Barriers to Access

Learners were asked “How are/were you able to financially support yourself while in a literacy program?” The two top responses -seven out of 24 each- were ‘own finances,’ followed by a combined group who referred to ‘general welfare assistance.’

The next two questions were directed at learners and practitioners alike: “If you were able to participate in literacy services in the Toronto area, please rank by order of importance what was the biggest hurdle for you.” The largest hurdle cited by learners was the lack of financial including TTC fares and childcare, followed by a lack of family/spousal support, and finally, a lack of knowledge about programs in Toronto. Practitioners’ responses identified lack of financial and childcare support and that it seemed to be the biggest hurdle learners faced, followed by the lack of knowledge about other programs available, then the lack of family/spousal support.

The responses indicate that both learners and practitioners are aware of the lack of financial and childcare support and that this lack presented a huge barrier to accessing literacy programs and services. The remaining key barriers were perceived in different order.

“If you were not able to participate in the literacy services in the Toronto area, please rank by order of importance what was the biggest hurdle for you.” Potential learners said their largest barrier was lack of financial support. Next, there was a tie amongst lack of childcare support, lack of knowledge about programs in Toronto, and other responses including work, other responsibilities and poor time management.

Practitioners also said that lack of financial and childcare support were the largest barriers potential learners would have to face. They next identified lack of knowledge as a deterrent to consistent program participation, then geography, meaning the physical location of the program.

Learners who participated in the two focus groups also identified barriers to access. Responses were jotted down during the meeting in point form. The barriers have been grouped into three categories: