Effectiveness of a Functional Literacy Program for Sheltered Homeless Adults

This study aims to determine whether a functional literacy program using principles from the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance approach and Occupational Adaptation theory, and embedded in community-based daily activities, could enhance occupational participation in a sample of sheltered homeless adults. This study used a two-group, controlled design with pre- and post-intervention measures. Intervention was carried out in a group setting in 1.5 hr, twice-weekly sessions over 8 weeks. Intervention addressed literacy skills needed to complete participant identified, desired daily activities. Statistically significant differences were found between intervention and control groups’ perceived functional literacy skills with regard to occupational performance (Z = −4.075, p <.0001, d = 1.02) and satisfaction (Z = −4.113, p <.0001, d = 1.40); reading frequency (Z = −3.594, p <.0001, d = 0.48), reading effectiveness (Z = −10.673, p <.0001, d = 0.68), level of support (Z = −10.410, p <.0001, d = 1.81), and reading efficiency (Z = −10.297, p <.0001, d = 1.83). The intervention enhanced perceived reading and occupational participation in the study’s sample. Further research is needed to replicate and translate results in daily practice.