Admitting the Problem
From LiteracyTentWiki
This is a newspaper article from the Irish Independent, Jargon doesn't help people with literacy issues Tools http://tinyurl.com/24umco
Tuesday September 18 2007
FOR Kevin O'Duffy, a farmer from Co Offaly, a simple thing like writing out a cheque was a big problem.
"I would always hand the cheque book to somebody behind the counter to fill in," he says. "Simple little things like writing a cheque are a problem. That's what literacy problems cause."
Most of the time, he tried to hide his difficulty.
"When I would be handed a form or was asked to read terms and conditions I'd find myself getting flustered and stepping back from the counter and saying I'll be back tomorrow."
When you have literacy issues or difficulty dealing with numbers, the first thing is to admit to yourself that you have a problem, he says.
"It is like having a drink or a gambling problem -- you can't get it treated until you admit to yourself that you have a problem."
Even after that, it took Kevin a long time to seek help. Many times he found himself at the door of Tullamore VEC to sign up for an adult literacy course, only to walk away in case somebody saw him. Eventually, he plucked up the courage to walk in.
"They gave me all the help I needed and I've never looked back since. I have no regrets," he says.
While people have to help themselves, he says there is also an onus on financial institutions to lend a hand by simplifying the language they use.
"There is a lot of jargon with the banks and financial institutions which is confusing," he says.
