Literacy Matters! The Literacy and Reading Needs of People with Special Needs

Abstract

All people need libraries where citizens can meet inspiration and ideas, either alone or as part of a common room or by meeting other people. But not everybody is able to visit the library. Libraries are the best kept secret for people with reading difficulties. But they can benefit from the library despite their level of reading difficulties. This paper focuses on those persons whose living conditions and/or physical, mental or cognitive disabilities prevent them from accessing current library services. These groups can include, but are not necessarily limited to people in hospitals and prisons, homeless people, persons in nursing homes and other care facilities, the deaf, and people with dyslexia and dementia.