Mom shares her secret after 40 years: Effects of Illiteracy
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- Опубликовано: 23 июн 2016
- ProLiteracy has teamed up with Participant Media and Pivot TV to raise awareness of adult literacy in the United States.
The original television series Secret Lives of Americans is a groundbreaking documentary series that takes an unflinching look at the secrets we all keep, and the strength that it takes to reveal them to our friends and family. Secret Lives of Americans will be featuring an episode on adult literacy that tells the story of Cleo, a loving and supportive mother from Alabama who has always encouraged her children to pursue their educational goals-all while struggling to share her own literacy issues with her family. The show will further the conversation on how viewers are impacted by this issue in their own communities and provide ways to take action.
Adult literacy is not just a secret for Cleo. It is a secret for millions of Americans across the country. Our research shows that 70 percent of the population claim that they don’t personally know an adult who cannot read, or who reads at or below a third grade level. But 36 million adults in America struggle with literacy issues that push them into secrecy and isolation. That’s about 1 in 7 people with such low literacy skills that they can’t read a book to their child, or the instructions listed on a pill bottle.
Working with ProLiteracy, Pivot will encourage viewers to volunteer with local literacy organizations and to advocate for improved literacy services nationwide.
Visit www.proliteracy.org/Get-Invol... to learn more
Ironically, her getting by in spite of her illiteracy shows a lot of intelligence.
This just has me in tears! She's so happy to have her library card and to be able to check out books. I'm so happy for her! I'm proud of her for having the nerve to step out for help and to admit it to her family. Many people have serious weaknesses or disabilities that others can't see. We must have compassion for others.
True words . We are not the same or in the same categories or have the same opportunities like others.I have trouble remembering words and how to spell properly. I wish I have solutions or how to overcome those problems.
I agree 😊
I was like her as a kid. I never learned how to read and was so embarrassed because people would insulted me a lot and until now I still got insulted by people here where I’m at in the USA. I learned to read at 16-17 and now I’m way better but still need a lot more practice. I’m 41 years old and still struggled with reading and writing. I work so hard so I’m unable to attend any classes but, I hope that can’t and will change sooner. If anyone in the comments knows any kind of free online class-classes please reply. It would help me, at least I can take a few hours a week learning something. Salute to you sister, you are surely not alone in this. Keep pushing, you will reach to the top sooner than you know it.
I am Proud of you
My mother was raised in foster care and she had trouble reading until her 20's. Being sent to 6 different homes till the age of 11 there wasn't the help and support she should have gotten. There was no one to help her with her homework or to read with or to her as a small child. As soon as I was born my mother worked hard to improve her reading. Growing up she made sure that are house had tons of books and that I read everyday. Thanks to her hard work and parenting by grade 6 I was reading at a grade 12 level.
Thanks for the highlight.
Man, that's straight bullshit. I was in foster care from age 5-21. I been through 15 homes, and never had a problem learning to read, write, or learn a third language. And going through NYC acs was extremely dangerous. Her inability to shape up is partly her fault and the system fault. And if she's white, there's no reason teachers wouldn't catch that. If the system was that bad, why would she not be self reliant and buck up?
I was reading by 3.
@@Ndasuunye Of course you had no trouble with reading... You weren't the dyslexic one.... But you are ignorant.
Proud statement.
- Funding taken from education, social programs, healthcare every year
- higher rates of illiteracy
🤔 hmm I wonder what it could be
My heart goes out to anyone who is dealing with this. It is never, EVER too late to learn!
I am 24 years old I graduated with a high school diploma but yet my ready is like a grade 6 my spelling is like 11 I work as a wildland firefighter i feel her.
My grandpa and his brothers all had dyslexia and went to school in the 50s and there wasn’t widespread recognition of learning disabilities so teachers would just beat them for not being able to read and shockingly enough that didn’t help. My grandpa dropped out of school to work full time on his parents farm at 14. Only in adult hood did he get a diagnosis of dyslexia and was able to improve his reading ability well enough to do everything required for adulthood
She is very brave to admit this. So many people are secretly going through this.
I'm one of them
I’m touched by how sweet and supportive her family is.
