Some Literacy Facts
Thirty (30) million adults in the United States have very
limited literacy skills. They have great difficulty in using
printed material to get the information they need. They also
struggle with tasks involving basic math.
Another 63 million American adults have only basic literacy
skills. They may have difficulty in reading comprehension or
in interpreting what they have read.
Over 75 million Americans have basic or below basic
health literacy. This means they have difficulty following
instructions for medications and understanding written
directions from health care providers. Lack of literacy is
dangerous to their health.
Children of parents who have low literacy skills only have, on
average, one book in their home. Children of parents who
have higher literacy skills often have more than 300 books
in their home.
America ranks 49th out of 156 United Nations member
countries in its rate of literacy.