THROUGH
LITERACY
Literacy provides a pathway to independence. Being able to read and write opens doors to education, employment, communication, and social inclusion. Literacy skills also enable people with disabilities to access information and resources, make informed decisions, and advocate for their own rights and needs. The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) recognizes the importance of literacy and creates opportunities for Texans with disabilities to strengthen their reading and writing skills.
In honor of Disability Book Week, TCDD is highlighting the work of our literacy skills grant projects and the ways they impact the lives of Texans with developmental disabilities (DD).
Disability Book Week
April 23-29 is Disability Book Week, which invites people worldwide to become more inclusive with what they read by reading a book that features a main character with a disability.
Mary Mecham created Disability Book Week in 2021 as part of her capstone project for Texas Partners in Policymaking. Partners graduates develop capstone projects to cultivate inclusion in their communities across the state. For her project, Mecham expanded understanding and inclusion through the power of reading. Disability Book Week was an immediate success and is now recognized internationally. There are many ways to celebrate Disability Book Week! You can find a recommended book list, literacy resources, and ways to get involved on the Disability Book Week website.
Reading for All
In 2019, Literacy United launched the Reading for All project to develop a reading intervention program for people with DD in the Fort Worth area. This TCDD-funded program has worked with more than 150 participants, helping them expand their literacy skills and then use those skills to find employment. The project offers five small reading groups and two employment-skills groups.
In the employment-training groups, facilitators hold mock interviews for participants to practice answering job interview questions. Participants are coached on how to best phrase answers and how to dress for interviews.
In 2019, a participant named Todd joined one of the Reading for All groups. Initially, he tested on a 2nd-grade reading level. Four years into the program, Todd is now testing at an 11th-grade reading level. He shared that the reading sessions have strengthened his reading ability and his enjoyment of reading. This past month, Todd found employment at a pet store.
Next Chapter Book Clubs
Texas Advocates’ Next Chapter Book Clubs provide meaningful opportunities for people with DD to build social networks and enhance their reading skills. With 30 book clubs in five counties, the project offers enjoyable ways to interact with friends, meet new people, deepen an appreciation of reading, and boost self-confidence. By making choices about reading materials and other club materials, participants make
independent decisions and shape their experience as club members. Next Chapter Book Clubs offer two Spanish-speaking clubs and multiple chapters in rural communities. Building friendships and reading skills are not the only positive outcomes of this project. Texas Advocates says that self-advocate participants have been more apt to advocate for their medical care needs after developing their reading comprehension. Their literacy skills allow them to have a better understanding of office visit summaries, prescription information, and follow-up care.
Reading Ahead
Literacy skills are an investment in the well-being and success of people with disabilities and their communities. TCDD is committed to providing opportunities for Texans with disabilities to enhance their reading and writing skills. We hope that these opportunities lead to greater independence, community inclusion, and a lifelong love of literature.