I’m really proud of this woman she must’ve had a rough childhood and rough life, not getting the attention she needed at a young age to make sure she was doing good in school. Reminds me of me except in math. I missed a week of school in elementary school during the time we were learning division, I was too embarrassed to ask questions because my class was vicious and my teacher was impatient and rude I still to this day can’t do long division on paper even though I have a college education.
What wonderful people. They are very smart to get through life without knowing to read. I admire people who can overcome anything in life. May God bless them and continue to bless them all. Great documentary.
I appreciate her honesty. It's refreshing
We do too!
I feel the same with maths , I struggle alot with it and if I could finally get it ,god that wud be a great feeling
Well done for her! I can't imagine how a person would function in a world where the written word is so ubiquitous.
Her humility has gotten her this far. Most illiterate ppl ik stay mad at the world like it's too late to learn.
My dad and my sister always had a difficult time rating I remember always reading everything for them and this reminds me of them so much my dad used to tell me that it was very hard for him to pick up he didn't know how to read he didn't understand it he never could learn it and he always wanted to learn sadly he passed away just this year and I wish that that would have came true for him and I also see my sister struggling it's hard when you have a problem with reading because everything is based on reading I feel so bad for her I could understand where she's coming from
Someone during her school years failed her. Teachers are more important than we think they are. Unfortunately, she made it through the system. That shocks me. But it is what is is. She's lived a good and prosperous life regardless.
These people are true warriors. Their accomplishments are jaw dropping like how did you make it this far?!
wow, the joy on her face as she got her first library book is absolutely priceless!
I am a reading tutor. I am seeing that parents wait to late to get a tutor which makes it harder on the child. The school system tags them as special needs if they don’t keep up. Yes they keep promoting them to the next grade - reading or not. It’s obvious that she is bright. She just needed a tutor in the early days.
I love your video I was just settling an crying to myself that I can’t read that will. so I was thinking how am I going to get through life I have a son and he is doing will in school. I pray he keep it up. I have been to Hell and back only god know so watching your video give me hope and I love way your son answered he is a great son to have. You are going to leaned how to read keep it up💕
Dear Sue, You can do it too! To find a local literacy program near you call 1-877-389-6874, the National Literacy Directory. Most programs work with an adult population. They do this all the time. They can help with reading and writing, English as a second language, and High School equivalency attainment (GED/HiSet/Tasc). Take care!
This story really touched me I am 31 I have a hard time reading it bother me mentally and physically still to this day me and my mom‘s relationship is not good because I feel like everyone felt me my mom never wants sat down and tried to teach me still to this day I don’t think she knows that I don’t know how to read it stressed me out I even thought about committing suicide at one time I really want to get help dis story touches my Heart i’m so scared and in Barris to get help my x Wife wonders why I am so angry the main reason is because I can’t read and I’m so ashamed of myself someone please help me
I feel you I'm same way I drink.to help me that don't even do any good
People if you don’t have anything nice to say to our fellow human please just don’t say anything this how we tear down our sister and brother show love help her love her and I love you all 💕
When I was little I learned to read by trying hard and studying I hope the best for you 5 years later.God bless
For those of you asking how did she graduate without learning to read...
Special Education for dyslexics.
In 1969 congress passed the Children with Specific Learning Disabilities Act, (which is included in the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970.) This is the first time federal law mandates support services for students with learning disabilities.
This is how her, I and millions of Americans with learning disabilities are able to graduate. With help and support form teachers, tutors, mentors and family members. This was how I was able to avoid my severe math disability to consume my life. This was how I was able graduate, get a job and pursue Mechatronic Engineering despite my brains difficulty to process numbers, arithmetic or remembering basic formulas.
People with learning disabilities deserve a future. A financially secure life. To pursue their goals. -I do! We do!
I refuse to be a working class peasant flipping burgers for the rest of my life. I deserve better! That's why I was determined to get a high school diploma despite the fact I struggle with basic arithmetic. That's why I'm getting a Mechatronic Engineering degree.
All gas,no brakes! yes!
If this is true, she’s a true genius.
