NCBC - A Lifetime of Learning

2012

A Lifetime of Learning, a project of the Next Chapter Book Club, will explore and enhance the literacy and learning experiences of book club members, both inside and outside book club. We currently have limited practical knowledge about how adults with IDD might maintain and develop literacy skills beyond school. In the United States, people with IDD leave the formal education system with few (if any) expectations that they will continue to learn academically or socially. Research suggests that participation in reading as a leisure activity declines significantly for many young adults with IDD after they leave the structured support of the educational system. Those adults who may express an interest in further literacy learning often find themselves referred to adult basic education programs, where the staff may be ill-prepared to work with adults with IDD. Literacy and ongoing adult education must be recognized as a basic human right for all people, with services starting at birth and continuing throughout life. Through the Lifetime of Learning project, NCBC staff will explore the literacy experiences of people with IDD and use the information obtained to develop and assist in implementing systemic and customized strategies for enhancing lifelong learning and literacy opportunities. Objectives -To interview 18 NCBC members to better understand their literacy and learning experiences, both prior to and since becoming an NCBC member -To assist adults with IDD in identifying and accessing support for additional literacy/learning activities, beyond NCBC meetings, in their lives -To develop and implement a plan to disseminate findings and materials resulting from the project to people with IDD as well as professionals in the IDD field A Lifetime of Learning is intended to help us better understand the literacy and learning experiences of adults with IDD prior to, and as a result of, becoming involved with NCBC. The results of 18 semi-structured interviews and participatory action research will be used to assist NCBC members in identifying and implementing any literacy/learning goals. Namely, we are interested in helping individuals both articulate and advocate for additional learning activities in their lives. Additionally, the insight we gain from the extensive evaluation component of the project will influence how we continue to grow the NCBC program and develop strategies for expanding adult learning and literacy opportunities. We will disseminate project findings to help raise awareness of how important adult learning and literacy is for people with IDD.

lifelong learning, literacy, reading

Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information

Education & Early Intervention, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Urban

Single-County

N/A