Question:
Does anyone have experience with computer software that will teach basic reading to someone who's an adult? The person has no "disability" and this is an area of computer instruction I haven't explored of late.
Can anyone give me some advice or suggestions???
Answer:
This is one of those basic and sacred tasks that computers are mostly innapropriate for. This requires an actual caring and trained person. Think about it -- how does a person who can't read interact effectively with a computer? There are places where computers can be effectively used to improve reading skills (as with highlighted word tracking), but let's not use them for things which they are not yet capable of doing well. A human reading teacher is what is called for here.
It's another skill to learn in order to learn to read. I'm wondering if there are more traditional adult literacy programs in your area that could provide you with resources or if you could contact one of the national literacy organizations for direction.
Here in admittedly urban Seattle looking up "literacy' in the business white pages reveals several options. I'm sure a search of the WWW could also point you in the right direction.
My thinking is that it might prove at least equally effective to assume the traditonal "literacy volunteer" role with your friend. Inherently, there is more social support in that model, which sounds like a benefit in this situation. Then, the trick would be to work out the accomodations so that the materials are accessable to you and to him.
My guess is that you've already thought this out, so don't take my comments as criticism. I'm just feeling that there may be some other, equally effective approaches. Your friend is blessed to have a concerned and caring friend such as you.
