LLSC News

Literacy - Yours For the Holidays 2025

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:22:07 GMT

The LLSC team shares how literacy plays a role in their holidays...

December 14 to December 22 - Chanukah

Jeremy M - Cultural/UDL/Storytelling

When I was very young, my mother held a Chanukah party for my pre-school classmates. She invented her version of the game "Chanukah Bingo," creating a board and hand illustrating all of the cards and tiles. My mother included as part of the game a latke (potato pancake), dreidel, menorah, but also historical figures like Judah Maccabee and his father Matathias (among other images). We still have this game at my parents' house, and we play it on Chanukah.

I also recall coming in from the cold (back when December felt cold where I grew up), and looking at the candle lights. It sometimes snowed on Chanukah, which made the holiday somehow more special to me. When I was 8, I wanted to see if I could have an electric menorah to place in my window similar to the electric candles our neighbors used for Christmas. My mother found one and gave it to me as a Chanukah gift. We still have it and it still works.

It was also a tradition for my mother to read us stories from Singer's collection Stories for Children. I first listened to "The Parakeet Named Dreideil" when my mother read it to me from that book. It's a story I adore because the first time she read it was the same year we adopted our beloved family parakeet "Pip."

The text referenced is the story (also a picture book) "The Parakeet Named Dreidel" by the Nobel Prize Winner Isaac Bashevis Singer. Singer is the only Nobel laureate who wrote in Yiddish.

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781466894587/theparakeetnameddreidel

Sending Christmas Letters

Katherine K

As the calendar flips to the last month, I like to indulge myself by drifting back over the days passed and memories made along the way in the previous year. Pictures and reminiscences help fuel my annual Christmas letter that gets sent in a festive card or personalized email. Some years it flows from month to month, at times I have dabbled in poetry, but often it is just a summing up of the events that shaped the year in passing.

While the custom of sending Christmas cards has waned in recent years for many people, I still enjoy sitting down to reminisce about days gone by. When I was a child, I always loved seeing the colourful cards strung up in our house, but the older I get, the more I cherish that little bit of connection with people who have crossed my path at some point in my life. I might not see some of them regularly, or even from one year to the next, but just thinking about them reminds me of the mark they have left, and it fills my heart. A life touches so many, and that is a beautiful gift.

Regardless of who returns the favour, I enjoy the process of reliving good moments and reflecting on the ones which held more challenges. Because I know only to o well that the more challenging moments help us see and appreciate the good, and ending the year on a positive note just feels like the right thing to do for me.

May your memories warm you!

For fun, here is a post from an unknown (to us!) writer and reader, who itemizes the format for a personal holiday letter:

https://jamierubin.net/2011/12/12/10-simple-steps-for-creating-an-annual-holiday-letter/

December 24 - Christmas Eve Story

Sherry L - Reading/Storytelling

We have created a few family traditions of our own around Christmas Eve, when we open one gift (now a book!) and spend time around our decorated tree, listening to a chapter of Stuart McLean’s Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe being read out loud, while nibbling on a cookie and sipping hot chocolate or tea. Before Stuart McLean’s, we went through many classic storybooks with fantastic illustrations and tales about reindeer, great trains, and nutcrackers. What will we do when we finish this book? Find another!

Here's a story from Stuart McLean as published by Canadian Living:

https://www.canadianliving.com/life-and-relationships/canadian-living-books/article/cozy-up-to-this-short-story-from-the-classic-christmas-at-the-vinyl-cafe

December 24 - JOLABOKAFLOD

Sherry L - Reading/Literacy

Until 2023, on Christmas Eve, our family would open one gift of pajamas. A fun thing that gave us fresh "jammies" to wear on Christmas morning. However, this year, we have decided to take on a tradition from Iceland and exchange books on Christmas Eve instead.

The Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition of Jólabókaflóð, or "Christmas Book Flood," is a cherished cultural practice, rooted in the nation's love for literature. In Iceland, ‘book flood’ is celebrated on Christmas Eve and revolves around giving and receiving new books, often accompanied by delicious treats like hot cocoa. The night is spent in the company of loved ones, reading and sharing stories, creating memories that last a lifetime.

As a family, we love books and reading! We even have our tree set up in the library. We can't wait to experience the comfort and joy of reading with each other, on a quiet night, before the bustle and social activities of Christmas Day.

Learn more about this Icelandic tradition (including how to pronounce Jólabókaflóðat) at https://adventures.is/blog/iceland-christmas-eve-tradition

Holiday Baking

Kate G - Math/Numeracy and Culinary Literacy

I love to bake shortbread cookies during the holidays. When my children were younger, they would help measure out the ingredients, stir everything together and roll out the dough. They really enjoyed using the different cookie-cutter shapes and adding sprinkles to the unbaked cookies. Decades later, they still enjoy the process!

Click here for great pie recipes - Enjoy!

Road Trip Word Games

Summer B - Literacy/Puzzles

The holidays often involve road trips to visit family and friends, and we put a lot of kilometres on our car every season! To help keep long road trips interesting, we play a variety of “car games.” A family favourite involves looking at the license plates of the cars travelling around us and making up words from the letters they contain. ATLW 124 becomes “outlaw,” and we find the word “entrance” in CERN 567. We compete to see how many words we can get from each license plate! It’s a great way to make the drive go faster and build our literacy and creativity skills at the same time!

Want to try it yourself? Here are some license plates to work with. How many words can you create? Have fun!

LNO Highlights Skills for Success

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:18:12 GMT

September 18, Skills for Success Day

Ontario – September 18, 2025 – As Skills for Success Day is observed across the country, Learning Networks of Ontario (LNO) emphasizes the critical importance of investing in Ontario’s Skills for Success for the province’s workforce and adult learners. These nine foundational and transferable skills – Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Digital, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Creativity & Innovation – are vital for individuals to succeed in learning, work, and life, and for Ontario to secure its economic prosperity.

A comprehensive report underscores that even a modest 1% increase in adult literacy skills could generate a remarkable $25-$30 billion in additional GDP annually for Ontario . This provincial improvement could also lead to a 2.5% increase in productivity across the provincial economy . For individual Ontarians, this translates to an additional $1,800 income per capita annually from improved literacy levels. The significant return on investment in essential skills training, such as the $26.34 return for every dollar invested in training for apprentices, further highlights the economic imperative.

Despite these clear benefits, recent Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) results reveal that Ontario ranked 4th among Canadian provinces but scored below the national average in literacy (269 vs 271), a decline from its previous 3rd place ranking in 2013. Alarmingly, 19% of Canadian adults function at Level 1 or below literacy , indicating significant challenges with basic literacy tasks. These statistics underscore the urgent need to expand and enhance adult literacy programs across the province.

“Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program is on the front lines of addressing this critical skills gap,” says Summer Burton, Chair of the Learning Networks of Ontario. “From 2022 to 2024, the LBS program, serving adults across Ontario through approximately 185 service providers, successfully undertook projects supporting the Skills for Success framework, including initiatives for underrepresented groups, apprenticeship integration, workplace literacy, and expanding digital delivery . These programs are designed to help Ontarians develop confidence, discover new career possibilities and work towards successfully realizing their employment goals.”

Investing in Skills for Success for Ontarians means:

For Individuals: Enhanced employability, higher earning potential, greater job security, and increased confidence in workplace and life situations. Individuals with strong writing skills are 2.5 times more likely to be promoted to supervisory roles , and strong communicators are 5 times more likely to be promoted to leadership roles .
For Employers: Reduced supervision, improved productivity and efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and better safety records. Employers offering workplace literacy training report increased revenue (over $2,000 gains) and productivity savings ($1,900) per employee .
For Society: Reduced social service, healthcare, and justice system costs, higher civic engagement, and intergenerational benefits as parents with stronger skills support their children’s education.

“ The evidence is clear: supporting adult literacy and Skills for Success development is not just beneficial; it is essential for Ontario’s continued prosperity and success ,” adds Burton. “ Learning Networks of Ontario, in collaboration with our partners, is committed to expanding access to high-quality Skills for Success training and learning opportunities across the province. On Skills for Success Day, we call upon all stakeholders – government, employers, and community organizations – to strengthen their commitment to adult literacy programs that build a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient Ontario for all. ”

Ontarians can access a variety of free assessment and training tools through the LBS program and online resources from the Government of Canada.

About Learning Networks of Ontario: Learning Networks of Ontario (LNO) is a provincial network dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and advocating for adult literacy and basic skills programs in Ontario. LNO works with its members and partners to ensure that all adult learners in Ontario have access to the quality literacy and basic skills training they need to achieve their learning, work, and life goals.

Want more details or to connect?

Click here to find your local learning network.

Step Up and Succeed In The Skilled Trades Newsletter

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 01:58:52 GMT

We're getting ready to publish our first edition!

Want to stay informed and connected? We have news for you!

The "Step Up and Succeed in the Skilled Trades" newsletter is for employers, trainers, apprentices and professionals from support organizations.

Our newsletter highlights small and medium-sized employers who are successfully supporting apprentices and growing their workforce. We give you strategies to achieve the same success.

We’ll also share information about

upcoming FREE employer events
resources from our hub and how to use them
other organizations and resources to support you
how LBS programs can support your apprentice

Learn about FREE events, FREE resources, and FREE upskilling for your apprentices.

Ontario's Untapped Potential: Why Investing in Literacy is Our Smartest Economic Move

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:07:03 GMT

Our Future Needs Literacy

As we observe International Literacy Day, it’s time to take a moment to look beyond the individual act of reading and writing and recognize a quiet crisis simmering in our province: adult literacy. This isn't just about personal struggles; it's a foundational challenge impacting the very fabric of Ontario's economy and society.

The stark reality is that nearly half of Ontario's adult population (49%) operates below high-school literacy levels . This means countless Ontarians struggle with everyday tasks, from understanding medication labels to navigating job applications, directly hindering their ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving world where over 40% of the workforce lacks the Level 3 literacy skills needed for 96% of modern jobs.

The cost of this literacy gap is immense. Nationally, low literacy contributes to an estimated $32 billion in lost productivity each year. For Ontario, this translates into a significant drag on our economic potential and competitive edge. Yet, the solution presents an extraordinary opportunity.

Imagine the collective impact of enhancing our province's literacy skills. Research shows that even a one percent increase in average adult literacy can lead to a three percent rise in GDP. For Ontario, this could unlock an additional $25-30 billion in annual economic growth. It’s an investment with a remarkable return: e very dollar spent on adult literacy programs yields $7.41 back to society , and businesses that invest in workplace literacy training see a 23% return on investment in just the first year. This isn't merely spending; it's smart economic strategy, fostering a more adaptable, resilient, and innovative workforce.

Beyond the balance sheet, improved literacy cultivates a stronger, healthier society. It leads to better health outcomes, increased civic engagement, and reduced reliance on social assistance and the justice system. Furthermore, investing in a parent's literacy directly impacts a child's educational success, breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty. This is how we build a truly equitable and inclusive Ontario, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, especially newcomer, Indigenous, and low-income populations who are disproportionately affected by low literacy.

Despite these clear benefits, funding for Ontario's Literacy and Basic Skills programs has remained stagnant, a profound missed opportunity. Short-term, project-based funding models stifle innovation, create instability, and divert precious resources away from learners toward administrative tasks. To truly harness Ontario’s potential, we need a commitment to sustained, multi-year, inflation-indexed core funding for these vital programs.

The evidence is clear: Ontario cannot afford not to invest in adult literacy. On International Literacy Day, let us commit to transforming this challenge into our greatest opportunity. We urge every Ontarian to visit https://learningnetworks.ca/impact-dashboard/ to learn more and contact your MPP to advocate for a robust provincial literacy strategy, securing a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

Skilled Trades Supports for Employers - A Free Workshop in Peterborough

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:14:28 GMT

Small Employers in the Skilled Trades: Find and Retain Apprentices

Join us to hear tips on expanding your hiring pool, reducing recruitment costs, retaining apprentices, and finding resources and training for your employees. This free workshop for small and medium-sized employers in the trades is being held Friday February 21, 2025 8:30 to 10:00 am. You’ll learn about a new resource for employers, hear from a local trades person, and learn about local services, all free and we provide breakfast.

See below for details or Register Here

Learning Ontario Central South (LOCS), the Workforce Development Board, and Literacy Link South Central (LLSC), have joined forces to offer additional supports to small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) in the skilled trades.

We’re excited to be hosting the Small Employers in the Skilled Trades: Find and Retain Apprentices in-person event designed to meet the needs of SMEs in the skilled trades.

Small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) in the skilled trades are in competition with larger organizations to recruit and retain their workforce. A strong workforce and expansion of skilled trades workers is essential as our economy and infrastructure continue to grow. We know that many workers are retiring out of the trades over the next few years, so finding and developing new talent is crucial.

We’ll also be showcasing the FREE online resources from the new Step UP and Succeed Employer Resource Hub. This hub has been designed with feedback from employers and will help you attract, retain and support your apprentices and your entire workforce.

Guest speaker Mike Whitfield, a retired employer of over 40 years in the trades, will also be sharing how he implemented these strategies to successfully grow his business and support his workforce.

This transformative and FREE event on is one you’ll want to attend. Reserve your seat as space is limited! (Free breakfast included)

Register Here

When: Friday February 21, 2025 from 8:30 to 10:00am
Where: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Hosts: Learning Ontario Central South and the Workforce Development Boar
Register for the Workshop: Small Employers in the Skilled Trades: Find and Retain Apprentices

Please see below for additional details around what you can expect at the event.

Attend this workshop if:

hiring an apprentice seems too expensive and time-consuming
you’re tired of the apprenticeship revolving door
you want to learn how to find the right apprentice
you want to expand your hiring pool
you’d like to reduce costs for attraction, training, and daily operations
you wish to retain your talent in a competitive
you’d like to hear from a small business owner how they implement these strategies

At this in-person event you’ll :

learn how to access FREE support for you and your apprentices!
hear real examples and solutions to common apprenticeship challenges
learn of free and flexible upskilling programs for your apprentices
gain access to the Step Up & Succeed Resource Hub – complete with ready-made resources to support your apprentice
meet your local Learning Network to learn how they can help

Agenda

Keynote Speaker: Jan Gourley
Jan Gourley is a Project Manager at Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) and the coordinator of the Step Up and Succeed initiative, a provincial project that supports small and medium-sized employers in the trades. Jan brings experience in technical support, customer care, business management and operations to her role. As a former Child Development Practitioner apprentice and a licensed Early Childhood Educator, Jan brings a unique understanding of the apprenticeship system to her role at LLSC. Jan has been helping employers around the province to develop the tools to attract, train and retain apprentices. She developed this workshop and the resources in consultation with employers from the trades. Jan recognizes the needs and perspectives of apprentices, trainers, employers, and both the apprenticeship and adult education systems.

Presenter: Mike Whitfield

Mike is the former owner of Whitefield Home Improvement Inc. which has been providing general contracting, construction and a range of home improvement services in the Peterborough area for over 30 years. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 40 years in the trades and 30 years as a General Contractor. He was the winner of the “Outstanding Achievement, General Carpenter” award from Sir Sanford Fleming College in 1992. He also won the “Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award” in 2013 in the Skilled Trades Category. He was a member of the Literacy and the Trades Committee for the Literacy Ontario Central South Region for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Mike will be discussing hiring from a broader talent pool and how implementing some of the strategies shared in the Employer Resource Hub have helped his business flourish.

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Register Here

Literacy - Yours For the Holidays 2024

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:39:02 GMT

The LLSC team shares how literacy plays a role in their holidays...

December 25 to January 2 - Chanukah

Jeremy M - Cultural/UDL/Storytelling

The text referenced is the story (also a picture book) "The Parakeet Named Dreidel" by the Nobel Prize Winner Isaac Bashevis Singer. Singer is the only Nobel laureate who wrote in Yiddish.

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781466894587/theparakeetnameddreidel

December 24 - Christmas Eve

Jan G - Digital Literacy

As a child I remember what a joy it was to always wonder where Santa was and when he would arrive at our house. I even tried one year to wait up all night to see him, but of course I fell asleep! Now that I have a child of my own, it's been a real pleasure to watch him experience the wonder and anticipation of Santa's arrival. The world has changed a bit since I was young, with the growing use of the internet and digital technology. So, when he was young, I thought it would be a fun idea to introduce my son to the NORAD Santa Tracker and some of the amazing things the internet has to offer.

Every year since he was very young, my son and I have logged on to the computer to play games about Christmas (puzzles, digital colouring sheets, mazes and more). We've also always logged in on Christmas Eve to check the tracker to see where Santa is in his journey. It's been so much fun to see my son's skills grow while using the mouse, learning where to click, and watching his joy and wonder as his actions had an effect on screen. Even though he's almost an adult now, we still have fun every year checking the NORAD Santa Tracker. https://www.noradsanta.org/en/

December 24 - JOLABOKAFLOD

Sherry L - Reading/Literacy

Until this year, on Christmas Eve, our family would open one gift of pajamas. A fun thing that gave us fresh "jammies" to wear on Christmas morning. However, this year, we have decided to take on a tradition from Iceland and exchange books on Christmas Eve instead.