What a kind wonderful mother. I admire her so very much. She has achieved a lot without being able to read. Wow. When people go through 12 years of State Education and they cannot read, this proves Education is failing our children in the USA and UK. 9 Million People are illiterate in the UK. I hate that word to be honest. Most people in jail cannot read, 50 percent being Dyslexic.
Both my daughter and I struggled with our British School System. Kindness is missing in Education and Government Services. We need a Kindness Qualification.
When my daughter could not read, write and spell I used Kindness, understanding, Art and Music to make reading fun and not stressful.
She is a Bookworm now.
The College English Teacher said her Descriptive Writing is very advanced and she can tell my daughter reads a lot of books.
Personally, I feel that schools should not teach other subjects until they get the English (or Country Language right). Teaching a child maths when they cannot read is abuse. Let's stop this Academic bullying and allow creative people to help make reading fun.
Beautiful, inspirational video. It amazes me that people are often well into adulthood without being 'found out', but it is never too late to learn. My uncle is a volunteer in teenage and adult literacy programs. My mom always read to me, and reading is my favorite way to spend time. It opens up worlds both practical and wonderful, taking us places without us needing to take a single step. Reading is free, and there is a genre out there to appeal to every interest.
You have to be very smart to manage in the world without being able to read. Cleo is amazing and strong and brave. Shes an inspiration. I know she'll enjoy the new world that will open up to her in books. And her family is so supportive and loving.
A lot of the Greeks couldn't read, and they seemed to have significantly better memories than us today as a result. This lady has a much better memory than me, I have to write everything down. Still, reading is such a wonderful skill. Reading books, writing journal entries, they're all worth the effort to pick up the skill of reading.
Great work Cleo. The system failed you but you are a survivor. I am sharing this with my students. Thank you for documenting the literary problem in America. You are not alone.
So beautiful 😍to see her family got her back
Wonderful!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I don't know her but I'm sooo proud of her and I'm very happy for her 😊
This is so impressive, inspiring and touching. What a beautiful and brave woman!!
I’m so happy for her!!! You keep on going!!! We are all very proud of your accomplishment!!!!
You are a great person...a great spirit and beautiful...you will get there
Aw she’s such a nice lady! I am happy for her 🌹
Going on youtube will inspire people to learn to read
Wow God bless her! She’s an inspiration for having the courage to tell her story, and reach out.
msc14111990 she clearly had a learning disability of some sort, you dumb ass. And she’s taking responsibility and getting the help she needs.
She has so much courage! Happy for you!
I don't know her but I'm very proud of her!:)
Fantastically brave woman to share this story, and a brilliant accomplishment to learn these skills now she's broken through the stigma. Really inspiring stuff and what an incredible feat to manage life all those years while skirting such a difficulty.
Logistically how does one obtain a high school diploma without knowing how to read?
What do you mean how? Are you ignorant, are you 12 or simply playing dumb? Have you not heard of dyslexia before?
Were you aware that since 1969 congress passed the Children with Specific Learning Disabilities Act, (which is included in the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970.)? This is the first time federal law mandates support services for students with learning disabilities.
This is how her, I and millions of Americans with learning disabilities are able to graduate. With help and support form teachers, tutors, mentors and family members. This was how I was able to avoid my severe math disability to consume my life. This was how I was able graduate, get a job and pursue Mechatronic Engineering despite my brains difficulty to process numbers, arithmetic or remembering basic formulas.
Are you now going to tell me that people with learning disabilities don't deserve a future? A financially secure life? To pursue their goals? - Well let me tell you, I do! We do!
I refuse to be a working class peasant flipping burgers for the rest of my life. I deserve better! That's why I was determined to get a high school diploma. That's why I'm getting a Mechatronic Engineering degree.
Raven Von Kuervo dyslexia isn’t the same as being illiterate
Welcome to america.
@@derzocker9428 Yes, that is the blessing of America. In America disabled students including (learning disabled students) have equal opportunity and receive accommodations!
@@derzocker9428 Go back to where you came from
Love it Great work GOD bless you... Keep on pushing on.
Great video.
