As Easy As A B C ? ? ?

Maybe A B C  isn't so simple. An estimated 32 million adults in America - about one in seven - are saddled with such low literacy skills that it would be tough for them to read anything more challenging that a children's picture book or to understand a medications side effects listed on a pill bottle.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics ranks the United States 19th in the world for literacy.

Does the roadside billboard above give you any idea why?

According to the National Right to Read Foundation:

• 42 million adults can't read at all; 50 million are unable to read at a level that is expected of a fourth or fifth grader. 
• The number of adults that are classified as functionally illiterate increases by about 2.25 million people each year.
• 20 percent of high school seniors can be classified as functionally illiterate at the time they graduate.

 America is considered to be one of the world's most affluent and technologically advanced societies. Free public education is available everywhere, and the federal government spends an estimated $10 billion every year on literacy education.

But the problem does not just lie in our schools. We have people from all generations who have difficulty reading and writing.

Some might include those who design and print signs designed to assist us.

Like many physical diseases, illiteracy knows no age barrier. Many communities are making strides to tackle the problem. Nearly every public library system across the country has some form of program devoted to helping people become better readers.

Programs are in place to help the young read better, to assist the student achieve his or her grade level and to aid seniors with both their reading and writing skills.

There are also foundations dedicated to help solve this problem. One may be just a bit more unique than many of its counterparts Pawprints Literacy Plus. Founded by Ina Hillebrandt, a highly respected independent strategic planning consultant and Woman of the Year in Who's Who, discovered a second career in writing. Pawprints ties reading and writing skills to something everyone can relate to - animals.

Pawprints Literacy Plus' mission is to combine literacy skills with kindness to animals. It enlists the help of many community organizations, as well as many well known celebrities. Pawprints Literacy Plus reaches out to kids of all ages and adults. The foundation also provides tools for teachers in their quest to educate our children and helps seniors write stories. To learn more go to the Pawprints website: www.inaspawprints.com.

As I have written so many times ... One Person Can Make A Difference. GET INVOLVED! Mentor a child, help a senior citizen learn to read so they can understand what the directions tell them on their prescription bottles, volunteer with an organization in your community. As always, if you need guidance in finding some place to help, leave a comment on my blog with your location and email and I'll help you get started.

Just imagine the frustration when everyone is laughing at a sign that you can't read.