Learn more about this Icelandic tradition (including how to pronounce Jólabókaflóðat) at https://adventures.is/blog/iceland-christmas-eve-tradition

December 24 - Wigilia

Kate G - Cultural and Culinary Literacy

On Christmas Eve, my family celebrates traditional Polish "Wigilia" which comes from the Latin word, Vigil, with my husband’s side of the family. Traditionally, dinner consists of twelve courses with many different fish dishes. Dinner begins with a beet soup my mother-in-law makes called Barszcz (Borscht). It is served with small mushroom-filled pierogies called uszka which means little ears.

My favourite part of the whole evening is at the very beginning before dinner is served – breaking and sharing of opłatek (blessed wafer). Each person gets a piece of opłatek. You then talk individually with each member of the family and exchange good wishes for the upcoming year. To complete the exchange of good wishes, you break off a piece of each other's opłatek and eat it. It’s a lovely moment where you connect with your loved ones in a very personal and special way.

Seasonal/Holiday Baking

Summer B - Math/Numeracy

My grandmother loved baking, and around the holidays her specialty was pie. Pie baking day involved a funny ritual where grandma insisted that the kitchen floor be washed just before baking, and the first step was always to grab a pinch of flour and toss it on the newly cleaned floor. Grandma told all the grandkids that it was for luck – if you didn’t follow those steps, your pies might not turn out!

All of the grandkids looked forward to helping grandma make pies… pulling out and reading the old recipe cards, measuring each ingredient, and making sure no scrap of crust was wasted. The holiday pie tradition continues – and even today, I wash my kitchen floor and throw a pinch of flour on it for good luck before baking holiday goodies!

Click here for great pie recipes - Enjoy!

AI Bytes

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 18:46:05 GMT

Artificial Intelligence in Literacy Education

We are pleased to introduce you to AI Bytes, a series of new e-Bulletins created by Literacy Link South Central and Contact North. Each issue will focus on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used in learning environments to benefit both educators and adult learners.

Modern AI tools (for example, "Generative AI") can be a valuable resource for both learners and educators. However, the technology isn't without its limitations. The more we use and interact with AI systems, the more we'll understand where they can be utilized effectively, and where they fall short compared to other tools. Across each of the six issues, AI Bytes will demonstrate the benefits AI can provide in Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) learning and education.

Check out the AI Bytes e-Bulletins below:

Issue 1

Issue 1 (French)

The first edition of AI Bytes introduces the AI Bytes team and discusses strengths, weaknesses, and common discussion topics surrounding AI to help you deepen your understanding of what “Artificial Intelligence” is. It also shares terms used in AI and provides an overview of various types of AI used today, including Generative AI, Chatbots, and “Computer Vision” AI.

Issue 2

Issue 2 (French)

The second issue discusses Generative AI and the most common tools that use it, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot.

Issue 3

Issue 3 (French)

The third issue explores AI tools and assistants that can enhance your teaching and spark creativity in the classroom. The issue delves into how chatbots work, shares tools designed for location-based services, and explores essential prompt writing techniques. It also highlights practical AI applications to support English language learners and provides an opportunity to try a new AI tool.

Issue 4

Issue 4 (French)

The fourth issue discusses how it's important to focus on "AI Literacy" in LBS. With how much AI impacts our daily lives, it's valuable to be able to understand AI and know how to effectively interact with it. This issue also covers how AI impacts work and job-hunting, and how job-seekers can utilize AI when searching for and applying for jobs.

Issue 5

Issue 5 (French)

The fifth issue focuses on accessibility, how AI is transforming accessibility and education for all learners, and breaking down barriers with smart technology and UDL.

‘Accessible For All’ Eye Nutrition Guide

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:06:14 GMT

A conversation with Jaime Hooper & Christine Melehes

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) will come into full effect on January 2025. The law, passed by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2005, sets standards to ensure that Ontarians with physical and mental disabilities can access public establishments, documents, and services. Public agencies must fully comply with the law.

But what does it mean to ensure accessibility for all? And what does accessibility look like? We discussed these questions with Jaime Hooper, a Developmental Service Worker (DSW) and Deafblind advocate, and Christine Melehes, a Skills Development Specialist with CNIB Deafblind Community Services (CNIB DCBS).

With support from a Registered Dietician, Jaime and Christine created an accessible Eye Nutrition resource for learners who are Deafblind, blind, or partially sighted. They developed it because they witnessed an increase in diabetes in the community. While researching the subject of eye health, they discovered no accessible resources existed for people with vision loss. While medical literature was abundant, the page’s interactive menus and graphics created barriers for users who rely on screen readers, magnification tools, and keyboard-only navigation.

Inaccessibility is a common problem for the Deafblind and Blind communities. When finding resources, they often have to convert them into accessible formats. But what does it mean to be accessible? According to Jaime and Christine, accessibility takes many forms. It means the resource is accessible for people with vision and hearing loss and is compatible with different assistive technologies, from screen readers and refreshable braille displays, to enhanced listening devices.

Accessible resources are ones designed for use by people with disabilities, such as those with sight and hearing loss. They are compatible with different assistive technologies, such as screen readers, refreshable braille displays, and enhanced listening devices, which help people with disabilities access information and communicate effectively.

For example, a website that is designed to be accessible would have features such as text descriptions of images, captions for videos, and keyboard shortcuts to navigate the site. This would make it easier for people with disabilities to use the website and access the information they need.

But accessibility is not only technological; it also involves language. Medical resources contain scientific terminology unfamiliar to general readers. Jaime and Christine recognized they needed to assemble and convert existing eye health research into plain language, which is a form of “communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it” ( plainlanguage.gov | What Is Plain Language?, n.d. ). They worked with a registered dietician to ensure their guide contained clear, accurate information.

Jaime and Christine said that when it comes to eye health and nutrition, the vision loss and Deafblind communities remain under-served. For instance, when they inquired about an accessible Canada Food Guide for teaching proper eye care nutrition, they received one braille resource. Unfortunately, the guide was only available in a braille format the person could not read. Since Canadians with vision loss do not all use identical formats, Jaime and Christine had to develop a simplified, tactile version of the guide.

As they explored developing new resources, Jaime and Christine found that the Canada Food Guide graphics for appropriate nutritional portions at meals was too crowded and condensed to be fully screen reader accessible. They created a plate learners could touch and hold, enabling them to visualize appropriate nutritional portions using their hands.

The food guide is a perfect example of the problem Deafblind, blind, and vision loss communities face. “Accessible” does not yet mean “accessible for all.” Far too often, a resource is seen as “good enough” if it applies a few accessibility fixes, such as using alt text to allow screen readers to interpret pictures and graphics. But “good enough” is not the same as accessible. Jaime said doing accessibility right impacts everyone equally and removes barriers to learning. We should remember how barriers are not disabilities. A person with vision loss faces a barrier, but this only disables them when no one removes it.

If accessibility means overcoming barriers, Ontario needs a new approach to resource design. Design teams must include a broad community of stakeholders who can contribute to and test resources to ensure inclusivity. Resources are never complete. To offer a barrier-free product, the designers must keep updating it.

To learn more about inclusive design, please click here .

For more information about this accessible Eye Nutrition resource, please contact Christine Melehes at Christine.Melehes@deafblindservices.ca.

Literacy - Yours For the Holidays 2023

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:47:35 GMT

The LLSC team shares how literacy plays a role in their holidays...

December 7 to 15 - Chanukah

Jeremy M - Storytelling

Chanukah is a holiday whose meaning is subject to numerous interpretations. It is the story of a military victory by a small band of warriors, the Maccabees, against a large army, the Asyrian-Greeks, who had seized the Jewish temple and denied Jews a place to worship. It is also the story of how a little bit of olive oil, recovered in the retaken temple, burned for eight days to ensure that the eternal light (representing the presence of God) stayed lit in the spot where the Maccabees prayed. It burned while people searched for new oil stocks and kept that eternal light lit. To this day, Chanukah is known as a celebration of the miracle of that light.

I find the Chanukah story interesting for many reasons, but the part that was emphasized to me in my home growing up was the light and the wonder of its persistence. In our part of the northern hemisphere, Chanukah falls at the darkest time of year. Focusing on the candles and the light they give off amid darkness has always been meaningful to me. It is also meaningful to my mother, who read stories to my sister and me about Chanukah candles bringing hope and illumination to people in perilous times.

I feel that many of us all over the world are living through dark times. I find that focusing on the light of a tiny candle in the middle of a period of deepening shadows brings me hope and reminds me of a common human bond: the bond of light as hope, warmth, and transcendence. While I do not believe that lighting a single light will change the world, I know that recalling the persistence of light can sustain people when hope seems lost. I also know that when we recall the power of hope, change becomes possible.

In this dark season of late 2023, I am focusing on this legacy of light because I think of it as my ‘Chanukah Heritage.’

Jan G - Advent Calendar/Numeracy

One of the things I look forward to the most about the holidays in our house is the unboxing of our Advent Calendar. In my family, I was given one of those inexpensive chocolate advent calendars from the grocery store every year. You might know the ones I'm talking about from having seen them while you've been shopping or even having received them yourself. I loved searching for the number (they were never in order) and finding that chocolate treat inside. I was always trying to guess what shape the chocolate would be moulded in - a tree, a star, Santa... I couldn't wait to find out! When my son was born, my sister remembered how much I loved those calendars and she gave him a beautiful wooden Advent Calendar for his first Christmas. It has filled my heart with joy to watch him open these little doors every year and find something new and surprising inside. I have delighted in being able to be creative filling these spaces with small gifts, tiny chocolates, little love notes and words of wisdom, and this year some very unique dice for my son to use when playing board games. When he was very young, I also loved to hear him count out his numbers and try to figure out what door to open by looking at a calendar. My son is 16 now and he still looks forward to his calendar every year - it brings us both immense joy.

Sherry L - Reading/Storytelling

We have created a few family traditions of our own around Christmas Eve, when we open one gift (pajamas!) and spend time around our decorated tree, listening to a chapter of Stuart McLean’s Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe being read out loud, while nibbling on a cookie and sipping hot chocolate or tea. Before Stuart McLean’s, we went through many classic storybooks with fantastic illustrations and tales about reindeer, great trains, and nutcrackers. What will we do when we finish this book? Find another!

Here's a story from Stuart McLean as published by Canadian Living:

https://www.canadianliving.com/life-and-relationships/canadian-living-books/article/cozy-up-to-this-short-story-from-the-classic-christmas-at-the-vinyl-cafe

Carolina C - Numeracy/Reading

In Argentina, where I grew up, Christmas and New Year’s eve are two of the most festive seasons of the year. They are times when we Argies gather with our loved ones and have big parties that last until dawn. On Christmas eve, we place baby Jesus under the tree in his manger, and watch the fireworks light up the sky at midnight. We don’t sing many carols, but we love to dance and feast on delicious food:

Grilled pork or roasted turkey. They are eaten hot or cold. The pork is served with chimichurri, a sauce made of oil, oregano, and ground chili.
Asado, or roast, which is a typical Argentine dish of beef, chorizo, black pudding, and offal cooked on a grill. It is accompanied by salads, chimichurri, and red wine.
Stuffed pionono, which is a semi-sweet dough filled with ham, cheese, tuna, boiled egg, bell peppers, olives, and mayonnaise. It is rolled up and cut into slice.
Vitel toné, which is a dish of French origin. It consists of thin slices of boiled tongue cow meat covered with a natural mayonnaise made with eggs, oil, and anchovies. It is decorated with capers.
Waldorf salad, which is a salad made with celery, green apples, and walnuts. The dressing is a mixture of mayonnaise and heavy cream.
Russian salad, which is a salad made with diced boiled potatoes and carrots, peas, and mayonnaise.
Stuffed tomatoes, which are tomatoes filled with rice or tuna salad.
Pan dulce, which is a sweet bread with dried fruits and nuts. It is one of the most popular desserts during Christmas in Argentina.

New Year’s Eve is another night of celebration with family and friends, and we all count down to midnight to start dancing and cheering. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, everyone joins in the fun and makes it a community event. Even though the weather is hot and humid, and it often rains during this season, we still have outdoor parties, with tents ready in case of rain.

Try your hand at this delicious recipe for Authentic Chimichurri:

https://cafedelites.com/authentic-chimichurri-uruguay-argentina/

Kate G - Math/Structural

We have a tradition of making a gingerbread house near Christmas time. When my kids were younger, we would roll out the dough and then carefully cut out the templates for the different parts of the house. Our decorations would include stained glass windows made with melted hard candies, wrought iron work done in royal icing and an elaborate railing for the front porch. Now that my kids are all young adults, we still make just one gingerbread house, but it is a bit more modest!

Check out these 46 Gingerbread House Templates from Pinterest that you can use:

https://www.pinterest.ca/donnarcale/gingerbread-house-template-printable/

Happy baking!

Using AI in Literacy

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:38:34 GMT

Collecting educated opinions on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the field of Literacy

Here are the results of the written interview with two of LLSC’s Project Managers regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in the field of Literacy.

Answers to interview questions were provided by Carolina Cohoon and Jeremy Marks.

Is AI a helpful tool in Literacy training?

Yes! (Strongly agree) Carolina and Jeremy

To learn more, check out these resources from Carolina and Jeremy:

Combatting Deep Fakes in Generative AI (2024)
En français: Combattre les hypertrucages dans l'IA générative (2024)
Generative AI in Education (2024)
En français: IA générative et éducation (2024)

Carolina:

There are several tools that use AI to measure the impact of teaching and learning in education. For example, the Center for Teaching and Learning offers guidance on understanding how AI tools can impact teaching and learning. They suggest several key teaching practices to help faculty, lecturers, academic teaching staff, and teaching assistants navigate these emerging technologies and remain on the leading edge of developing pedagogic strategies, course designs, and curricula that integrate and address emerging technologies and understandings in the science of learning [1].

Another example is Microsoft Teams for Education, which employs data analytics for faster results. Education Insights, a feature in Microsoft Teams for Education, uses data analytics to keep educators informed of learners’ engagement, learning progress, and well-being [2]. A wide range of built-in digital apps and tools allows teachers to interact with learners on the platform and gain an overview of how well they are progressing, both at the class and individual levels.

AI can also help educators analyze student performance and preferences data to create customized lesson plans and assessments that align with each learner's unique strengths and weaknesses. AI can also automate administrative tasks such as grading or developing rubrics for self- assessment. The possibilities and tools being developed with this technology do not only impact the education landscape but the labor market. Something I will be expanding on in the upcoming questions.

1. teachingcommons.stanford.edu

2. educationblog.microsoft.com

Jeremy:

Since AI is going to become ubiquitous, we cannot avoid using it as a learning tool. And since literacy training means helping learners adapt to the world around them for personal and professional reasons, AI poses a terrific opportunity for the instructor and learner to forge new partnerships together in the learning/instructional process. AI opens up new cognitive terrain in teaching and learning and should we embrace this, it will help both the instructor and learner grow.

What roles can AI play or assist with, in Literacy?

Name as many as you can think of. (Example: research)

Carolina:

Research: AI can help educators and researchers to analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends in literacy development.

Personalization: AI can help to create personalized learning experiences for learners by analyzing their performance and preferences data to create customized lesson plans and assessments that align with each learner’s unique strengths and weaknesses.

Assessment: AI can help educators to assess learner's progress and provide feedback in real-time, allowing for more targeted instruction and support.

Adaptive Learning: AI can help to create adaptive learning environments that adjust the difficulty level of content based on learner's performance, allowing for more personalized and effective learning experiences.

Tutoring: AI-powered tutoring systems can provide learners with personalized instruction and support, helping them to develop their literacy skills at their own pace.

Language Learning: AI can help language learners to develop their skills by providing personalized instruction, feedback, and practice opportunities.

unesco.org

aiunplugged.lmc.gatech.edu

Jeremy:

Research
Metacognition
Question facilitation
Critical thinking
Fact-checking
Grammar
Digital skills development
Lesson planning
Presentation planning
Financial skills

What is the best example you have where AI improved an outcome in Literacy training/accessibility?

Carolina:

AI can support communication between LBS instructors and adult learners in a number of ways. For example, AI-powered chatbots can serve as virtual assistants for instructors, helping to manage and streamline communication with learners. The chatbots can be set up to send updates, reminders, and notifications, reducing the need for manual follow-ups.

With Chat GPT you can generate a quiz in a blink of an eye. once the quiz is generated and you check all the info is accurate, you can export it to Microsoft Forms. Once your learners submit their answers, they (and you) will get their results instantly, saving you hours of marking throughout the year. It also works with Diffit https://beta.diffit.me/#topic which helps you generate a quiz with Google forms or Microsoft forms. Both Google and Microsoft forms can improve the accessibility of information as their coding supports screen readers.

