FAQs

Functional literacy is the ability to interpret and decode written words and symbols to carry out daily living activities needed to secure and maintain a home and employment, and manage one’s health conditions (Grajo & Gutman, 2019).

In any given night, approximately 554,000 people are homeless in the United States (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2018; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2017).

A study by St Mungo’s Broadway found that 51% of 139 homeless clients lacked basic skills in written English (Kanndoo, 2018).

Several government funded programs are in place to help unhoused individuals with their literacy skills (Wlodkowski & Ginsberg; 2017).

Neuro-navigation wants to educate, advocate and empower young individuals and their families in their plight to get a basic education while they are still young and ultimately reduce the illiteracy rate that often results in experiencing a life of living on the streets.

References:

Grajo L., Gutman S. A. (2019). The role of occupational therapy in functional literacy. Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 7(1), Article 13.

National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2018). State of homelessness. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/state-of-homelessness-report/

“The Literacy Crisis in the Homeless Population.” Kanndoo, www.kanndoo.org/news/the-literacy-crisis-in-the-homeless-population.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2017). 2017 annual homeless assessment report (AHAR) to congress. Retrieved from https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/2017-AHAR-Part-1.pdf

Wlodkowski R. J., Ginsberg M. B. (2017). Enhancing adult motivation to learn: A comprehensive guide for teaching all adults. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley.

When we refer to "equity" in education at Neuro Navigation, we are emphasizing the concept of fairness, impartiality, and justice in providing educational opportunities and resources to all individuals, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. This means acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers and inequalities that can affect access to quality education, and striving to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for everyone. We are committed to promoting equity in education by sharing our experience, including the tools and resources to educate and advocate especially for those who are known to fall through the cracks in the education system.

It was Kelly's experience that because she didn't have any physical displays of disabilities she feel through the cracks in getting help at the schools she attended. She was passed from year after year and at the age of 14 she still could not read or write her first name. (Check out her memoir to learn the full story!)

Kelly is delighted to speak regarding her incredible journey. Please see the service page to find out more how to contract Kelly to speak at your upcoming engagement.