#28: Dismantling the stigma of functional illiteracy and helping adults improve their literacy in a comfortable space - Reading to New Heights President: Deidra Mayberry

Talkin’ Solutions: Solving Problems With Global Thought Leaders

The 28th episode of the Talkin' Solutions finds us focusing on a solution to a problem that affects over 40 million Americans today.. functional illiteracy. Deidra Mayberry, the president of the non-profit Reading to New Heights, joins the podcast to talk about how her organization is focusing on enhancing the lives of adults who struggle with functional illiteracy.

Functional illiteracy is defined as having reading and writing skills that are inadequate to manage daily living and employment tasks that require reading skills beyond a basic level.

Reading to New Heights offers programs to adults in a comfortable space to help them improve their literacy skills.

In this episode we discuss:

👉 The definition of functional illiteracy and how it impacts adults in their everyday lives

👉 Deidra's personal story of battling functional illiteracy and why she started the non-profit organization

👉 How Reading to New Heights offers programs to improve literacy from educated professionals in a space that is welcoming and non-judgmental

👉 The circumstances that can lead individuals to having lower literacy skills

👉 Actionable tips to improve your literacy and ways to support Reading to New Heights and get involved in their organization

Episode is available on all major formats including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Become an educator, donate, or enroll in one of the programs for Reading to New Heights today by visiting their website.

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