Software like TOME https://tome.app can also automatically create a PowerPoint and the images (prompts) are automatically beautifully described enhancing the access to people who are Blind or low vision.

Jeremy:

I don't have (an example of this) yet, so I admit my thoughts are speculative at this point.

What are the limitations of AI in regards to Literacy?

Carolina:

Cultural and linguistic context: AI language translation tools may not accurately capture the nuances of a particular dialect or slang, which can result in miscommunication or confusion.

Bias: AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the training data is biased, the AI system will also be biased. This can result in inaccurate or unfair outcomes spreading misinformation.

Cost: The cost of implementing AI solutions may be high, which can limit their accessibility and use in certain settings. For example. Microsoft announced that Microsoft 365 CoPilot will be priced at $30 USD per user per month. https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2023/07/18/furthering-our-ai-ambitions-announcing-bing-chat-enterprise-and-microsoft-365-copilot-pricing/

Accuracy over time: Could AI systems degrade over time? This may result in decreased performance and accuracy.

Jeremy:

There is always the risk of embracing AI without understanding how it works and what our learning and critical thinking relationship with it needs to be. It is not an all-knowing resource.

Carolina and Jeremy have developed a tip sheet for detecting Generative AI. >> Take a look !

Now back to the interview...

Is there any situation in which AI can be harmful and should be avoided in regards to Literacy?

Carolina:

Sadly, there are situations in which AI may be harmful and should be avoided in regards to literacy. For example, if the AI system is trained on biased data, it may produce biased results that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes or misinformation. As mentioned above, AI systems may not always be able to fully understand the cultural or linguistic context of learners, which can lead to inaccurate or incomplete learning experiences.

It's important to carefully evaluate the use of AI in literacy education and ensure that it is used in a responsible and ethical manner. This includes ensuring that the data used to train AI systems is unbiased and representative, and that the AI system is transparent and accountable.

Jeremy:

I think it is unwise to expect learners to use it independently and without any guidance.

What do you think will be the next big development or hot topic in AI?

Carolina:

According to Forbes, some of the biggest trends in AI for 2022 and 2023 include the ongoing democratization of AI, where AI functionality is becoming more accessible to everyone regardless of their level of technical skill. This is being achieved through the development of apps that put AI functionality at the fingertips of anyone, as well as the growing number of no-code and low-code platforms that enable just about anyone to create, test, and deploy AI-powered solutions using simple drag-and-drop or wizard-based interfaces.

Another trend is the augmented workforce, where machines with smart and cognitive functionality are being used to boost human abilities and skills. This is already happening in many industries, where AI tools are being used to help with tasks such as predictive maintenance, lead generation, and data analysis.

Personally, I feel the next big development in AI will be its continued integration into all aspects of our lives! What you find today, may be improved tomorrow. Catching up with all these developments has proven tricky for me. Within a blink of an eye, something has been developed, improved, or becomes outdated.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/10/10/the-5-biggest-artificial-intelligence-ai-trends-in-2023/?sh=1bd35cf21d3d

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/09/24/the-7-biggest-artificial-intelligence-ai-trends-in-2022/

Jeremy:

Singularity: when the machines can think for themselves without human interaction or input.

What is the main thing you'd like people reading the blog to take with them from this article?

Carolina:

AI has the potential to revolutionize education and improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It can also help personalize learning experiences, assess learners progress, create adaptive learning environments, and provide tutoring and language learning support. However, there are also barriers associated with using AI in education, including managing bias, prioritizing accessible code, and addressing ethical considerations. Seeing AI as a tool rather than a threat will help us prioritize, evaluate the use of AI in education, and ensure that it is used in a responsible and ethical manner.

We have a responsibility to equip our learners with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy and workforce, and to understand the impact of AI on their lives. Being an informed member of society means having a basic understanding of AI, regardless of one’s chosen career path.

To meet these needs, all educational programs must have access to basic AI tools and training. However, the reality is that many underserved programs in low-income areas lack the resources, skills, and confidence to guide their learners through an AI-powered world. If this trend continues, AI will only exacerbate existing inequalities.

It is therefore crucial for educators and decision-makers to carefully develop a plan to ensure that more people have equal opportunities in the AI space. This means exploring ways to provide access to AI tools and training for underserved programs and communities.

Jeremy:

I want people to understand that AI is a partnership (at this point) between the bot and the user. In other words, readers should think of AI as a research partner, a colleague rather than a "master" or savant. The more we interact it with it, the better we become at learning the limitations and strengths of technology. This will help us map our own thinking in relation to AI and discover new ways to interact with it, adapt the software to our purposes, and grow our understanding of how we ask questions and conceptually approach problems in learning and teaching.

A big thank you to Carolina Cohoot and Jeremy Marks for taking the time to answer these questions and enlighten us on the use of Artificial Intelligence and the field of Literacy!

Exploring Bing AI with Screen Readers

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:25:11 GMT

A Conversation Over Coffee

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in many aspects of our lives, and one of its most promising applications is in the field of accessibility. Microsoft’s Bing AI, an intelligent chatbot, is one such example. It is designed to enhance search results, provide summarized responses, facilitate an engaging chat experience, generate creative content, aid in writing, and even produce remarkable copyright-free images from text. But the question arises - how user-friendly is it for those who depend on screen readers to navigate the internet?

To answer this question, we invited Nina Amegashitsi, a member of the blind community, to test Bing AI using VoiceOver, a screen reader feature on iOS devices. Over a cup of coffee, we downloaded the Bing AI app on an iPad and iPhone and embarked on a journey to explore its accessibility features.

Navigating the Interface

At first glance, the Bing AI app appears simple and clean to sighted users. However, for Nina, the interface was cluttered with irrelevant information such as ads and links. Despite using multiple gestures to navigate the screen, finding what she was looking for proved tricky. When she tried using the microphone to voice her queries, the screen reader repeated “generating response” several times, resulting in duplicated text. There was also no way to skip to relevant sections by headings or landmarks.

A Workaround and Its Limitations

Nina found a workaround by typing her queries into a note pad app and pasting them into the Bing AI app with the rotor. She was impressed by the bot’s ability to generate ideas and responses. However, she was disappointed that she could not copy and paste the responses back into the note pad app.

The Road Ahead

Nina’s experience with Bing AI revealed some of the accessibility barriers that screen reader users may face when using AI technologies. When compared to other chatbot services like Google Assistant and Siri, she found Bing AI to be less accessible and user-friendly.

However, this experience also highlights the immense potential of AI to enhance accessibility and foster inclusion across all products. By incorporating the insights of users with firsthand experience into the development process, diversifying the data used to train AI models, assessing potential impacts on diverse users, and prioritizing usability in design - we can work towards making AI more accessible and equitable for everyone.

Nina’s conversation serves as a reminder that the field of AI in a constant state of evolution, and there is a wealth of research waiting to be explored in AI technologies. As innovation and refinement of these technologies continue across various sectors, including Education, it becomes increasingly crucial for adult educators to advocate for more research and collaboration. Such efforts will pave the way towards achieving greater digital access that is both equitable and fair.

Accessibility in Artificial Intelligence Technology

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:44:13 GMT

A Conversation with Mike

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the latest buzz word in many areas including education and the workplace. Many recent big advances in technology, such as facial recognition software and self-driving cars, have AI at the heart of them. The term generative AI is causing a buzz because of the increasing popularity of generative AI programs, such as OpenAI’s conversational chatbot ChatGPT. Additionally, the demand for skilled AI specialists is growing faster than ever before, with requirements and open positions for experts in sub-fields of AI like machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, statistics, and natural language processing surging each day.

AI is transforming the way we live and work in profound ways. This week, LLSC staff members Jan and Carolina met with Mike Ingram, an advocate for the Deafblind community and an avid user and early adopter of AI. They discussed the accessibility of artificial intelligence and its impact on access since its release in November 2022. Mike shared his personal experience as a person who is Deafblind using screen readers and other tools to make ChatGPT more accessible.

Mike shared the ease of use of ChatGPT due to its simple user interface. Even without his glasses, he can use a screen reader to read everything on the screen and enlarge the words as much as he wants. He can also split the screen as needed. Mike is hopeful this technology will not be banned as it has allowed him to better advocate for the Deafblind Community by writing letters to the government. The instant generation of professional letters has resulted in more responses. Mike has also been using the technology to write code and create websites. Mike reported Chat GPT has saved him hours if not days of laborious work trying to write out all kinds of code himself, and therefore has increased his productivity and decreased his fatigue.

We asked Mike about his experience using ChatGPT versus Bing AI. Mike shared that ChatGPT allows for more unrestrictive content, while Bing is designed for use by children and thus has moderated content. We also learned about the recent release of Chat GPT Enterprise, which offers enterprise-grade security and privacy, unlimited higher-speed GPT-4 access, longer context windows, advanced data analysis capabilities, customization options, and more.

LLSC staff have learned about new applications of this fascinating technology across different sectors. We are inspired to continue our learning journey and support our partners and learners as AI transforms the way we live and work in profound ways. When properly utilized, AI has the potential to improve lives by providing more convenient access to information and accomplishing tasks through automation, as well as equipping us with new tools to solve problems. We are excited to see what the future holds for AI and its impact on adult education!

A Journey to Citizenship

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:50:53 GMT

Celebrating Krissy’s Achievement

On August 28th, LLSC staff member Carolina celebrated a truly special moment with one of their former students, Krissy Elliott, as she became a Canadian citizen. Krissy's journey to Canadian citizenship is a testament to her dedication and hard work. As a native speaker of American Sign Language, Krissy worked tirelessly to improve her English skills and invested countless hours in preparation for her citizenship test in the Literacy program at CNIB Deafblind Community Services.

The ceremony took place in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada - London District Office, where 47 new Canadians from 11 different countries took the oath of citizenship and received their certificates. With the professional support of her intervenors from CNIB Deafblind Community Services, Krissy signed the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, accepted her certificate of citizenship, and sang proudly the Canadian National Anthem in sign language.

Throughout the years, Krissy has shared with staff her love for literacy and the program, especially English and Nutrition classes, and the positive impact that it has had on her life. The judge who presided over the ceremony even congratulated her in sign language! It was an honor to witness Krissy achieve her dream of becoming a Canadian.

Skills for Success: Writing

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:18:00 GMT

The Skills for Success are the nine skills the Canadian government has identified everyone needs to be successful in work, learning and life. Today we're continuing our look at the Skills for Success by talking about Writing .

According to the Canadian government, writing is how we share information using written words, symbols, and images. For example, we use this skill to fill out forms and applications, and write emails, reports and social media posts.

Learn more about writing and the other Skills for Success here , and think about the writing you do on an average day, from grocery lists to reminders to homework.

If you'd like to build your reading, writing, creativity, problem solving, and other Skills for Success, Ontario's adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help. Contact us to find a program in your area!

Skills for Success: Reading

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 20:14:06 GMT

According to the Canadian government, reading skills are important so we can find, understand, and use information presented through words, symbols, and images. For example, we use this skill to locate information on forms and drawings, and to read items such as emails, reports, news articles, blog posts and instructions.

Strong reading skills allow you to do your job and to work safely, and efficiently. Reading is also important in day-to-day activities, like understanding the instructions on medication bottles and interpreting weather advisories.

Learn more about reading and the other Skills for Success here , and think about the different kinds of reading you do every day, including reading this blog!

Did you know that adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help you build all of your Skills for Success, including reading? Contact us to find a program in your area!

The LLSC team is growing!

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:50:29 GMT

The team at Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) has been growing over the past several months. Have you met our new staff and contract team? Please join us in welcoming:

Project Manager Carolina Cohoon

Carolina joins LLSC bringing years of experience in the fields of education and rehabilitation. Formerly with CNIB Deafblind Community Services, she is an advocate for inclusion and accessibility. We look forward to Carolina bringing her years of experience in public education, developing unique and inclusive programs, and project management to the team! Carolina will be supporting LLSC with a focus on our Skills for Success initiatives - please reach out to Carolina at carolina@llsc.on.ca .

Project Manager Jan Gourley

Jan brings her professional background in technical support, customer care, business management, operation and Early Childhood Education to LLSC. Jan is a trained Roots of Empathy instructor, MindUp curriculum educator, and Registered Early Childhood Educator who will be supporting LLSC with a focus on our Pathways into a Child Care and Early Years Career project. Please contact Jan at jan@llsc.on.ca .

Program and Partnership Developer Rick Townend

Rick joins LLSC with extensive experience in education serving school boards and post-secondary institutions across Ontario, most recently as an Academic Advisor and Consultant at Fanshawe College’s School of Access Studies. Rick truly demonstrates a passion for helping people achieve their goals, and his energy, vision and partnership development skills will be a great addition to our team! Please reach out to Rick at rick@llsc.on.ca .

Marketing and Communications Specialist Sherry Lippincott

Sherry brings years of content development, graphic design, social media management, marketing, and documentation experience to LLSC. She has a passion for producing quality communications, editing copy, and thinking of new ways to express ideas and concepts. Sherry will be supporting all of LLSC's projects, and will take a lead on our social media, marketing, and promotional initiatives. Please contact Sherry at sherry@llsc.on.ca .

We are excited that our team is continuing to grow, and look forward to working with these excellent staff members in the year ahead!

Skills for Success: Problem Solving

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 20:09:04 GMT

The Skills for Success are the nine skills the Canadian government has identified everyone needs to be successful in work, learning and life. Today we're look at another one of the Skills for Success: Problem Solving .

According to the Canadian government, we use identify and think about a problem, come up with solutions, and make decisions. Problem solving helps you to address issues, monitor success, and learn from the experience. For example, we use this skill to decide what tool we need for a job, how to fix things that aren't working, and how to get through a conflict with another person.

Learn more about problem solving and the other Skills for Success here , and think about all of the problems you've solved recently.

If you still have problems you'd like to solve, or you'd like to build your writing, digital, math, creativity, reading, and other Skills for Success, Ontario's adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help. Contact us to find a program in your area!

Skills for Success: Numeracy

Tue, 30 May 2023 20:02:24 GMT

According to the Canadian government, numeracy skills are used to find, understand, use, and communicate mathematical information presented through words, numbers, symbols, and graphics. For example, we use this skill to perform calculations, manage budgets, analyze data and make estimations. Many jobs require the ability to work with numbers and math, and we use it in our lives at home too.

Learn more about numeracy and the other Skills for Success here , and think about the different ways you use math in your daily life!

Did you know that adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help you build all of your Skills for Success, including numeracy? Contact us to find a program in your area!

New Resources for Digital Skills Training

Mon, 29 May 2023 18:03:27 GMT

One of the nine Essential Skills (which so closely align with the OALCF) was “computer use,” and Literacy and Basic Skills programs have been helping learners learn to use computers and other technology for many years. With the introduction of the Skills for Success, the scope of computer use has been expanded to reflect the realities of today’s digital age - which includes the use of different digital devices, platforms, and apps.

We invite you to visit the Digital Delivery page on the Literacy Resources and Discussion Forum to access new resources from organizations like Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO), Laubach Literacy Ontario (LLO), and the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA).

Resource topics include using smartphones, online banking, using social media platforms, making safe choices online, and more.

These resources can be found at: https://lbsresourcesandforum.contactnorth.ca/mod/data/view.php?id=61

Skills for Success: Digital

Thu, 18 May 2023 19:56:05 GMT

According to the Canadian government, we use digital technology and tools to find, manage, apply, create and share information and content. For example, we use this skill to create spreadsheets, safely use social media, and securely make online purchases.

Learn more about digital and the other Skills for Success here , and think about the amazing number of digital devices you encounter on a daily basis. It's not just computers, but technology like smart phones, GPS devices, smart watches, tablets, digital scales and voice controlled virtual assistant technology (like Alexa).

If you'd like to build your digital, math, creativity, problem solving, and other Skills for Success, Ontario's adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help. Contact us to find a program in your area!

New Resources for Apprenticeship

Wed, 17 May 2023 18:01:53 GMT

Across the province, we’re seeing an increase in messages about how important it is that new workers join the skilled trades, particularly as experienced tradespeople prepare to retire. In fact, it’s anticipated that roughly one in five job openings in Ontario will be in the skilled trades by 2026. With apprenticeship as one of the five goal paths in Literacy and Basic Skills programs, learners are encouraged to seek LBS support as they prepare for a career in the skilled trades.

To ensure you have the resources you need to support them, we invite you to visit the Apprenticeship page on the Literacy Resources and Discussion Forum to access new Skills for Success resources from organizations like Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO), Laubach Literacy Ontario (LLO), and the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA).

Resource topics include exploring different kinds of trades and sectors, trades math, and preparing for apprenticeship in specific trades including Child Development Practitioner, Heavy Equipment Operator, Automotive Service Technician, Cook and more.

