Structured literacy focusing on functional communication is not just for children and young people, it’s for adults too!
Many of our adults present with complex needs and even though structured literacy can be targeted to dyslexia, it also addresses so many other barriers that our adults have to communication.
Why do adults seek to improve their functional communication? Some are going to be parents and want to be able to support their children, some have had changed circumstances and can’t physically work anymore and need the communication skills to access employment, some would like to advance in their work to a higher pay scale, but are blocked without the required functional communication skills.
Why do adults make such good clients? They have life experience and have felt the impact that not having strong functional communication can have on their relationships, their work and their community participation.
They are motivated and they do their homework!!
They teach you as well, we’ve met some of the most intelligent and wonderful people through working with adults, you miss out on some amazing human connections if you bypass the opportunity.
Social/emotional? Nothing but admiration for adults who approach our service. It is so difficult to be vulnerable and let others see your weaknesses. Our job is to build a safe environment where the walls can be let down and they feel like they can fully embrace the challenges you set. It can be slow and frustrating, there are years of avoidance and bad habits (like guessing!) that need to be re-set. With time, empathy and consistently showing up, there is a world of difference we can make. Seeing the confidence grow and the whole attitude change towards what they can achieve is one of the best parts of the job!
It doesn’t always work out, but if you are the right fit for that client – it really is such a rewarding experience.
The technology factor. Another great option for adults who need to improve their functional communication is by working online. This is convenient for educators as you can work from the comfort of home and it also benefits our adults who are learning to navigate technology and improve their typing skills. Many adults do computer courses but then do not follow up regularly enough to build on these skills. Offering online sessions means that they also develop their technology skills.
Does structured literacy work for adults? You bet it does. They have a whole host of language to draw on that you can tap into. Once they have some base syllable types down pat and begin to understand the sound to symbol connection, how words are made up of syllables and the choices they have for the sounds they are hearing within those syllables, it’s amazing!! The scope and sequence might move faster into multisyllabic words, but the strategies and approach remains the same. Being able to communicate without relying on memorising or guessing words and giving them the skills and confidence to access whatever language they come across and to write whatever language they need in daily and work life is a privilege.
So, if you have the opportunity to work with an adult, say yes! It will enrich your practice and their lives.
Quotes? (Brett, 2024)
Got this message from a support worker who works with one of our senior clients:
