Health and Literacy Gaining Ground in the Field

This critical area of literacy is moving ahead as literacy services are now being delivered directly to those in need.

Currently Action ABC, is the only literacy program in Canada mandated to provide substance abusers with literacy training in medical settings. Action ABC, based in Montreal, offers an exclusive program in Canada which includes curricula in health and literacy that are equipped to deal with this sub-population.

The organization currently provides front-line literacy training in Montreal to recovering substance abusers at the Jewish General Hospital’s Methadone Program, The Montreal General Hospital’s Addiction Unit and The Salvation Army’s rehabilitation program. Action ABC has recently expanded nationally with its opening of a literacy program at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, which operates the largest Canadian addiction program.

In all centres, trained professionals provide the literacy education with a curriculum which incorporates materials developed by AutoSkills International Inc., of Ottawa.

Students are taught:

• Reading and management of prescriptions.
• Better understanding of medical procedures.
• Reading, writing and comprehension skills.
• Basic keyboarding and word processing skills.
• Job-hunting skills to include resumé writing.
• Basic number skills and budgeting.

Practical application of literacy skills includes filling out payroll forms, balancing a chequebook and the use of transportation schedules and directories. In addition, Action ABC is currently assessing the impact of literacy training on the potential for re-integration of individuals being treated for substance and related health problems.

Information: Action ABC, Lisa Lucas, Director.
Tel. (514) 235-7440; email: lisa.lucas@sympatico.ca

Frontier College Marks Centenary

This year marks Frontier College’s centenary. Frontier College’s original aim was to make education accessible to labourers in the work camps of Canada. Frontier College was founded on the premise that education should be available to all people.

In the early 1970s Frontier College recognized that the geographical frontiers were diminishing and that the literacy needs in urban ‘frontiers’ were more pressing. As a result, the College developed a series of programs that addressed the more specific needs of people in urban and rural areas.

Volunteers are now drawn from across the country. In 1992, the Students for Literacy program was launched and it trains university students to be tutors in their specific communities. Campus based programs now exist at 35 campuses across the country.

To celebrate their100th Anniversary a number of events are planned across the country. This includes support from Canada Post and the CRB Foundation. A Frontier College/Canada Post Commemorative Stamp will be issued in September and the Frontier College/ CRB Heritage Minute will air in September. For information call Marie-Marthe Hébert at 450-638-9942 or mmhebert@sympatico.ca