The Learning Centre

The Learning Centre is a small program-based press specializing in: research in practice, participatory approaches, women learning, and writing by and for people in literacy programs. To view some of their research in practice publications, go to: www.nald.ca/ripal/online.htm or to request a catalogue with all their current listings, contact learningcentre@shawcable.com or tel: 780-429-0675.

Clear Communications

The Government of Canada’s Communication Department has just released a useful clear language tool kit, available in both English and French. Originally designed to assist government communicators and managers to better communicate, it will also be helpful for anyone wishing to be more clear, accessible and inclusive in their messages. The kit, Successful Communication: Literacy and You contains a good overview as well as principles, practical techniques, and case studies, in both print and CD-ROM. In response to the research done by the Canada Information Office in 2000, the federal government has been concerned about better communicating with the almost half of all Canadians who have low literacy skills. The kit is intended as an evolving first step and will be updated as required.

To order your copy or to share comments and suggestions, contact Communication Canada at tel: 613-992-6906 or email: info@communication.gc.ca.

And don’t forget to check out NALD’s new online Directory of Plain/Clear communications service providers at www.nald.ca.

CONNECT Publication Launches a New Website

Connect is Canada’s resource publication on technology and adult literacy. They are happy to announce the launch of their new and updated website at www.nald.ca/connect.htm. Here you can access free online issues of past and current CONNECT volumes. The newest feature is a search tool that allows you to quickly select articles of interest to you based on title, dates, author, keyword or subject. If you have questions about recommended software, you can now find a list of what’s been reviewed by doing a search on the subject of “software reviews.” This feature also works for the archived articles on website reviews, lesson plans and technical tips.

Literacy for Independent Living

Literacy for Independent Living (LIL) is the first bilingual and centralized online library that houses useful literacy information and resources for people working with adult learners with disabilities. It includes information on assisstive devices and disability awareness.

LIL is a project of the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC). Their goal is to continue developing the website as they encourage and support better networking between the literacy and disability communities. Check it out at www.cailc.ca/lil/.