These resources can be found at: https://lbsresourcesandforum.contactnorth.ca/mod/data/view.php?id=59

New Resources for Workplace Preparation

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:59:37 GMT

For many learners, Literacy and Basic Skills programs offer the upgrading they need for successful employment, and we know through recent Workplace Literacy initiatives that people who are currently employed can also benefit from literacy upgrading. Through MLITSD’s Skills for Success initiative we are pleased that new curriculum and resources are available to support learners on the employment goal path and help LBS programs support employees.

We invite you to visit the Workplace Literacy page on the Literacy Resources and Discussion Forum to access new resources from organizations like Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO), Laubach Literacy Ontario (LLO), and the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA).

Resource topics include communication, problem solving and decision making in the workplace, working in customer service, office administration or retail, marketing workplace literacy to employers, and completing organizational needs assessments.

These resources can be found at: https://lbsresourcesandforum.contactnorth.ca/mod/data/view.php?id=63

New Resources for Working with Underrepresented Groups

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 17:55:21 GMT

Literacy and Basic Skills programs have a long history of working with learners from underrepresented groups, and through MLITSD’s Skills for Success initiative we are pleased that new curriculum and resources are available to support you in this work.

We invite you to visit the Underrepresented Groups page on the Literacy Resources and Discussion Forum to access new resources from organizations like Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO), Laubach Literacy Ontario (LLO), and the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA).

Resource topics include adapting to change, setting priorities, self-advocacy, budgeting, organization, time management, and more.

These resources can be found at: https://lbsresourcesandforum.contactnorth.ca/mod/data/view.php?id=62

Skills for Success: Creativity and Innovation

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:57:35 GMT

According to the Canadian government, being creative and innovative means you can imagine, develop, and apply ideas in ways that are novel, unexpected, or different. For example, we use these skills to discover better ways of doing things, develop new products, and deliver services in a new way. Employers are looking for people who can apply creativity and innovation skills to their work, and who can come up with new solutions or approaches to tackling challenges.

Learn more about creativity and innovation and the other Skills for Success here , and think about how you use your creativity to come up with new and innovative ways of accomplishing tasks!

If you'd like to build your creativity, innovation, problem solving, and other Skills for Success, Ontario's adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help. Contact us to find a program in your area!

New Workplace Training Videos

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:10:34 GMT

Literacy Link South Central is thrilled to share three new videos to help promote on-site adult upgrading to employers across Ontario. Each of these three 60-second videos focuses on a different skill that could be built through on-site training delivered in partnership wtih the Learning Networks of Ontario.

Check these videos out using the links below:

Digital Literacy: https://youtu.be/TQ9IglojZm8
Soft Skills: https://youtu.be/JdUQ0dX-_Tw
Math Booster: https://youtu.be/aDzcJPuWEnI

Please share these videos with employers in your area to let them know that the Learning Networks of Ontario are ready to help them and their businesses succeed!

Skills for Success: Communication

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 20:48:52 GMT

According to the Canadian government, communication is your ability to receive, understand, consider, and share information and ideas through speaking, listening, and interacting with others. For example, we use this skill to listen to instructions, serve customers and discuss ideas. Strong communication skills help you listen and understand others, and share information in a way that others can clearly understand. You need good communication skills to work as part of a team, understand different points of view, and solve problems - both at work and in your daily life.

Learn more about communication and the other Skills for Success here , and think about the different ways you use communication skills in your life!

Did you know that adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help you build all of your Skills for Success, including communication? Contact us to find a program in your area!

A Digital Development

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 19:34:36 GMT

The Government of Canada provides Literacy Link South Central with funding to help Canadians develop their digital skills

Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) is honoured to be among the 23 organizations across Canada chosen to receive funding through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada! Building on the success of our previous Digital Literacy Exchance Project, Digitally Safe and Strong will expand the reach of digital literacy training allowing us to reach a broader audience of Canadians.

Read the news release from Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne here !

Click here to visit the Digitally Safe and Strong project page, where we will post information about upcoming digital literacy training opportunities and new curriculum.

Tip: Search for the hashtag #DigitallySafeAndStrong on your favourite social media channels to keep up with what's new as we launch this exciting digital literacy project!

Supporting ESL learners in LBS programs

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 20:40:12 GMT

This year, one of Literacy Link South Central’s research projects (completed in partnerships with our provincial colleagues at QUILL Learning Network , Project READ , Mid North Network , and Literacy Network Northeast ) was to research a possible gap in language training services in rural Ontario * and look at the resulting impact on adult literacy programs.

The result of the research is the report Literacy and Basic Skills: A Pathway to Supporting ESL Learners in Rural Ontario . The goal of the report is to:

Identify, acknowledge and explain the increasing demand for LBS services by newcomers in rural communities
Provide best practices and suggestions LBS service providers could use to deliver high quality programming to these learners
Make recommendations for systemic changes that need to happen if BS service providers are to continue serving ESL learners in rural Ontario.

We hope you'll read this report and share your thoughts with us! From now through Tuesday, March 28, 2023 we will have a survey available to gather feedback, and as a thank you for completing the survey, we will draw the names of two respondents and send them each a $50 Indigo gift card.

Complete this three-question survey by clicking HERE !

* communities with populations of 30,000 or less

Skills for Success: Collaboration

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:04:18 GMT

According to the Canadian government, collaboration is your ability to contribute and support others to achieve a common goal. For example, at work we use this skill to provide meaningful support to team members while completing a project. Collaboration skills help you perform better in a team by understanding how to support and value others, manage difficult interactions and contribute to the team’s work.

Learn more about collaboration and the other Skills for Success here , and think about all the ways you collaborate with other people!

Most of us work in groups - either as a family, as a student, or as an employee so being a good collaborator is a wonderful skill to have. Adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help you build all of your Skills for Success, including collaboration. Contact us to find a program in your area!

The importance of Digital Literacy

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:57:03 GMT

In today's world, digital literacy is becoming increasingly important. Being digitally literate means that you are able to use and navigate digital technology, such as computers, smartphones, and the internet, to find, create, and share information.

The world is becoming more and more digital every day, and this means that digital literacy is no longer just a nice-to-have skill; it is a skill everyone needs, and it can greatly enhance your personal and professional life. Here are some reasons why digital literacy is so important:

Access to information: With the internet at our fingertips, we have access to an incredible amount of information. Being digitally literate means that you can use search engines and other digital tools to find the information you need quickly and efficiently.

Communication: Digital technology has revolutionized the way we communicate with each other. From email to social media to video conferencing, digital literacy allows us to communicate with people from all over the world in a variety of ways.

Job opportunities: In today's job market, digital literacy is often a requirement. Many jobs require you to understand specific software or digital tools, and being digitally literate can give you a competitive edge when it comes to job hunting.

Creativity: Digital technology has opened up new avenues for creativity. From creating digital art to writing blogs to making videos, being digitally literate allows you to express yourself in new and exciting ways.

Safety and security: Digital literacy also includes understanding online safety and security. Knowing how to protect yourself and your information online can help you avoid scams, identity theft, and other digital dangers.

Digital literacy really is essential in today's world. It can open up new opportunities, enhance your creativity, and keep you safe online. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to brush up on your skills, investing in digital literacy is a smart move that can pay off in many ways.

If you want more information about digital literacy training, contact us today at literacylink@llsc.on.ca!

Skills for Success: Adaptability

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 20:53:16 GMT

The Skills for Success are the nine skills the Canadian government has identified everyone needs to be successful in work, learning and life. Over the next several months we're going to take a look at each of them.

The first Skill for Success we will look at is Adaptability .

According to the Canadian government, adaptability is your ability to achieve or adjust goals and behaviours when expected or unexpected change occurs, by planning, staying focused, persisting, and overcoming setbacks. For example, we use this skill to change plans to meet new deadlines, learn how to work with new tools and improve our skills through feedback.

Learn more about adaptability and the other Skills for Success here , and think about all the ways you're adaptable!

Change is something that impacts everyone, so being adaptable is a wonderful skill to have. Adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help you build all of your Skills for Success, including adaptability. Contact us to find a program in your area!

Discover the Skills for Success!

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 19:25:23 GMT

Have you heard of the Skills for Success ? They are the nine skills the Canadian government has identified everyone needs to be successful in work, learning and life.

Over the past several years technology has advanced, the importance of interpersonal skills has grown, and both COVID and labour market changes have impacted how people work... which means our skills need to advance, grow and change as well. The Skills for Success are a perfect place to start.

The nine Skills for Success are:

Adaptability
Collaboration
Communication
Creativity and innovation
Digital
Numeracy
Problem solving
Reading
Writing

Which of these skills are a strength for you? Which skills would you like to improve?

Across the province, adult literacy programs offer free, individualized training that can help you build all of these skills and more. Contact us to find out about a program in your area, so you can build your Skills for Success !

Literacy - Yours For The Holidays!

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 03:03:03 GMT

From the Literacy Link South Central team

With a multitude of holidays celebrated during December, Literacy Link South Central team members have been thinking about the different ways literacy plays a part in holiday traditions.

Here are some of the stories we shared with each other. We hope you enjoy them!

In my house growing up, we celebrated Chanukah a nd my mother always read to us from Isaac Bashevis Singer’s Stories for Children. The book has several wonderful Chanukah stories, including one about two young people trying to survive in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II (“The Power of Light”).

My mother read it to my sister and me every year and now I do the same on Chanukah with my two daughters. ~ Jeremy

Every Christmas Eve my husband reads a story out loud to our 18-year-old and me. He went to school for acting and really gets into storytelling and reading in characters’ voices. Currently, we are thoroughly enjoying one short story a year from Stuart Maclean's “Christmas at the Vinyl Café”. It's hilarious! I highly recommend it. Especially if you have someone who will read it to you dramatically. ~ Sherry

Click here to listen to an excerpt from "Dave Cooks the Turkey "

We sang Christmas carols, a must before opening presents. The youngest got the first choice of what song we sang. We had family songbooks made up with pictures of us growing up embedded throughout the books. Family members yelled out what song they wanted to sing next and it was no surprise it was the song with their picture on the page. The "12 Days of Christmas" was always a favourite as people were assigned their "number" and each time we got to that number they'd have to sing it with all they had and often acted it out - drumming, dancing, milking and

...alaying(?)

The carols would end with a group retelling of "T'was the Night Before Christmas." Each person (of ages) took turn reading two phrases and then look to the next person to continue the story, and so on. Everyone hoped that got to read out the fun lines, especially the ones that called the reindeer into action. As each new member of the next generation listened to the enthusiastically told story, little did they know that in a few years they would be telling the story too. "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!" ~ Anne Marie

We used to do something when the kids were young. T hey would write their letters to Santa (with our help) and then we would burn them in the fireplace so that the messages would float up the chimney and find their way to Santa. As the little embers would be released from the burning paper, the kids would swear they could see the letters from the page making their way to the North Pole.

In later years, the letter to Santa was replaced with tracking Santa’s progress online. How things change! ~ Tamara

For most of my adult life, I’ve created customized Christmas crackers ( or poppers) for members of my family. Instead of the little paper crowns and plastic toys you find in store-bought cracker, everyone gets Lindt chocolates and other tiny treats I hope will strike their fancy. They also get a slip of paper with something to read. Last year it was a quote from a holiday film, which the person would read out loud for others – then everyone would guess what film the quote came from. It’s a fun tradition, and I’m busily thinking of what to put in the slips of paper in the Christmas crackers this year! ~ Summer

My family loves to play board games in general, but especially during the holidays when there is a break from school and work! Every year we spend a large chunk of an afternoon or two, gathered around the kitchen table playing a board game. We have a few collaborative games where the players work together to beat the game, in addition to the ones that have a single winner. ~ Kate

Career Pathways Tool

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 20:28:04 GMT

Literacy Link South Central partners in the development of a new Career Pathways tool.

Literacy Link South Central is proud to have partnered with regional literacy networks, workforce planning boards and Fedcap Canada to develop the new Career Pathways tool.

This online tool can help people find their path into jobs with growth potential in 10 sectors within the Grand Erie, Hamilton and Niagara regions.

The Career Pathways tool provides information based on the user’s preferred type of work and their employment skills. The person using the tool can choose to:

· use the ‘Get Started’ button and be led through the tool, answering questions about their interests along the way.

· explore the tool independently and create their own path through the resources the tool has to offer.

While each method has its own look and feel, the final results are equally helpful because they reflect the interests and skills of the person using the tool. They will be linked with active job listings, given information on the outlook for that job sector in the coming years, and find out the median salary.

There are also recommendations for education and training programs that show a clear way for someone to progress from an entry-level position to a more skilled, mid-level role. A full summary of the Career Pathway can then be emailed for easy reference.

We welcome you to try this handy tool for yourself! Discover the Career Pathways tool now.

Termability

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:50:48 GMT

A new way to read terms of service agreements (clearly!)

We were thrilled to learn that on October 3, 2022 Carolina Cohoon from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) shared the release of Termability with members from the Technology Network at Deafblind International . Termability is a digital literacy tool hosted in an accessible interface that was created in partnership with Engineering students from the University of Waterloo. It translates common websites’ terms of service into clear language and can be accessed through any computer or mobile browser, or by downloading a Chrome extension.

We welcome you to learn about and use this tool, and are pleased to share the following links and resources:

Visit the Termability website to try it for yourself !

To download the Chrome extension, visit this page on the Chrome web store .

To learn more about extensions and how they work, review these training videos translated to American Sign Language with transcripts created by LLSC in partnership with DBCS.

Why Apprentice in the Skilled Trades?

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 18:56:54 GMT

In Ontario, there are 23 trades designated as compulsory, which means to work in these fields you must either be registered as an apprentice, or have a Certificate of Qualification in that trade (including Motorcycle Technician, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic, and Hairstylist). There are also 121 non-compulsory trades in Ontario, which means while you can apprentice in these fields and 60 of them offer Certificates of Qualification, it is not required (like Construction Craft Worker, Industrial Electrician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, and Chef). So why choose to apprentice in a non-compulsory trade?

Apprenticing provides you with paid on-the-job training, and when you attend the in-class portion of apprenticeship training your tuition is greatly reduced
You gain hands-on experience doing each of the tasks required for your career, with a mentor to guide you along the way
The work you do as an apprentice builds your resume and your reputation before you’ve even completed your training

Apprenticing is an excellent opportunity to build the career you want with guidance from certified tradespeople, financial aid from the government, and support from Employment Ontario agencies offering literacy and basic skills upgrading and employment services across the province. We are all #HereForApprentices and are ready to help you succeed!

To learn more about apprenticeship, including how to decide which trade might be right for you, find a mentor/sponsor, and begin your training, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario

The Role of Adult Literacy in Supporting Provincial Initiatives

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 13:40:00 GMT

Literacy Link South Central's new report reflects on the essential role that Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs can play in supporting citizens as they build their resiliency and reach their potential. Ontario’s adult literacy programs are well-positioned to strengthen existing provincial programming and to support the government in proposed initiatives moving forward.

Outlined within this report are strategic opportunities for the provincial government to consider, including:

What opportunities exist to strengthen services through system to system integration
The necessary role of adult literacy programs in meeting the urgent need of people with low or nonexistent digital literacy skills
How adult literacy programs can support learning needs that have occurred due to a disruption in education
How adult literacy programs can help newcomers integrate into Canadian society
The need to better integrate foundational skill building and soft skills programming into the Apprenticeship system to increase retention and completion rates
The role of adult literacy programs in ongoing labour market initiatives

To review this report and others, please visit our Research and Articles page. You can also access these reports directly - click here to access the report in English and here to access the report in French.

Literacy Link South Central is grateful for the support of Coalition ontarienne de formation des adultes (COFA) for translation.

New Literacy Kits!

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:57:04 GMT

Literacy skills can be built at any age or stage in life - a true example of the power in the phrase "lifelong learning."

Literacy Link South Central is a proud member of the Elgin Children’s Network 's Literacy Committee, supporting early literacy initiatives across the county. As part of network's recent Celebration of Literacy, we have put together Literacy Kits which will be distributed to before and after school programs across Elgin County.

Literacy has many shapes and forms and all of them are important. That's why these Kits support literacy in its many guises – reading, writing, digital, physical, financial, oral and cultural. Included in the kits are games, craft supplies, books, along with a colouring book and a guide to fun physical activities created by two TVDSB high school classes.

We send big thanks to the donors who helped fund this project:

St. Thomas Kinsmen
St. Thomas Lions
Rodney Kiwanis
West Lorne Kiwanis
West Lorne Optimist
Municipality of Dutton Dunwich
Rodney Lions

Workforce Planning Boards

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 20:01:01 GMT

Both Regional Literacy Networks and Workforce Planning Boards have been an important part of the Employment and Training System in Ontario for decades. Both types of organizations are unique in that they are networking organizations as opposed to organizations that provide direct services.

