We have conducted an extensive review of the literacy field on a variety of topics related to learning disabilities. These can be found in Appendix A.
Topics include:
For the purposes of this survey, we assumed all practitioners in Manitoba share a common understanding of literacy based on the Stages of learning, developed by the province‘s Adult Learning and Literacy branch.
Also, for the purposes of this survey, we adopted the definition of learning disabilities as developed by the Learning Disabilities of Canada in 2002. See Appendix B for full definition.
A survey questionnaire was developed to capture the experience of practitioners in working with adult learners with learning disabilities. The goal of this research was to capture practitioner opinions on a number of issues. These included opinions on the need for access to diagnostic/screening assessments for learning disabilities, resources and learning strategies being used to assist these learners and the type of training practitioners think is required to help them help their learners with learning disabilities.
The target sample of this survey was adult literacy programs within the province of Manitoba. These programs included both community based literacy programs and literacy programs within correctional institutions in the province. The sample consisted of 43 programs. Literacy practitioners working at these programs were asked to complete the survey. The Directory of Adult Learning Centres and Literacy Programs in Manitoba (fall 2003) was used to identify the programs and the practitioners working in each program.