Career Passport

Bridges to Practice is a research-based guide for literacy providers serving adults with learning disabilities. It is the result of a five-year effort of the National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Center‚ a collaboration between the National Institute for Work and Learning and the University of Kansas Institute for Research on Learning Disabilities‚ funded by the National Institute for Literacy.

The development of the Bridges suite of tools was centered on the following beliefs:

• Adults with learning disabilities have specific and unique educational service needs;
• Literacy programs can and should meet the needs of adults with learning disabilities; and
• By focusing on research-based information‚ literacy programs can better meet the needs of adults with learning disabilities.

Bridges to Practice contains research-based information that has been field-tested in literacy programs across the country and is organized around four guidebooks‚ a professional development manual‚ and a video designed to document and reflect “best practices” in working with persons with learning disabilities. The purpose of these guidebooks is to influence the decision-making process of literacy practitioners in evaluating and selecting screening tools‚ curricular materials‚ and instructional strategies that are effective for adults with learning disabilities. Ultimately‚ by making changes in the provision of services for adults with learning disabilities‚ literacy programs can help countless adults reach their potential and lead more fulfilling and self-sufficient lives.

For information on how to order Bridges to Practice materials‚ visit the NIWL Resource Center.