Workforce Planning Boards research, examine and report on local labour market trends and facilitate local workforce planning, and Regional Literacy Networks apply local labour market information to the ongoing planning they do with Literacy and Basic Skills agencies. The goal is to make adult literacy programming responsive to local labour market trends and needs. Clearly, there are reasons for both types of organizations to collaborate. We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to learn about these valuable collaborations in our new report "Regional Literacy Networks and Workforce Planning Boards - The Partnerships Continue," produced in 2022.

Once you've read the report, please tell us what you think by filling out this short, 2-question survey !

LiUNA and Skills Upgrading

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 19:54:14 GMT

Learn about how a partnership between LLSC and LiUNA is benefiting the apprentices of tomorrow

For decades, apprentices and those whose goal is to get into apprenticeship have sought out adult upgrading (or LBS) programs so they can gain the skills they need to be successful. In a few instances, local trade unions have reached out to adult upgrading programs if they noticed that their preapprentices/apprentices needed some skills development support.

Such was the case between Literacy Link South Central (LLSC)—a regional adult literacy network— and LiUNA (the Labourers’ International Union of North America) Local 1059. LLSC and LiUNA Local 1059 struck up a formal relationship in 2021-2022—a relationship that saw 100 pre-apprentices go through one-on-one skills interviews and resulted in the creation of a Math Booster program.

Learn more about this innovative and rewarding partnership by reading our new report "LiUNA and Skills Upgrading: Partnerships to Build the Future."

We would love to hear what you think of this case study. Please share your thoughts in this short (2-question) survey !

The Apprenticeship Connection: Issue 3

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 20:29:13 GMT

The third issue of the Apprenticeship Connection newsletter has hit the news stands! It includes a variety of topics, including the highest-paying trades in Canada, recruiting newcomers and veterans into the trades, and much more. There are a host of great resources included in the issue as well.

Be sure to review this new issue by clicking here .

Resource Bulletin #3

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 19:39:06 GMT

Southwestern Ontario Community-Based LBS Programs

As part of its 2021-2022 business plan, Quality in Lifelong Learning – QUILL Learning Network held three meetings for community-based Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs in Southwestern Ontario. These meetings were designed to support programs and build capacity. After each meeting, a resource bulletin was shared.

In this blog post, we want to talk about resource bulletin #3, highlighting the resources shared in the meeting held on February 2 ^nd , 2022. This 6-page bulletin is full of helpful resources on a wide variety of topics (virtual delivery, apprenticeships, nonprofit marketing, skills for work, supporting learners facing barriers, and more).

We are thrilled to have a number of our projects and resources highlighted in this bulletin on pages 5-6. Please read through it to learn about:

Several aspects of our recent Digitize Job Creation Partnership
Our partnership with LiUNA 1059 on a pre-apprenticeship program

Access Bulletin #3 here .

If you’d like to check out the previous bulletins, you can access them here:

Literacy Link South Central is proud to be a partner in this initiative by QUILL, along with Community Literacy of Ontario , Literacy Link Niagara , Project Read Learning Network , and the Tri-County Literacy Network .

Issue #2 has been released

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 21:24:51 GMT

Don't miss the latest issue of The Apprenticeship Connection!

We are pleased to share that the second issue of the Apprenticeship Connection newsletter has now been released. Be sure to review it to learn more about apprenticeship training and hear about successful partnerships between apprenticeship Training Delivery Agents (TDAs) and Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) agencies.

Click here to read this new issue!

Family Literacy Day 2022

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 21:50:46 GMT

Family Literacy Day is coming up next week on January 27th!

Family Literacy focuses on parents and other family members working to improve the reading, writing, and general learning skills of the whole family.

Did you know that the human brain grows most rapidly from birth to 3 years of age? Reading and learning each day is crucial for a child’s development and can improve the literacy skills of both children and guardians dramatically. Establishing strong literacy skills from an early age encourages life-long learning and educational success later in life. Check out this video by the London Child and Youth Network that explains the importance of literacy from the very beginning of a child’s life.

Family Literacy Day (FLD) is an annual initiative by ABC Life Literacy Canada that has taken place every January 27th since 1999. FLD raises awareness about the importance of engaging in literacy-related activities as a family.

This year’s Family Literacy Day theme is Learning in the Great Outdoors. Spending time in nature has countless benefits for the body and mind. The great outdoors provides excellent opportunities for fun family learning time.

5 ideas for learning in the great outdoors

1. Alphabet scavenger hunt

Get outside for a family walk and try to spot things that start with each letter of the alphabet along the way. Bring a notepad and pen with you and write down what you find for each letter!

2. Create a map of your favourite trail or outdoor space

Visit your favourite outdoor space as a family, and when you return, work together to create a map of it. Have the kids write down the landmarks, create a legend, and start sketching. Don’t forget to include a compass!

3. Identify species of plants, trees, and animals

Before going outside, look up what species are commonly found in your area, make a list, and then go out and try to find some! If you’re unsure of what something is, you can use a reverse image searcher like Google Lens , or take a picture and try looking it up together later.

4. Listen to audiobooks

Listening to an audiobook while out for a walk is a great way to pass the time while learning. Just be sure to only have one headphone in so that you can still hear your surroundings!

Sidenote: Did you know that most libraries in the area use the Libby app , which grants patrons free access to a full catalogue of e-books and audiobooks? Check it out if you haven't already!

5. Activities from ABC Life Literacy’s Learning in the Great Outdoors Activity book !

This colourful 12-page book is jam-packed with fun outdoor activities and worksheets.

Family Literacy Day events

We want to highlight 3 free virtual FLD events—two that are local to our catchment area, and one organized by ABC Life Literacy. Check out the Family Literacy Day Calendar to find FLD events taking place across Canada. Due to the pandemic, many events are taking place virtually and could be attended from anywhere.

Virtual author event with Bridget George through the London Public Library

Celebrate FLD with award-winning Anishinaabe author-illustrator Bridget George on January 27th at 9:30 AM. Bridget’s picture book “It’s a Mitig!” is a joyful celebration of nature, language, and culture. Register online or by phone at 519-661-4600. This event is recommended for families with children ages 4-10.

The London Public Library also has a webpage for FLD that includes more information on this event, resources for parents and teachers, and an outdoor reading list. Family Literacy Day Discovery Bags are available at many locations starting on January 27th, while quantities last.

Virtual programming all day from the Oxford County Library

The Oxford County Library is hosting 6 different virtual programs throughout the day on January 27th to help you engage in literacy-boosting activities that encourage you to learn as a family in the great outdoors. Click here for details!

Virtual event with Author, Illustrator, and FLD Honorary Chair Barbara Reid

Barbara Reid will be doing a demonstration on how to use clay to create a picture on January 27th at 4:30 PM. She will share unique techniques you can use to make different things. The event will end with a Q&A. Learn more and register here . This event is recommended for families with children in grades 1-6.

Happy (early) Family Literacy Day! Be sure to visit www.familyliteracyday.ca for more information, resources, and events.

LLSC’s 2021 Year in Review

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 14:41:18 GMT

As we enter the new year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the things Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) accomplished in 2021.

Projects

Pathways into a Child Care and Early Years Career

The London/Middlesex area is in need of more professional Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and leaders in this field. In an effort to help solve this problem, LLSC is proud to be supporting the Pathways into a Child Care and Early Years Career program. This free program helps job seekers prepare for a career in child care, and its sister program Organizational Leadership in Early Childhood Education supports existing RECEs as they prepare for leadership roles. Both programs are available in English and French.

This project is ongoing. Learn more about it here .

Community Tech Connect

The Community Tech Connect program aims to build the confidence of digitally disengaged members of the community so they can participate in an online environment through fully accessible digital literacy training. We are pleased to be working with 7 partners across the 5 counties we serve. This project started in 2019 and was extended in 2021. Learn more about it here .

This program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Digital Literacy Exchange Program.

Ontario Works Digital Literacy Program

LLSC was fortunate to work with Ontario Works (OW) and Fanshawe College to offer OW clients digital literacy training to support both life stabilization and employment. Several cohorts successfully completed the training, and participants received a free laptop upon program completion. We hope to be able to start this program back up again this year when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Job Creation Partnerships

LLSC sponsored two Job Creation Partnerships this year!

The Ontario Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program provides funding to employers that support projects that are distinct from the organization’s normal day-to-day operations while creating opportunities for eligible job seekers to gain meaningful work experience.

Pandemic Planning Manual

The purpose of this project was to create a well-researched, valuable, and easy-to-use Pandemic Planning Manual for community-based non-profits. The team was comprised of 6 participants, and it ran from November 2020 – April 2021.

Read more about this project and access the manual here .

Digitization Project

The purpose of this project is to digitize and make traditional paper-based and electronic adult literacy materials available and accessible for practitioners and tutors across the province of Ontario to use in virtual teaching. The team is comprised of 10 participants who started in February 2021 and will finish this month (January 2022). A special thank you goes out to Carolina Cohoon from CNIB Deafblind Community Services , who was an invaluable asset as the project’s Consultant for Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Read more about this project and access the resources here (there will be more added soon).

Thank you so much to Jeremy Marks for leading both of these projects, and to all of the wonderful participants.

Celebrations

LLSC had two major milestones to celebrate this year!

Summer’s Council of the Federation Literacy Award

If you follow LLSC on social media, you will have seen that our staffer Summer Burton was the winner of the 17th annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Ontario! This award recognizes one individual from each of Canada’s provinces and territories for exceptional achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in literacy. Congratulations to Summer on this outstanding accomplishment!

Tamara Celebrates her 25th Anniversary with LLSC

Congratulations to LLSC’s fearless leader Tamara Kaattari on 25 amazing years of service as the Executive Director. Tamara is extremely dedicated to the field of Adult Literacy and has accomplished so much in her 25 years. We are so grateful to work with her and learn from her.

Thanks for reading!

We can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store.

Literacy Inspired Gifts

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 18:50:53 GMT

With the holidays quickly approaching, we wanted to share some literacy inspired gift ideas!

Bookmarks from Beautiful Words

Beautiful Words is a bookmark company out of Windsor, Ontario. Their bookmark designs include thought-provoking questions about books. This for-profit social enterprise was created to help people have engaging thoughts and conversations about what they’re reading. There are a variety of bookmarks geared towards different themes and age groups. 10% of the proceeds go to the WindsorEssex Community Foundation to support literacy.

Check them out here: www.wearebeautifulwords.ca .

Items from Out of Print

Out of Print’s products feature popular book covers and literary references. They offer apparel, accessories, and more for book lovers of all ages. Each purchase helps to fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need. It also supports the authors, publishers and artists who made these iconic works an integral part of our lives.

Check them out here: www.outofprint.com .

You can also buy some of their items locally through London’s own Purple Moose Sock Company !

Items from the YOU store

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) is a wonderful organization in the London/Middlesex community. They provide wraparound support to help youth on their journey to success. Whether they are in need of basic needs support, housing, access to physical, mental or dental health care, or education and employment supports, YOU’s services are designed to help youth lead positive lives.

YOU operates several social enterprises in London/Middlesex that support youth in gaining skills and meaningful work experience. All proceeds from social enterprise sales support YOU’s programming. Their products include a variety of yummy jams and sauces from their Mushed by YOU enterprise, and woodworking products from their YOU Made It Woodshop.

Shop the YOU store here: www.store.you.ca/collections/all .

Additionally, YOU has Christmas and New Year meals available for pre-order through their social enterprise YOU Made it Café—wouldn’t it be a great gift to not have to shop, prep, or cook this holiday season!? Learn what’s available and access the pre-order links here: www.store.you.ca/pages/events (meal orders are due by December 21st at 4 PM).

Games

Games are a great way to have fun while enhancing literacy and essential skills! Below are a few family-friendly games we’d recommend.

Bananagrams
Quiddler
Hedbanz
Boggle

Books and book related items

Of course, we cannot forget the value of gifting a good book or a bookstore gift card. Consider supporting a small, independent bookshop this Christmas by visiting Attic Books , Brown & Dickson Bookstore , City Lights Bookshop , Oxford Book Shop , or any one of the amazing locally owned book stores in your area!

Items that make one’s reading experience more enjoyable are also great gifts. Think reading socks, a warm sweater or blanket, a comfy chair, noise cancelling headphones, etc.

Donations

Do you have someone in your life that doesn’t like to receive gifts? Giving a donation in their name to a literacy related non-profit is a great alternative.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that we love Kiva. Kiva is an international non profit with a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive. Individuals can loan money to borrowers in need, and when the loan is paid back, you can reinvest that money in loans for others—it is truly a gift that keeps on giving! You can support just about any cause with a Kiva loan. For example, the gift of a loan could help pay for the educational needs of a child that wouldn’t have been able to attend school otherwise.

Learn more here: www.kiva.org .

Thanks for reading! Do you have suggestions for literacy inspired gifts that we didn’t mention? Add them to the comments below! From all of us at Literacy Link South Central, we wish you a safe and happy holiday break!

Meet the Board: Selvin Mejia

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 16:39:00 GMT

Welcome to the seventh post in our series of interviews between Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) staff and members of our Board of Directors. Please join us in learning more about the important work that this wonderful group of professionals does to help guide LLSC.

Selvin Mejia, Board Director

What is your name? Selvin Mejia

What is your job title and company? I work as a Paralegal at an Immigration Law Firm.

How long have you been with the Board? I have been an LLSC Board member since November of 2015.

What inspired you to get involved? I work with Newcomers to Canada. I believe literacy and access to services are an essential resource for their adequate settlement. I wanted to learn and assist with the vision of work LLSC has been doing with the London and surrounding community for quite some time.

Why is literacy important to you, or how do you see it being connected to the "big picture" of the work you do? Knowing what resources are available in your community is essential to assist individuals in need. Literacy is an indispensable attribute that many do not have the luxury of managing. Providing a path for those in need to obtain essential services is the start for their self-advocacy.

Can you share one thing you've done, learned, or been involved in as a result of being on the Board? Through my involvement with LLSC, I have learned the value of Community Resources working in Partnership with one another. Knowing where to refer someone is key for their success in solving any issue and acquiring a sense of autonomy.

Organizational Leadership in Early Childhood Education

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:33:39 GMT

Literacy Link South Central is proud to announce the launch of a new program supporting the future leaders of the child care sector! Launching in January 2022, the free Organizational Leadership in Early Childhood Education program will offer 12 weeks of part-time online self-directed learning, membership in a Community of Practice with other future leaders, and mentor sessions with Child Care and Early Years managers. See more details below, and for more information contact Anne Marie Curtin at annemarie@llsc.on.ca !

Meet the Board: Bashir Adeyemo

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:58:08 GMT

We've hit the half-dozen mark! Welcome to the sixth post in our series of interviews between Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) staff and members of our Board of Directors. Please join us in learning more about the important work that this wonderful group of professionals does to help guide LLSC.

Bashir Adeyemo , Board Director

What is your name? Bashir Adeyemo

What is your job title and company? I work with the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board as a Labour Market Information Analyst.

How long have you been with the Board? I have been a member of the Board of Directors for Literacy Link South Central for only a year.

What inspired you to get involved? It was a “call to service” for me to actually participate as a board member for two reasons; as a former employee, I see the amazing work done by the organization to connect the dots for a lot of people out there wanting to simply be an active member of the society, be it through equipping themselves through education or finding meaningful work. Also, I believe my experience working both in the Literacy world and in my community, led to the realization that there is a huge gap that Literacy can fill in order for people to reach their potential and this opportunity is widely missed in the community. Literacy training opens a lot of doors that sometimes, one’s certificate or qualifications cannot unlock. This is more so in marginalised communities across the board, and it gladdens my heart to see that in the past few years, Literacy Link South Central has been doing great work in this area and this is one of my biggest inspirations.

Why is literacy important to you, or how do you see it being connected to the "big picture" of the work you do? Literacy is important to me because it affects almost everyone in one way or the other. It has become a largely relatable phenomenon in recent times. Literacy has gone beyond being able to read and write, and there is increasing emphasis on how people interact with other activities that directly impact their lives. Digital, Health, Financial, and Cultural literacies will be likened to abilities required to fully function in a modern world in the future and I’m always fascinated with the idea that Literacy will play a big role in this transformation.

Can you share one thing you've done, learned, or been involved in as a result of being on the Board? Being a new member, it’s been a great learning experience getting to know the processes/procedures being adopted to ensure the organization runs smoothly. I am also excited to be part of the team brainstorming on the 2022 Strategic Plan for the organization as we look forward to brighter days ahead.

Meet the Board: Herta Taylor

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 18:03:21 GMT

Welcome to the fifth post in our series of interviews between Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) staff and members of our Board of Directors. Please join us in learning more about the important work that this wonderful group of professionals does to help guide LLSC.

Herta Taylor , Board Director

What is your name? Herta Taylor

What is your job title and company? Literacy Instructor, Haldimand Norfolk London Learning Centres

How long have you been with the Board? Unbelievably, I have been with the board since 2014

What inspired you to get involved? I had the privilege of working at Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) many years ago, helping to develop curriculum for Adult Literacy programs in partnership with the Maker Bus . I was asked to join the Board of Directors after my time at LLSC, while I was working at the Multi-Service Centre.

