Almost one in five adults in Kansas read without understanding the meaning of the words, according to a 2017 study by the federal government. That means a large percentage of adults can decipher letters and even read simple words. But they can’t read well enough to understand instruction manuals, healthcare forms or safety warnings.
This is significant. Difficulty in understanding written words can affect your income, job opportunities, family relationships, and overall health and housing stability..
Through Beyond Words: Wichita’s Reading Crisis, Wichita Journalism Collaborative partners will work together to raise awareness about adult literacy and connect people with valuable resources to change their future.
