled learners and related topics. Section 8 contains acknowledgments, and Section 9 contains the following additional readings: "A Literacy Bill of Rights" (David E. Yoder, Karen A. Erickson, David A. Koppenhaver); "A Charter of Rights" (drafted by an unnamed group of developmentally disabled learners); "Get Your Message Across" (Janet Pringle); "Paving Our Road to Inclusion: Directions 2000" (Cindy Crichton); "What Do You See When You See Me?" (Carla Roppel); "Creating the Landscape for Inclusion: Directions '99"; and "How I Got into Literacy" (Marlene Dray). Section 10 is an annotated bibliography that lists 84 publications, Web sites, online documents, and computer software titles. (MN)