Why is literacy important to you, or how do you see it being connected to the "big picture" of the work you do? Literacy enables learning. Learning, in turn, allows us to grow and adapt to the changes around us. In all its forms, literacy is essential to function fully in our increasingly technological world. Much more than simply reading words on a page, understanding and critically evaluating what we read, hear, and see around us is important if we want to effectively participate in our families, our work, and our communities.

Can you share one thing you've done, learned, or been involved in as a result of being on the Board? I have learned about being a board member, and the rights and responsibilities we have as such. I learned that board members can influence the direction that LLSC takes when we feel strongly about opportunities and decisions. It is not about just attending a few meetings a year, but also paying attention to the direction that an organization may take and being sure to help it stay true to its vision, mission and values. I have also learned about advocating for government funds.

Follow this great social media campaign!

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 21:32:23 GMT

If you're on Social Media and want to keep up with what's happening in the world of apprenticeship and the Skilled Trades, we have great news! The apprenticeship committee of the Learning Networks of Ontario is running a social media campaign that makes it easy to stay on top of all the latest news... just follow the hashtag #HereForApprentices on all your favourite social media platforms!

Meet the Board: James Shelley

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:15:02 GMT

Welcome to the fourth post in our series of interviews between Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) staff and members of our Board of Directors. Please join us in learning more about the important work that this wonderful group of professionals does to help guide LLSC.

James Shelley , Board Director

What is your name? James Shelley

What is your job title and company? Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University

How long have you been with the Board? Since January 2019

What inspired you to get involved? A desire to learn more and support literacy and skills-building initiatives in our community.

Why is literacy important to you, or how do you see it being connected to the "big picture" of the work you do? To me, literacy, in all its forms, is a bedrock of a sustainable democracy and civil society.

Can you share one thing you've done, learned, or been involved in as a result of being on the Board? Through being involved with LLSC, I have discovered so many incredible people working in various agencies in our community. For just one example, check out this talk by Carolina Cohoon from CNIB Deafblind Community Services!

Meet the Board: Valerie Currie

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:29:06 GMT

In this third post of a series, we are pleased to continue sharing interviews that Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) staff did with members of our Board of Directors. Please join us in learning more about the important work that this wonderful group of professionals does to help guide LLSC.

Valerie Currie , Secretary and Treasurer

What is your name? Valerie Currie

What is your job title and company? Academic Services Consultant – Fanshawe College

How long have you been with the Board? Four years

What inspired you to get involved? I l ove the work that you do. You are so inspiring and really motivating to so many upgrading programs. You have fabulous resources and the advocacy you do on the part of upgrading programs and people who need upgrading is professional, thorough and very much needed. Love your insights on trends in the field and love that everything you do you share with all programs that have anything remotely to do with literacy, employment or general advancement of people who struggle with literacy issues.

Why is literacy important to you, or how do you see it being connected to the "big picture" of the work you do? Literacy is very important. In my mind, it is what gives people the power to determine their own lives. Education, formal or informal, leads to knowledge, which leads to choice, choice leads to power. Power is what we all need to determine the direction of our own lives. Education = Choice = Power = Self Determination

Can you share one thing you've done, learned, or been involved in as a result of being on the Board? I've l earned so much. Learned current trends in government initiatives, employment trends, diversity issues. Increased awareness of resources for upgrading programs and how organizations use them. Linkages with workforce development have been very beneficial.

Congratulations are in order!

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:49:17 GMT

This year's Council of the Federation Literacy Award celebrates exceptional achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. Literacy Link South Central is pleased to share that our very own Summer Burton has been chosen by Canada's Premiers as the Ontario recipient of this year's award! Please join us in congratulating Summer for this exciting achievement!

Be sure to read the full press release "Canada's Premiers Announce 2021 Literacy Award Recipients" !

Meet the Board: Michael Ropp

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:22:53 GMT

Welcome to our second "Meet the Board" post! In this series we are pleased to share interviews that Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) staff did with members of our Board of Directors. Please join us in learning more about the important work that this wonderful group of professionals does to help guide LLSC.

Michael Ropp , Vice-Chair of the Board

What is your name? Michael Ropp

What is your job title and company? Training Director - Labourers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 1059

How long have you been with the Board? Three years

What inspired you to get involved? Through past involvement with other organizations that LLSC was also part of, I became aware of the core values and mission of LLSC.

Why is literacy important to you, or how do you see it being connected to the "big picture" of the work you do? Literacy has become to mean so much more than I had originally understood. It affects everyone at different stages of their lives within our communities. For me, the challenge with delivering literacy programming is to actually recognize where the gaps/needs exist. And, once you do that, you have taken a step toward being compassionate and respectful of others needs. Also, LLSC offers many services and connections that have, and will be, very useful for LIUNA Local 1059 member Apprentices.

Can you share one thing you've done, learned, or been involved in as a result of being on the Board? Being on the LLSC Board has helped me to remember that there are many good people within the community that work every day to not only earn a pay check and support themselves…..but also genuinely believe that the work they do will help others better themselves personally and professionally.

Introducing the Apprenticeship Connection

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:20:08 GMT

Literacy Link South Central is proud to be working with thier provincial partners to release a series of newsletters called "The Apprenticeship Connection." Each issue will include resources, stories, and excellent information about how Ontario's LBS programs can support apprentices.

The first issue focuses on Pre-apprenticeship programs - check it out by clicking here !

Meet the Board: Anita Hillis-Krause

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:18:45 GMT

In this new series we are pleased to share interviews that Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) staff did with members of our Board of Directors. Please join us in learning more about the important work that this wonderful group of professionals does to help guide LLSC.

Anita Hillis-Krause, Chair of the Board

What is your name? Anita Hillis-Krause

What is your job title and company? Executive Director of the Haldimand Norfolk London Learning Centres

How long have you been with the Board? Five years

What inspired you to get involved? I wanted to give back to LLSC as they had been so helpful in my learning as much as possible regarding Adult Literacy and governmental & community relations, as quickly as possible, when I started with HNLC.

Why is literacy important to you, or how do you see it being connected to the "big picture" of the work you do? When my grandfather turned 65, and retired, he returned to an adult learning centre to learn how to read. He had kept his low literacy a secret for his entire life. This weighed on me and I wanted to do “something” so that others wouldn’t have to keep such a secret. I believe that literacy, in all its’ forms, and numeracy are the foundation for economic development. An educated population is a more productive, healthier and more vibrant constituency. And there is no greater avenue to improving childhood literacy then by having parents and grandparents being able to instill the joy and value of reading in their offspring.

Can you share one thing you've done, learned, or been involved in as a result of being on the Board? I have witnessed what a collective of voices at the government table can produce. We had an opportunity, with a very short timeline, to communicate to the Minister of our funding ministry. A number of learners, practitioners and administrators briefly shared experiences and reasons why adult literacy is so critical in our communities. The minister became our champion and we saw some fairly swift results of her efforts. While positive changes are slow, the differences since I started with the organization, are evident.

Learn about our Soft Skills Assessment Tool!

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:11:49 GMT

Join us for one of two upcoming training sessions

Literacy Link South Central will be offering information / training sessions to introduce our new Soft Skills Assessment Tool for the Manufacturing Sector. If you would like to learn more about assessing the soft skills of either job applicants or current employees, please join us for one of two live sessions:

Thursday February 25th at 11:00 am Register here!

Monday March 1st at 2:00 pm Register here!

We hope you'll attend, and welcome you to share this opportunity with others as well.

Hopeful

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 16:01:34 GMT

Celebrating the importance of education

In December of 2020 Literacy Link South Central was thrilled to host a discussion with Obstetrician and author Dr. Asa Ahimbisibwe. Dr. Ahimbisibwe's novel Hopeful outlines his life growing up in Uganda, Africa, and the struggles his family faced as they dedicated themselves to providing an education for him, against all odds. The access he was given to education changed not only his life, but the lives of his immediate and extended family. Learn more about his journey, and his fight for equitable education for both boys and girls in Uganda and around the world, by viewing a recording of this inspiring session. Click here to view.

Project Announcement

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:22:02 GMT

LLSC is proud to be a partner in an exciting new initiative!

This morning, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) Monte McNaughton announced that funding has been approved to launch a new SkillsAdvance Ontario project. This project, lead by Carrefour Communautaire Francophone de London (CCFL) with their partners at the Licensed Child Care Network, Literacy Link South Central and the Workforce Planning and Development Board, will help prepare 130 people for exciting and rewarding careers in childcare.

Launching in early 2021, participants in this project will have access to a free 10-week training program that includes upgrading, job preparation and employment support. We look forward to supporting this work in the months and years ahead, and will share updates though our blog, and on social media ( Twitter and Facebook ).

What Did Manufacturing Employers Say?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 16:00:21 GMT

Learn the results of our recent employer interviews

Throughout 2020, Literacy Link South Central has been working on an Ontario Labour Market Partnership Project to better connect employment-bound adult literacy learners to entry-level jobs in manufacturing. As part of that initiative, we interviewed eleven manufacturers about their hiring practices, the soft skills they find most valuable, and how a soft skills assessment tool could help support their hiring practices.

We are happy to release a 2-page infographic to share the results of these interviews here . If you would like to read the full Employer Engagement Summary Report, you can do so here .

Walk With Me

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:11:23 GMT

Join us at this annual event - now online!

This year, the Walk With Me event hosted by The St. Thomas - Elgin Local Immigration Partnership (STELIP), Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), the St. Thomas Public Library, and Elgin County Library is moving online!

The event will be held on October 8, 2020 from 9:00am to 12:30pm . Attendees will enjoy a keynote talk about Unconcious Bias, plenty of networking opportunities, and a presentation about blended service delivery that LLSC is offering which focuses on how to engage clients in a new, virtual environment. We hope you join us!

Spaces are limited and registration closes on Thursday, October 1st at 4pm. Click here for more information and the downloadable registration form.

New Manufacturing Curriculum

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:35:54 GMT

Fabricating the Future: Building Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Workforce

With support from the Workforce Planning Board of Elgin Middlesex Oxford, we are pleased to announce the release of 5 new training modules focused on building a career in manufacturing.

Manufacturing is a growing industry in the London Economic Region, and more companies have announced their intention to build production facilities in the London region in the years ahead. These companies are looking for reliable workers, and Literacy Link South Central is pleased to help connect employment-bound adult literacy learners to the opportunities available through jobs in manufacturing.

These modules may also complement the several Skills Advance Ontario (SAO), Labour Market Partnership (LMP), and other projects focused on manufacturing in the London region.

The 5 modules include:

1. Manufacturing: It’s Made for You

2. Essential Skills for Manufacturing

3. Apprenticeship in Manufacturing

4. Manufacturing Job Postings

5. Dinner Is Served: An Introduction to Food Processing

To view or download these modules, please click here .

Reach out for Mental Health

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:15:32 GMT

Join our social media campaign for mental health awareness!

While Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills agencies are accustomed to working with vulnerable individuals, the pandemic has increased the number of people who feel vulnerable and stressed at a time when access to services that might usually be available to support mental health challenges are reduced.

Literacy Link South Central (LLSC), in partnership with a small group of literacy networks including Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO),Literacy Northwest (LNW) and QUILL Learning Network, have decided to share resources and raise awareness of mental health via a 21-day social media campaign called “Reach Out for Mental Health”.

This campaign will launch on September 1st and end on September 21, 2020. During this 21-day period, LLSC, CLO, LNW and QUILL will create daily social media posts under the hashtag #ReachOut4MentalHealth. We hope you'll follow along, and join in the conversation by sharing your own resources as well!

Find us online at:

LLSC: www.facebook.com/LiteracyLinkSC and https://twitter.com/LiteracyLinkSC

CLO: www.facebook.com/CommunityLiteracyOntario/ and https://twitter.com/Love4Literacy

LNW: www.facebook.com/Learning-Networks-of-Ontario-North-Region-1070710236337547/

QUILL: www.facebook.com/QUILLNetwork/ and https://twitter.com/QUILLnetwork

Thank you in advance for your support of our initiative to #ReachOut4MentalHealth!

Learn How to Use the Local Jobs Hub

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 20:54:16 GMT

Try these 20 new activities for job seekers!

Literacy Link South Central is pleased to announce the release of 20 activities that can be used to help job seekers learn how to effectively use the Local Jobs Hub. Maintained by the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board, the Local Jobs Hub offers a host of interactive tools to help people explore available jobs, career paths, and labour market information so they can make informed decisions about employment.

These 20 new activities can be used by Literacy and Basic Skills programs, Employment Services, Ontario Works programs and others to help support learners and clients. Each of the activities includes a complete set of tasks and a corresponding answer key.

For questions about local labour market information and tools, please contact the Planning Board at (519) 672-3499 or visit https://workforcedevelopment.ca/ to use the Local Jobs Hub tools.

The development of this set of Local Jobs Hub activities was funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

New Adventures Ahead...

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:45:24 GMT

Literacy Link South Central is on the move

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of our office on Horton Street as we prepare to move to a new location on Wilton Grove Road. We have loved our time in the Goodwill Ontario Great Lakes building, and the opportunities for community partnerships it provided. Now, we are extremely excited to be moving into a new shared office space with the Workforce Planning Board of Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford (our former partners on the Local Employment Planning Project)!

As of August 19, 2020 you can find us at 3B - 647 Wilton Grove Road, London ON N6N 1N7 . We hope you'll come by and say hello!

Teaching Online Digital and Other Literacy Forms Effectively

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:38:33 GMT

New funding for computers made available through the Emergency Community Support Fund

Across the province, adult literacy programs are making the shift to delivering their programming online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has presented a particular challenge to community-based programs such as the London Learning Centre (LLC) and the YWCA of St. Thomas-Elgin , as many of their learners face barriers to accessing digital technology. Some of their learners do not have computers at all, while those that do use a mix of different types of systems - desktops and laptops, tablets and smartphones, each with different operating systems, some of which are older or out-of-date. Teaching digital technology skills remotely under these circumstances can be an incredible challenge.

We are pleased to announce that with support from the Emergency Community Support fund, the YWCA and LLC will be able to buy digital devices for adult learners so they can deliver their services efficiently and virtually. With a selection of identical devices, equipped with the same versions of required software, these community-based programs will be able to more effectively build the digital literacy skills of adult learners and support them as they work towards their individual learning goals.

Teaching Online Digital and Other Literacy Forms Effectively is supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and the London Community Foundation.

Join our Game Changers Train-the-Trainer!

Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to facilitate LLSC's soon-to-be-released soft skills course

Literacy Link South Central's Game Changer curriculum provides interactive training on real-world skills that can be developed and practiced in a game-based environment. Using a combination of facilitated lessons, participatory activities, research, and of course games, “Game Changers: Gaming Skills and the Workplace” is being piloted to help teach a new generation of job seekers the 21st Century soft skills so critical to Canadian employers.

Built in a modular fashion to allow for maximum flexibility, this course can be run in its full 40-hour length, or it can be broken into workshops on individual topics of interest. Modules in this course share insights into gaming psychology, the skills developed and demonstrated through gaming, and what soft skills employers are looking for in today’s labour market. Self-analysis and planning for further skill development and job attainment are built into the course as participants gain a deeper understanding of specific soft skills including Verbal Communication, Non-verbal Communication, Observation Skills, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Flexibility and Adaptability, Work Ethic, Conflict Resolution, and Resiliency.

Join us to learn more about this project, and whether you would like to pilot the curriculum with your clients / learners! Register for either session using the links below:
Tuesday May 12 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/862727807219119630
Monday June 8 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4773140911737016847

Literacy Link South Central is pleased to provide this course through the support of the Royal Bank of Canada’s Future Launch fund.

Learn more about Bot-Reader!

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

A new tool for online and distance literacy learners

Over the past year, Literacy Link South Central has been providing input on an application designed to help adult students with their literacy skills - specifically reading, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary and word comprehension. The tool, called Bot-Reader, includes several key features of interest:

Merge (Bot-Reader’s artificial being) supports and guides learners as they use the application. Merge listens, responds, offers challenges, and tracks the learner’s progress.
The Bot-Library includes thousands of free books and articles, and allows both learners and practitioners to upload their own custom content.
The dashboard allows practitioners to assign specific books or articles along with spelling, pronunciation, and comprehension tests to individual learners. Through the dashboard, they can also track learner progress and amount of time spent.

The Bot-Reader was recently piloted with a group of LBS learners and positive feedback resulted from that trial. Bot Publishing, the developer of the Bot-Reader, has used that feedback to make additional improvements to the tool, and it is almost ready to be released.

