Depending on where you live and the availability of resources in your area, you may be able to find a program that teaches reading, writing, math, or job skills. It can be difficult to determine where to begin your search for adult learning programs, so we’ve compiled a guide to help you find the resources you need.
The Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS)
LINCS is a national leadership initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) to expand evidence-based practice in the field of adult education. LINCS connects adult learners to free, high-quality resources related to education, job and life skills. Resources accessed through the site can help adult learners improve their reading, writing, math, science, and English skills; build job skills; acquire an understanding of American government and history to obtain citizenship; and find a nearby adult education, computer training, or postsecondary education or training program.
Visit: https://lincs.ed.gov/
National Literacy Directory
The National Literacy Directory has helped connect more than 50,000 potential students and volunteers to literacy services, community education programs, and testing centers since 2010.
The National Literacy Directory provides listings for Early Childhood, Family Literacy, High School Equivalency/Adult Basic Education, English Language Learning, and Citizenship Classes. To find a National Literacy program near you, you can search for listings in your community and narrow your search for more specific results.
Visit: https://www.nld.org/
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) provides leadership and resources to assist states and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence, and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.
RSA is a component of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) within the U.S. Department of Education. The mission of OSERS is to improve early childhood, educational, and employment outcomes and raise expectations for all people with disabilities, their families, their communities, and the nation.
Visit: https://rsa.ed.gov/about/states
The Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE)
COABE is organized to advance national and international adult education and literacy opportunities for all persons. One of the main purposes of COABE is to promote adult education and literacy programs, including Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Family Literacy, Skills Development, Workforce Development, and other state, federal, and private programs. Their site allows you to search for COABE programs near you, and also includes a webinar resource library.
Visit: https://coabe.org/
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.
Visit: https://askjan.org/index.cfm
Reach out to Your LDA State Affiliate
LDA’s state affiliates offer various services for individuals with learning disabilities and their families. State and local activities may include support groups, meetings, resource libraries, advocacy assistance, newsletters, webinars, and networking opportunities. You can also reach out to your state affiliate if you’re having difficulty finding an adult learning program in your area. Please note that all of our state affiliates are made up of volunteers, so please allow time for a response. Find your state affiliate here.
You can also learn more about the different approaches that may be used in adult literacy reading programs which have proven to be effective for adults with learning disabilities.
