Successful transport decision-making - Osmose

FS 68: People with low literacy levels
Vol 2 - Table of Contents
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T19
What is illiteracy?
Individuals with low literacy levels have difficulty reading and
writing. Their ability levels will vary significantly, some will be
unable to read and write at all, while others will have some
basic knowledge. Engagement strategies will need to take
these considerations into account.
It is important to develop promotional and engagement
materials which can be understood and used by those who
have difficulties with reading and writing. This means that
strategies should not be solely based on written
communications and techniques, such as questionnaires and
reports.
Techniques for engaging people with
low literacy levels
The following techniques could be used to promote the
participation of those who experience difficulties with reading
and writing:
Use word of mouth, voluntary groups, community events
and radio to promote and invite people to events;
Explain clearly why their participation is so important;
Use photographs, pictures, graphics and models where
possible;
Consider using focus groups, interviews, radio, and
telephone techniques;
If reading/writing techniques are used, have a facilitator
available to talk through questions and write down the
stakeholders answers; and
Be sensitive, patient and willing to help.
Why engage those with reading and
writing difficulties?
It is important to try to engage with individuals who struggle
with reading and writing because:
.
All stakeholders’ interests, concerns and priorities should
be fed into the decision-making process;
They have direct experience of problems faced by people
with varying levels of literacy, including for example issues
relating to signs and public information;
Individuals with low literacy levels tend to be left out of
other decision-making processes;
The process will help to empower those who have
difficulties with reading and writing; and
Engagement may help individuals to develop their own
reading and writing skills and increase their confidence.
When involve people with low literacy
levels?
It is important to involve those who have difficulty with reading
and writing early in the transport decision-making process.
Engaging them at the early stages to find out how they would
like to be engaged, will help the development of a more effective
engagement strategy.
Stakeholders who have difficulty reading and writing may be
most interested in identifying issues and problems that are
specific to them and to take part in the option generation stages.
This is likely to involve the use of graphics, drawings and models
which stakeholders will be able to comment on.
NOTES
Use images, graphs, maps and photo’s to engage with
individuals with low literacy levels.
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