That leads us to the unique circumstances surrounding adult literacy in the age of COVID-19 and quarantines. We think that there may be an excellent opportunity for LBS programs to use the Bot-Reader to support distance learning during this time, and the developers agree. While there will be a cost associated with this tool when it is formally released to the public, they are offering it free-of-charge to LBS programs interested in using it with their learners from now through July 1, 2020. Details surrounding the cost of use in the long-term are still to be determined.

We would like to offer interested LBS program staff an opportunity to learn more about this application and hear feedback from those who used it during the pilot. To that end we have scheduled two online meetings where you can hear from the developers, watch a demo of the Bot-Reader, and ask questions. These meetings will be run on Wednesday April 22 at 3:00 pm , and Thursday April 23 at 10:00 am .

To ensure the security of these meetings, the links will not be posted publicly - if you would like to attend, please email us at literacylink@gmail.com to request the meeting link and password for either session.

COVID-19 Worker Impact Survey

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Our friends at the Workforce Planning Board are gathering information about the impact COVID-19 has had on your work. Please take a moment to fill out their Worker Impact Survey and share your thoughts.

LLSC Goes Remote

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Announcing a temporary office closure

While we wish we meant that LLSC staff is heading to a remote tropical paradise, instead they will be working from the safety and comfort of their own homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please know that we're still hard at work supporting LBS programs across Brant, Haldiman, Norfolk, Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex Counties, and that we can be reached via email with any of your questions or concerns. Visit our Contact Us page, or email LLSC staff members individually using the contact information on our About Us page.

Our Game Changers project continues!

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 20:55:04 GMT

Developing interpersonal skills using gaming psychology and game-based learning

With support from RBC's Future Launch fund, in 2019 we developed a series of interactive, play-based training modules to help job seekers develop the 21st Century soft skills sought after by local employers.

Based on gaming psychology and the theories of gamification, these 14 modules can be run as one continuous training course, or broken into shorter workshops focused on specific topics. The course begins with introducing the concept of games and play as a learning tool, and then provides facilitated lessons in, and interactive activities and games to reinforce, a series of critical interpersonal skills. Rounding up the course are modules on identifying local employer needs, and analyzing current strengths and areas for development. This course was built to both inform and engage, and we are excited to announce that RBC has renewed their commitment to this project. As a result, we will be piloting these modules over the summer!

We look forward to sharing the results of the pilot, and training others on how to deliver this curriculum, in the year ahead.

London's Newest Literacy Program

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:36:46 GMT

The London Learning Centre joins our LBS community

Literacy Link South Central is pleased to welcome a new addition to the adult literacy community in London, Ontario: The London Learning Centre . Located on the fifth floor of the Skill Centre in downtown London, the new London Learning Centre will offer one-on-one support for adult literacy learners. Learner assessments will be conducted throughout the month of March in preparation for their launch on Tuesday March 31, 2020. As of March 31, classroom sessions will be held weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to noon.

Do you know someone who would benefit from Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) upgrading in a one-on-one environment? The London Learning Centre is looking for your referrals!

Contact information for The London Learning Centre is shown below – please help us welcome them to our community!

The London Learning Centre
The Skill Centre
141 Dundas Street, Rm. 511 (enter from Market Lane, behind the Covent Garden Market)
London, ON N6A 1G3
Executive Director: Anita Hillis-Krause
Email: ed@hnliteracy.com
Program Coordinator: Patti Miller
Email: CoordinatorL@hnliteracy.com
Instructor: Herta Taylor
Email: instructor4L@hnliteracy.com

LBS: A Pathway to Meeting the Needs of Modern Manufacturers

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 21:23:08 GMT

LLSC announces a new project to support manufacturing

The manufacturing sector represents the second largest group of employers in the region, and these employers consistently report difficulty filling open jobs. Based on local labour market data, one of the most frequent issues manufacturing employers face is candidates with a lack of soft skills – people they report do not have the interpersonal, communication, or motivational skills to be a good fit with employers who are hiring. With many dedicated learners on the employment goal path within Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs, we believe there is an opportunity to help both manufacturers and learners meet their goals.

To learn more about how we plan to support manufacturing in the region, click here !

Supporting the Path to Employment

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Coming soon: new task-based activities for job seekers!

Literacy Link South Central is a proud partner in the Local Employment Planning Council (LEPC) for the London Economic Region. Recently, the LEPC developed and launched the Local Jobs Hub – a tool that aggregates job postings from approximately 20 job search sites and makes them available in a single location. Contained in the Local Jobs Hub, users can access:

A regional job map with information including bus routes, childcare centres, and more
Fully searchable job listings from across the region
An opportunity to explore employment paths and connected careers
Access to local labour market information

The Local Jobs Hub has been warmly received throughout Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties, and can be an incredibly valuable resource for Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) learners on the employment goal path.

With support from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Literacy Link South Central will be developing a series of 20 task-based activities to introduce the Local Jobs Hub, and teach literacy learners how to use it effectively. We look forward to sharing these learning resources with the field soon!

Please visit the Local Jobs Hub at https://workforcedevelopment.ca/ and contact us if you have any questions about this project.

Fabricating the Future: Building Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Workforce

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Supporting the growth of manufacturing in the London Economic Region

Manufacturing is thriving in the London Economic Region, helping grow our economy and providing ample job opportunities. However, manufacturers currently face a significant challenge filling available jobs however. Adding to the issue are the thousands of people in the London region who are not working and aren’t currently seeking employment. If even a fraction of those people were encouraged and supported toward a career in manufacturing, we could help overcome that challenge.

With support from our partners in the Local Employment Planning Council (LEPC), Literacy Link South Central is pleased to announce that we are developing new modules to support adult literacy learners on the road to a career in manufacturing.

More manufacturers have announced their intention to build facilities in the London region in the months and years ahead, which means the manufacturing role in local employment will only continue to grow. When these modules are released in the spring of 2020, we hope that they become a building block for both employment-bound literacy learners and local employers.

Visit Us on Social Media

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Active on Facebook or Twitter? Check us out!

Did you know Literacy Link South Central has an active presence on both Facebook and Twitter? We post regularly to both platforms, sharing information about our programs, special projects, and initiatives both locally and across the province! Won't you join us?

Please like and follow us by searching for @LiteracyLinkSC on either platform - and be sure to say "hi!"

Stay up-to-date!

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Be in the know - check out our calendar

There's a lot going on in the world of Literacy Link South Central - we're hosting webinars, supporting #LLSCTechConnect Digital Literacy Training programs, offering professional development, sitting on committees to represent literacy, arranging Educational Interviews, hosting Literacy Service Planning meetings and so much more... to find out what's up, be sure to view our online calendar at https://www.llsc.on.ca/calendar !

Happy holidays from Literacy Link South Central

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

See you in the new year!

We wish you all the best over the holiday season, and a warm, happy, safe and educated 2020!

Support for Early Childhood Educators

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Launching professional development for the ECE field

Attention Early Childhood Educators! Are you ready to take your career to the next level? You are invited to participate in a professional development course for childcare educators in Elgin County and surrounding area. You will develop workplace communication skills valued by Early Years Centres, Before and After School Programs, Childcare Centres, and more. This training also qualifies as an addition to your CPL (Continuous Professional Learning) portfolio, required by the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Starting on February 5th 2020 and running every Wednesday from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm for 8 weeks, this informative professional development series is FREE, and includes a light dinner. Classes will be held at Merrymount (579 Talbot Street in St. Thomas) and registration is limited to 15 people. Reserve your seat today by sending an email to Carolyn Little at clittle@merrymount.on.ca!

This series is brought to you by Literacy Link South Central and the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board.

Our Next Pop-up PD series!

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Working with Learners on the Apprenticeship Goal Path

We hope you enjoyed the first in this year's series of Pop Up PD webinars, focused on working with clients living in poverty. In our second series, we're looking at supporting clients on the apprenticeship goal path, and we hope you'll join us! Please see the full webinar descriptions below, along with dates, times, and registration links. We hope to see you online!

Webinar #4: Demystifying Apprenticeship Training
Thursday, December 12, 2019, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Did you know you can become an apprentice in over 130 trades in Ontario? Over 50 of those are “Red Seal” trades, which means the qualifications are recognized across Canada. This webinar will provide you with an overview of what’s involved in apprenticeship training, educational requirements, how to register as an apprentice, the role of employers and job prospects in the skilled trades sector.
The information presented will be useful to both practitioners and learners who want to know more about apprenticeship opportunities and the requirements in Ontario. Featured Presenter Barb Glass, Executive Director, College Sector Committee for Adult Upgrading
Register @ https://connect.contactnorth.ca/pop_up_4/event/registration.html

Webinar #5: How I became a Journeyperson
Thursday, January 23, 2020, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join a panel of journeypersons moderated by Sara Gill, Executive Director of Adult Basic Education Association. Hear about their journey through apprenticeship to skilled trades work. There will be an opportunity to ask questions as well. Invite your learners/clients to join in.
Featured Panelists:

Lindsay Abbott, Electrician
Melissa Burger, Millwright
Diane Williams, Millwright

Register @ https://connect.contactnorth.ca/pop_up_5/event/registration.html

Webinar #6: LBS Resources for the Apprenticeship Goal Path
Thursday, February 27, 2020, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

By the year 2021, 1 in every 5 new jobs in Ontario will be trades-related. This webinar is about sharing information, resources and tools related to apprenticeship. Gay Douglas, Literacy Link Niagara and Debera Flynn, QUILL Learning Network will describe the resources that the literacy field is currently using for learners on the apprenticeship goal path. They will also highlight the gaps and needs identified by LBS practitioners.
Register @ https://connect.contactnorth.ca/pop_up_6/event/registration.html

Pop Up PD was developed for LBS practitioners by a committee of the Learning Networks of Ontario (LNO) and the Provincial Support Organizations of Ontario (PSOL) and e-Channel. Our goal is to provide free PD (Professional Development) opportunities to literacy educators via topical webinars. Technical Support is provided by Contact North. The work of the Pop Up PD committee is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You can learn more about the Pop Up PD initiative at https://learningnetworks.ca/resources-publications/popuppd/

Growing Your Workforce Live Stream

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Can't attend the conference? View it from your desk!

Registration has now officially sold out for the upcoming "Growing Your Workforce" Conference... but if you missed out, you can still hear what speakers from across the region have to say about key workforce development topics. The conference organizers are pleased to offer you the opportunity to attend a live stream of the days events at www.GrowingYourWorkforce.ca !

The live stream will begin on October 23rd at 9:00 am. Please feel free to share this announcement with your colleagues, community partners, business communities and anyone else you feel would benefit from tuning into the stream.

Just Released: New Apprenticeship Presentations!

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 21:12:23 GMT

Talking about "the A word" can feel overwhelming. We can help.

Literacy Link South Central proudly announces our new "The A Word" video series. Each of the 3 videos in the series runs between 20 and 30 minutes. and would make a great lunch and learn (how's that as food for thought?) for staff.

Video topics include:

Building the capacity of service providers
What clients need to know
Working together to support people who are on the path to Apprenticeship

Hopefully these videos help launch Apprenticeship-based conversations at, and between, agencies and service providers who support people entering the skilled trades. Together, we can embrace Apprenticeship and no longer fear the "A" word.

Please use this link to access all 3 video presentations, along with copies of their slide decks and transcripts: https://www.llsc.on.ca/resources1#Apprenticeship

Pop-Up PD - series # 1

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Working with Learners Living in Poverty

We're excited to announce the topics for the first of two unique focuses in this year's Pop Up PD webinar series. This year, we're offering two mini webinar series, each with three unique sessions focused on a common topic. The first series is "Working with Learners Living in Poverty," and you will find the dates, times, descriptions and registration links below.

Webinar #1: Literacy and Essential Skills as a Poverty Reduction Strategy
Thursday, September 26, 2019, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Angela Briscoe from Frontier College will discuss research around literacy and poverty reduction. This webinar will include an overview of the report’s 11 key research findings and 11 strategic recommendations, which point to the need for improved coordination and collaboration in efforts to address poverty in our communities. Best practices will be highlighted, such as customizing learning resources and using learner-centred approaches that harness the experience and needs of adult learners. This webinar will be moderated by Annemarie Wesolowski, Literacy Northwest.
Register @ https://connect.contactnorth.ca/pop_up_1/event/registration.html

Webinar #2: Better Research for Better Practice: Understanding the Characteristics, Experiences and Trajectories of Ontario Works (OW) Clients in Toronto
Thursday, October 24, 2019, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Toronto Employment and Social Services conducted a research study of singles on Ontario Works in Toronto. The focus of the study was to better understand their characteristics, service experiences and needs, how the singles caseload is changing over time, and what factors might
predict exits to employment for this population group. Join us to learn about this important research into the needs of OW clients, including key study findings and how to connect research results to frontline service planning and program design.

This webinar will be moderated by Tamara Kaattari, Literacy Link South Central. Featured Presenters:

Christine Carrasco, MPH, Policy Development Officer with the City of Toronto Employment and Social Services
Yuna Kim, PhD, Policy and Research Consultant with the City of Toronto Employment and Social Services

Register @ https://connect.contactnorth.ca/pop_up_2/event/registration.html

Webinar #3: Skills Upgrading Programs Supporting People Living in Poverty
Thursday, November 28, 2019, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join a panel discussion moderated by Tamara Kaattari of Literacy Link South Central. In this discussion you will learn how Literacy and Basic Skills programs assist people who are living in poverty to develop their skills, achieve their goals, and be supported to move on to further
education or employment.
Featured Panelists

Lori Bruner, Executive Director, Brant Skills Centre
Elizabeth Debergh, Executive Director, Wellington County Learning Centre
Wendy Olson, Program Manager, Bridges Dryden and Area Adult Learning Centre
Jane Tuer, Executive Director, Project READ Literacy Network

Register @ https://connect.contactnorth.ca/pop_up_3/event/registration.html

Pop Up PD was developed for LBS practitioners by a committee of the Learning Networks of Ontario (LNO) and the Provincial Support Organizations of Ontario (PSOL) and e-Channel. Our goal is to provide free PD (Professional Development) opportunities to literacy educators via topical webinars. Technical Support is provided by Contact North. The work of the Pop Up PD committee is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You can learn more about the Pop Up PD initiative at https://learningnetworks.ca/resources-publications/popuppd/

New Financial Support Available

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 17:57:11 GMT

Fanshawe College St. Thomas - Elgin announces a new bursary

Fanshawe St Thomas-Elgin has just announced their new Bridges Bursary, which can be used by people who have received support through EO-funded programs including Academic Upgrading, Bridges Out of Poverty and/or Circles, and Employment Services. This bursary is intended for people accessing post-secondary or continuing education certificate programs at Fanshawe College, ideally at the St Thomas-Elgin campus, and is a great way to help offset the cost of OSAP loans. We encourage you to contact Kara Thibeault at 519-633-2030 ext. 223 or via email at kthibeault@fanshawec.ca to see if you (or your clients) qualify!

Want to know what sort of programs are offered at Fanshawe St Thomas-Elgin? Check out their Fall Guide here: https://www.fanshawec.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/stthomas/stthomas-guide-19f-aoda.pdf

New Digital Literacy Training

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Our new Community Tech Connect program is ready to launch!

We’re excited to be partnering with 10 organizations across a 5-County area to offer new digital literacy training! With funding from the Government of Canada, our new “Community Tech Connect” program will be offered in both pre-scheduled and pop-up locations. To find out more about this training, click here !

Trauma Informed Care

Thu, 09 May 2019 19:29:54 GMT

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Join Literacy Link South Central on Thursday June 6th, 2019 for a Trauma-Informed Practice workshop, designed to increase your understanding of the impacts of trauma, as well as the value of providing services that are trauma-informed. The first half of the workshop focuses on understanding key principles: understanding trauma, building trust, and using strengths-base approaches to service provision. The second half of the workshop provides practical tools for integrating trauma-informed concepts into service delivery.

The workshop will run from 10:00 am to noon, and a networking lunch (included in your ticket price) will follow. Please advise us of any dietary needs in advance.

Full details are available through this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trauma-informed-care-tickets-56061524529

We hope to see you on June 6th!

Join our Youth Advisory Committee

Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Literacy Link South Central (LLSC), with support from RBC’s Future Launch initiative, has launched a project to develop new “soft skills” training curriculum. Soft skills (such as communication, time management, and working with others) are very important to employers, but can be difficult to develop. LLSC hopes that developing curriculum using gamification theory and gaming psychology will help youth increase those skills in an engaging, motivating format. To support this project, Literacy Link South Central is seeking six youth (between the ages of 15 & 29) interested in joining a Youth Advisory Committee.

What’s involved?
With support from Literacy Link South Central staff, the Youth Advisory Committee will:

share their perspectives on topics such as which soft skills are most difficult for they and their peers to develop
participate actively in Advisory Committee discussions
learn about gaming psychology
talk about what impacts their ability to learn
learn about the labour market and what soft skills local employers are looking for
provide ideas for and feedback about the curriculum we are going to develop

How much time would Advisory Committee Members need to commit?
Advisory Committee meetings will be held once a month between June 2019 and December 2019 (6 meetings in total). Literacy Link South Central staff may also communicate occasionally with Youth Advisory Committee members outside of meetings, using the members’ preferred form of contact (email, text, phone).

