Request for discussion with a subject expert

[Butteredparsn1ps]

Not sure if this is SS or not, though I’ve been here long enough!

I wondered if there was any possibility of organising a web-chat with an expert on issues associated with adult literacy?

There has been yet another thread this morning, belittling people with poor literacy and some of the comments demonstrated how ignorant some people are about the challenges others face. Some people are disadvantaged by a learning disability, others by social factors and many by a combination. Regardless, the problems are not minor, they affect every aspect of people’s lives.

Once people with low literacy were able to succeed in technical or artistic fields, but in an online world, written communication is a requirement for almost everyone, and being a good cook, mechanic or hairdresser isn’t enough. Everything else becomes a challenge.

I’m not an expert, but worked with some who was, (she’s sadly no longer available) and her passion for people who have ended up at the bottom of the pile of life was inspirational.

Despite the negative comments and the SPAG pedants, I believe most Mumsnetters do actually care about people who are disadvantaged, and that posts tend to be thoughtless, not intentionally vicious.

So - rambling expiation over - is it possible to ask an expert (not through AMA please) for a chat to raise the profile of this issue?

Great idea!

Lovely that you want to do this (and I'd be happy to be considered as an expert). My only concern is that many people pay this issue lip service, but few really care.

Lots of great research recently on the high prevalence of Developmental Language Disorder and its lifelong consequences.

Gruffalo would you be willing to do a web chat if MNHQ agree?

I can see that there is a risk of paying lip service, but at the same time educating even just a few people seems to me to be worthwhile. My background is in health, where people with low literacy have worse outcomes in terms of mortality and morbidity, but I also have family members in the police and fire service where the effects of poor literacy skills are also very apparent.