This research project, funded by the National Literacy Secretariat, was conducted by LITERACYWORKS in partnership with the Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba (LDAM) and Literacy Partners of Manitoba (LPM). We extend our thanks to Marilyn MacKinnon of LDAM and Linda Taylor formerly of LPM for their collaboration and knowledge sharing at the onset of this project.
Our appreciation is also extended to Robin Millar, educational research consultant, for her invaluable advice, knowledge and concrete assistance with this research endeavor.
We also want to extend our thanks to Judy Baker and Barbara Wynes of the province‘s Adult Learning and Literacy branch for their ongoing support and encouragement to expand on our expertise and to explore the possibility of specializing in the field of learning disabilities. Their encouragement played a major part in our deciding to delve into this research.
Cheryl Nicholson, Masters Student in Sociology at the University of Manitoba, primarily conducted the research. We are especially grateful for her expertise and hard work in the development of the survey questionnaire, database, data analysis, interpretation and final report writing. Our project could not have been a success without Cheryl‘s participation.
Our warmest and special thanks to literacy program practitioners from 38 programs who took the time to share their unique experiences and expertise of working with adults with learning disabilities in the field of literacy. We know first-hand what it is like to drop everything to complete yet another survey. We truly appreciate your input!
This report has been prepared for distribution to all participating program practitioners. We anticipate that these research findings will promote a better understanding within the literacy community of the common struggles practitioners face when working with adults who have learning disabilities and hope it will lead to increased knowledge of the most effective resources and approaches for teaching these learners.
Shirley Stone Lorraine Kaczor
June 27, 2003