One way to increase your awareness and understanding about disabilities and literacy is to contact local adult literacy, disabilities or rehabilitation organizations to learn about key issues and ways to reduce barriers in your program. Look under 'Learn' in most yellow pages for phone numbers of local adult literacy programs, or look for the provincial or territorial literacy coalition offices at www.nald.ca to get information on local programs.
 

Relationships in Teaching and Learning
the relationship between learner and instructor and tutor is the nucleus for learning What we learned from the SARAW Survey is that the relationship between learner and instructor and tutor is the nucleus for learning. Relationships where respect, dignity, and independence are valued contribute to effective learning experiences.
Key qualities for effective relationships are:
  • Positive attitude
  • Respect for others
  • Enjoy learning
  • Desire to help others
  • Patience
  • Listening
  • Encouraging
  • Role modeling
  • Team building and cooperation
“It is the teacher and volunteers who really make the difference in how they work with the [learners].” (tutor) Instructors and tutors can do a quick reflection after a session or class to consider how effective they are. See Appendix D: Tutor Checklist for a SARAW Session. This Checklist can be used for any activity you do with a learner.

Learning Environment
The learning environment is the setting where people come together for the purpose of learning. Key factors that contribute to an effective learning environment are: comfortable, safe and welcoming atmosphere, accessibility and accommodations (facilities for mobility and access, and human resources for support), and that the focus is on learning.