Non-Reader helps, Literacy Programs and Pennie Rich Publishing; opening doors to a new life

When I was young, or at least younger, I had a friend named Tim. His mother would always go places and help him because he was "unable to learn." She got him enrolled in all the available programs that would help him get a job, get special help and anything else that a "slow person" could sign up for.

A job came up at the place I was working and I spoke to the managers, who agreed to interview Tim. The time came and "along came Mommy!"

Having been told of "Tim's condition" the management was understanding and decided to offer him the job, but "Mommy" quickly pointed out that, "since he is enrolled in the State program for handicapped individuals," they did not have to pay him the full wage, but could pay an entry level wage and as he "trained" they could slowly increase the pay.

Tim had completed a program at the local college, which qualified him for the full wage, but since "Mommy" suggested the lower wages, the company quickly picked up on it and signed him on as a "Handicapped Worker."

This injustice that happens over and over again. We want to protect, or maintain our "place of importance" and in doing so perpetuate the feeling of helplessness of so many who, with a little help and encouragement could attain much more than they are allowed to.

Many years later, Tim and his wife were at an expo and he stopped at a booth that had some books displayed. One of the workers asked him if he would like to sign up to help someone learn how to read.

"I would like to learn to read myself, I wish someone would teach me," was Tim's reply.

There was an article in the newspaper with pictures of Tim and the person who taught him to read. Most of Tim's problems stemmed from the fact that he could not read. He was not "handicapped" by anything other than the fact that he was not given a chance.

How many people do you know who are "functionally illiterate?" How many people do you know that are covering up the fact they can't read and are afraid to say anything because of embarrasment?

I know none of them are reading this post, because they can't, but if you are reading it and know of anyone you even suspect can't read, please offer to help them. Look for a reading program and get them some help. They may resist, but don't take no for an answer. If you can get them started it will open the world to them. It did for Tim.

At Pennie Rich Publishing, we insist that each book have an Audio Book component. Children who have the book can play the Audio Book and read along and parents who cannot read can listen, follow along and in doing so, will begin to see that reading is a possibility.

If someone is in need, would you offer to help them? Change a tire, repair a roof, clean the house of someone who is ill, provide a meal for a family whose mother is sick? Then why not offer to help someone learn to read and open the door to a new life?