What’s in it for members of the Youth Advisory Committee?

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is particularly interested in developing leadership skills while gaining experience that can be added to their resume.
Youth Advisory Committee members will be paid $50 for each meeting they attend (6 x $50 = $300), and will receive an additional $50 in December 2019 for maintaining their commitment to this project for the full 6-month period (total = $350).
There may be opportunities for Youth Advisory Committee members to continue their involvement in 2020 during the anticipated piloting the curriculum.

If you know someone who would benefit from this opportunity, please have them fill out the short application form available on the "Game Changer for Soft Skills" project page (click here ). The deadline to apply is Thursday May 30 at 5:00 pm , and all applicants will be notified of next steps on Monday June 3, 2019. If you have any questions about this project or the Youth Advisory Committee, please contact Summer Burton at summer@llsc.on.ca or 519-681-7307.

Empathy through play

Mon, 06 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

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It can be difficult to train and help people practice 21st Century skills like communication, empathy, and failing without giving up. Literacy Link South Central has developed training material for adult literacy learners around several of those topics, and staff recently attended a hands-on workshop intended to help us take the next step.

Hosted by 21 Toys , Empathy Toy Training helps prepare workshop facilitators to use their custom tactile, wooden Empathy Toy set to discover the importance of clear communication and teamwork through play. It's an engaging experience - both fun and sometimes vulnerable - and a fabulous learning experience. We can't wait to decide how it's going to be used in our service area, both with staff groups and adult literacy learners!

Visiting City Hall

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Through our partnership with the Local Employment Planning Council (LEPC), Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) is proud to support the City of London by sharing research and labour market information.

LEPC Senior Data Analyst Emilian Siman and LLSC Geographic Information Systems/Data Analyst Bashir Adeyemo met with the Mayor’s Chief of Staff on April 9 to discuss the findings of their recently released labour force participation follow-up study . The meeting focused specifically on those "not participating in the labour force and not willing or able to work," and why this is such a high proportion of people in this category in the London region.

The Mayor's office stressed the value they see in having a breakdown of those who are “not participating because they are not interested” and the reasons they gave, so as to potentially identify what policy strategies could be developed to address those concerns. The Mayor's office wants to ensure that people who are able and capable of working are provided with the supports they need to rejoin the labour market.

In the weeks ahead, both Emilian and Bashir will be working to gather more data specific to the London Economic Region about the reasons that people aren’t working or looking for work, and will share their findings with the Mayor and his staff.

2 New Training Sessions!

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

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Literacy Link South Central is very excited to bring Getting Ahead in the Workplace Facilitator Training to our area in May. We are offering two sessions - one in London on Monday May 6th, and one in Woodstock on Tuesday May 7th.

Because Bridges out of Poverty training is a prerequisite for attending Getting Ahead Facilitator Training, we've scheduled a Bridges out of Poverty orientation session on Monday May 6th as well. If you're interested in attending the London session you may be interested in combining them for a full day of professional development! Please see the links for each upcoming session below.

Bridges out of Poverty Orientation (London - May 6) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridges-out-of-poverty-workshop-tickets-60281990055
Getting Ahead in the Workplace (London - May 6) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-ahead-in-the-workplace-facilitator-training-london-tickets-6027...
Getting Ahead in the Workplace (Woodstock - May 7) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-ahead-in-the-workplace-facilitator-trainingwoodstock-tickets-60...

A Game Changer for Soft Skills Development

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) is pleased to announce a new project funded through the Royal Bank of Canada’s Future Launch initiative. Called “A Game Changer for Soft Skills Development,” this curriculum development project will support youth aged 15-29 in developing the skills they need to succeed in work and life.

In the months ahead, LLSC staff will work with a youth advisory committee and several project partners to identify the “soft skills” (such as communication, time management, and working with others) that are most critical to employers, yet remain difficult for young job seekers to develop. Then, using a lens of gamification and gaming psychology, we will develop curriculum to help youth increase those skills in an engaging, motivating format.

“This funding represents an excellent opportunity for our organization to work directly with youth to not only help them increase their soft skills, but learn from their perspectives and incorporate them into our training material,” said Project Manager Summer Burton.

Literacy Link South Central has a long history of developing innovative training material for adult literacy programs using the theories of Gamification. Literacy development through the guided building of a drone quadcopter, a 12-workbook series devoted to the tools of the Maker Movement, and our award-winning Innov-8 Basketball curriculum are examples LLSC will build from when developing our new Game Changer curriculum. For more information on LLSC’s innovative curriculum development, please visit https://www.llsc.on.ca/resources1#InnovationinLiteracy

The funding that makes this project possible is part of RBC’s 10-year, $500-million initiative to help Canadian youth prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. To learn more about RBC’s Future Launch initiative, please visit https://www.rbc.com/community-social-impact/apply-for-funding/future-launch-guidelines.html

Is Your Apprenticeship Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Literacy Link South Central's Community Apprenticeship Skills Support (CASS) project has come to an end. The concept mapping exercise that many of you participated in has resulted in a report highlighting the client experience as they navigate our services and systems in pursuit of an Apprenticeship. Now we have current information about local realities. As a result of our three-year project journey, we have several “lessons learned” to share with you.

If you work in London/Middlesex, Oxford or Elgin County, Literacy Link South Central invites you to be part of a conversation on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. This event will be of special interest to organizations and programs that work with people who have Apprenticeship as a goal. Together, we will highlight what we do well and explore new ways to effectively increase the number of people who enter and succeed in Apprenticeship.

To register, please click here . Lunch will be provided. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or concerns by emailing annemarie@llsc.on.ca at the time of registration.

Innovation at the Multi-Service Centre

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:17:20 GMT

Last year, Literacy Link South Central's Board of Directors chose the Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre (MSC) as the successful applicant for our third Innovation Fund award. The MSC's project focus - to further integration between YJC and LBS - was both innovative and timely.

We welcome you to review the final project report to learn more about the efforts put forth by the Tillsonburg & Multi-Service Centre on this innovative project. Congratulations to all those involved!

Please keep an eye out for the next LLSC Innovation Fund call for proposals. It will be coming soon!

We're feeling motivated!

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 18:54:54 GMT

A look back on our recent Motivational Interviewing workshops

From October 29th through 30th we were thrilled to welcome Lisa Ambaye to our area, where she facilitated three one-day workshops on Motivational Interviewing techniques.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred approach to eliciting and strengthening a person’s motivation for change. MI explores and resolves ambivalence, and supports change in a way that corresponds with a person’s own values, beliefs and wishes. MI is a fabulous tool to add to the toolbox of anyone working with clients, and is often effective when working with people who face challenges, and feel unsure or uneasy about potential changes (even positive ones).

Through this series of interactive workshops, over 130 professionals from Employment Services, Literacy and Basic Skills, Social Services, Adult Education, Workforce Planning and more came together to build their skills. We left with new tools, a greater connection to our peers, and a renewed desire to help - thank you Lisa Ambaye, for sharing such great training with us!

Adventures in Apprenticeship

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 19:35:55 GMT

Wrapping up our CASS project

Literacy Link South Central’s three-year Poverty Reduction Fund project is nearing its end. On Thursday, November 8 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm, we invite you to join us to explore the who, how, and what now pieces of this pilot project. We have several “lessons learned” to share with you!

This free event will be of interest to service providers, employment counsellors and educators who work with people who have an Apprenticeship goal. We hope to see you there!

Get your free ticket here: https://adventuresinapprenticeship.eventbrite.com

Motivational Interview Training

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

How can we use Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques with our clients?

Why Motivational Interviewing (MI)? Many of us work with clients who are ambivalent about, or resistant to, engaging in new programs and services. Even when clients know these programs could increase their skills and job prospects, taking a risk and trying something new can be overwhelmingly difficult. There is comfort in consistency, while change can be frightening, and create feelings of fear and self-doubt. No matter how challenging the present situation, it can feel safer and less threatening than an alternative.

What is MI? Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred approach to inspiring the motivation needed for change. MI helps resolve ambivalence, and supports change in a way that aligns with a person’s values, beliefs and wishes. MI is an evidence-based practice, commonly used to help individuals with significant challenges.

Who is offering this MI training? In this day-long workshop facilitated by Lisa Ambaye of the Rideau-Ottawa Valley Learning Network, we will look at what techniques empower clients, reinforce their internal motivation for change, and sustain that change in the long-run. We will also share information about further MI training opportunities.

When and where are the sessions? Join us for any one of these day-long Motivational Interviewing (MI) training sessions in your area:

October 29, 2018 - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
LiUNA Local 1059 (56 Firestone Blvd. London, Ontario)
Register here !

October 30, 2018 - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
County of Oxford Administration Building (21 Reeve St, Woodstock, Ontario)
Register here !

October 31, 2018 - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
St. Thomas Public Library (153 Curtis Street, St. Thomas, Ontario)
Register here !

Your fee of $50 includes both the one-day training session of your choice, and lunch. If you have any dietary requirements, please contact Literacy Link South Central directly at kate@llsc.on.ca to let us know. Space is limited, so register early to guarantee your spot!

We Have a Winner!

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Wed, 09 May 2018 13:52:11 GMT

Congratulations to Heather Brown, from the Academic Upgrading program at Fanshawe College! Heather's the lucky winner of a $20 gift card for filling out our recent Literacy Practitioner Professional Development survey.

Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey - your responses will help Literacy Link South Central develop PD to support you and your needs in the year ahead.

Reality Check

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Wed, 09 May 2018 00:04:16 GMT

Literacy Link South Central is a proud partner in the Local Employment Planning Council, and is working hard to bust some common myths in our local labour market.

Is it true that foreign credentials can't be evaluated? That hiring an apprentice costs money? That the manufacturing industry is dying?

Don't let a myth stand in your way - be sure to check out the Reality Check page on the LEPC website today!

What Professional Development Do You Need?

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Wed, 09 May 2018 00:04:15 GMT

Literacy practitioners: are you looking for professional development on the OALCF, Literacy and employment/the labour market, Assessment, or other topics? When would training be most valuable to you?

We're here to help... please take a moment to fill out the below survey to share feedback on what professional development training you would find useful for yourself and the rest of your agency staff.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PractitionerPD

We would appreciate it if you could complete the survey by Friday June 29 - at the beginning of July we will do a draw for a $20 gift certificate to be given to a lucky survey respondent as a thank you!

Learning For Life

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Tue, 01 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As part of our partnership with the Local Employment Planning Council, Literacy Link South Central staff are hard at work on a new, public-facing tool called Learning for Life.

The Learning for Life tool is a free, online, searchable, decision-tree based catalogue of adult education opportunities within the London Economic Region. Scheduled for release in the summer of 2018, this new online tool will help people in Elgin County, Middlesex County, Oxford County, and the cities of London, Woodstock, and St. Thomas by asking them a series of questions, and then making recommendations for local adult education and training opportunities based on the users’ answers.

The tool will be available on mobile devices, laptop and desktop computers, and as a web portal for our community partners. It can be used by anyone interested in accessing adult education and training, and can also be used as a tool by service providers to help connect them to services outside their own that can help their clients achieve their goals.

Stay tuned for more information in the months ahead - we can't wait to share this new tool with you!

It's Performance Management Newsletter time!

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

We're pleased to announce the release of our newest Performance Management Newsletter, which this month shares information about supporting immigrants and newcomers in achieveing their educational goals.

Please check it out here , and feel free to share the newsletter with others.

Join us for "Learning Together"

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Join us on March 7, 2018 for "Learning Together," a FREE event to help people learn about the educational programs available for immigrants in the London region.

If you are an Immigrant who is:

unsure what your next educational next step might be
looking for educational programs to help you achieve a specific goal
a past participant in adult education in London who would like to share your experience and help others

If you are an Educator of Service Provider who:

offers programs for immigrants in the London area
helps immigrants settle into and thrive within their new community

Then this event is for you!

Our goal is to help immigrants gain a clear understanding of the programs that exist to help them with their educational goals. As a community of service providers and educators, we also hope to form a deeper understanding of the challenges and best practices around education for immigrants in London. Please see this poster for full registration details, and we hope to see you on March 7, 2018!

Free Opportunity for Service Providers and Educators!

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Do you offer support services or adult education opportunities to immigrants in the London/Middlesex area?

On March 7, 2018, we are hosting a one-day event called, “Learning Together.” This event will encourage immigrants to meet with service providers who can help them be more connected to the community. The event will also introduce immigrants to educational opportunities that can help them achieve their goals. If you think your organization can play a role in achieving these goals, we invite you to set up a display booth and contribute to the success of this event.

Learn more about this opportunity by reviewing this poster , and please be sure to register for your free booth by February 21, 2018 .

Conversations with the Local Employment Planning Council

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

How are key job seeker and systems issues impacting our community? What's already happening to overcome challenges, and what can we do differently? How can we measure the impact of changing what's happening in the community today?

Our partners at the Local Employment Planning Council invites you to join a conversation around these key labour market issues impacting services, job seekers, employers and apprentices.

You're invited to book a session for your staff or clients, or join one of the currently open public sessions in Strathroy or London .

Learning Together

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Navigating the local adult education system can be challenging for newcomers and immigrants to London, and we want to help make it easier. Please join us on March 8 for "Learning Together", an opportunity for adult educators and immigrants to meet, share information, and learn from one another's experiences.

Please view our Save the Date , and we look forward to welcoming you to this rewarding day!

Check out our new Performance Management Newsletter

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

There was much preparation done by Ontario’s LBS network prior to the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) Provincial Symposium in October 2017.

In our most recent Performance Management newsletter, we’re pleased to summarize some of those preparatory efforts, and next steps taking place across the province. To view the newsletter, please click here .

Ready for some online learning?

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

If your new years plans include online learning, the e-Channel Winter 2018 Course catalogue has been released! Check it out here , and if you would like any information about in-person learning please contact us.

On November 29th, let's trade!

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Join us on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 from 1-4 pm to trade information about Apprenticeship in the London Economic Region.

Hosted by the Steering Committee of the Community Apprenticeship Skills Support (CASS) project, we'll be offering an expert panel to discuss their role in Apprenticeship and answer your questions. Let's talk about what we can all do to address the pending Apprenticeship shortage.

For more information and tickets, please click the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-trade-tickets-39530645224

Learning for Life Tool Ready for Submissions

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that the Local Employment Planning Council has begun development of an online, searchable, decision-tree based catalogue of adult education opportunities within the London Economic Region.

Scheduled for release in June 2018, this new online tool will help job seekers in Elgin County, Middlesex County, Oxford County, and the cities of London, Woodstock, and St. Thomas by asking them a series of questions, and then making recommendations for local adult education and training opportunities based on the users' answers. The tool will be available on mobile devices, laptop and desktop computers, and as a web portal for our community partners.

The LEPC Learning for Life tool is ready for submissions!

To have your adult education and training program featured in the LEPC Learning for Life tool, please complete the submission form using this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LEPCLearningForLife

Announcing the 2017 Innovation Fund

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Each year, LLSC issues a community-wide call for proposals to fund projects that foster and support innovative work with adult literacy programs. To celebrate International Literacy Day , we're thrilled to release the application for this year's Innovation Fund.

Click here to check your eligibility and download the fillable application form. Please note that all applications must be received by 4:00 pm on Thursday October 12, 2017.

Free webinars coming this fall

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Learning Networks of Ontario and e-Channel are proud to present their fall webinar series for literacy professionals. These four FREE webinars are an excellent way to enhance your practice with e-Channel blended learning.

Upcoming webinars include:

Myth-busting on Thursday Sept 28, 2017
No body snatching allowed! on Thursday Oct 26, 2017
Best practices for makin' it all work on Thursday November 30, 2017
How to make it a WIN on Thursday January 25, 2018

View the complete webinar descriptions, times, and access the registration links here .

Looking for a web & app developer

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Local Employment Planning Council is seeking a developer for their new "Learning for Life" online tool. This decision-tree style tool will help job seekers in the London Economic Region by asking a series of questions, and then making recommendations for adult education and training opportunities that will help the user meet their individual goals.

If you or someone you know would be interested in submitting a proposal to develop this tool, please click here to download the “Request for Service”.

Note that the deadline to submit a proposal is August 15, 2017.

Share your thoughts!

literacylink@llsc.on.ca (Tamara Kaattari) — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

As a part of the Community Apprenticeship Skills Support (CASS) program, Literacy Link South Central is conducting research to identify where challenges may exist for job seekers in the London region. Specifically we are exploring the transition points between employment, literacy and apprenticeship programs.

Please share your thoughts by completing a brief 2-question survey by July 20th, 2017. We invite program staff in employment, literacy and apprenticeship programs to ask their clients for input as well. All responses will remain anonymous.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/casslondon2017

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