I am proud of you my darling!!😘😘😘
She‘s amazing, i love her!
Thank you this mean I'm not alone. Thank God for those that love and care for you so much. I'm still walking in darkness alone having no one to care enough to help me. I can truly say it is a lonely hurtful walk.
there are adult education programs in every state that are here to help. Libraries are also a great place to ask questions about where adult programs may be. Seek help b/c I promise that the help is out there, you didn't know where to look for help.
how did she learn how to drive if she does not know how to read and write?? How could her family members NOT KNOW??? Are they close??
How tf u go thru all of highschool and can't read they would b gettin sued ASAP ROCKY
Terrence Ames ruclips.net/video/fHXxa5PWxgk/видео.html
@Kilynne DaPhenom say that 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
Kilynne Wyche facts! Facts af, and see this is the shit I’m talking about, we have bigger problems here and trump is worried about building a wall 🤦🏾♀️
What do you mean how? Are you ignorant, are you 12 or simply playing dumb? Have you not heard of dyslexia before?
Were you aware that since 1969 congress passed the Children with Specific Learning Disabilities Act, (which is included in the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970.)? This is the first time federal law mandates support services for students with learning disabilities.
This is how her, I and millions of Americans with learning disabilities are able to graduate. With help and support form teachers, tutors, mentors and family members. This was how I was able to avoid my severe math disability to consume my life. This was how I was able graduate, get a job and pursue Mechatronic Engineering despite my brains difficulty to process numbers, arithmetic or remembering basic formulas.
Are you now going to tell me that people with learning disabilities don't deserve a future? A financially secure life? To pursue their goals? - Well let me tell you, I do! We do!
I refuse to be a working class peasant flipping burgers for the rest of my life. I deserve better! That's why I was determined to get a high school diploma. That's why I'm getting a Mechatronic Engineering degree.
A lot of illiterate people could actually be assisted with tools similarly used by those with vision problems. This would also include audio books, which is why they should have a library card (Regardless if they have taken a literacy course yet or not). Not to mention the use of computers and internet access. Note I don't think they should be used completely instead of learning to read but more as an aid to learning.
It starts at home. Parents should read to their children and instill a love of reading. I started reading to my 3-year-old when she was still an infant. She's obsessed with books now and is reading Bob beginner books. Little ones are like sponges and they are more capable if we give them the opportunity.
It reminds me the movie "Letters to Iris" with Robert de Niro and Jane Fonda.
It's never to late to start learning
Im balling rn 😭😭😭
I really love reading, I’d love to be able to help by participating in those programs that help people learn to read, but where do I start?
That is was sad 😞😭😢
How did she ever pass any test, or write any paper? How did she do finals or mid terms?
Wilson Solt People find ways around it. I heard a story about a guy who had the same problem. Couldn't read but kept getting moved up anyway. He went on and became a teacher. I think people just learn how to fake it and compensate in other ways.
(I found the story: www.kcrw.com/news-culture/shows/strangers/the-teacher-who-couldnt-read)
But her grammar is wonderful. I think she’s lying because I couldn’t read either until 21. Because I was being tortured at home since 4 locked in the closet burn with irons from my brother. Yes it’s very embarrassing. It was this Psychological abuse. But I’m still struggling with my grammar.
Why would she be lying? Sound like u lying about being locked up in a closet @Shayla
Shayla’s Satisfaction I’m so sorry that happened to you
@@shaylahall84 if you were locked in a closet then you did not develop social skills and communication skills and that would be a reason for struggling with grammar. Not being able to read could be several things that caused it but it doesn't mean she can't talk to people. btw you seem to be doing pretty good at grammar (communicating). Also when people say they can't read, they don't usually mean they can't read at all. They may mean they don't understand what they read or they are so slow at it that they don't do it especially if it is more then a few sentences. Your family both mentally and physically abused you
The 2008 movie called The Reader was about a 40yr old who could not read.
I watch and cry I am 41 I can read by very slow
I am like that too...and I still haven't tell anyone
She can drive, operate a camera etc. Technical knowledge is far better than text knowledge. Indian women don't have the former.
She's clearly capable, I wish her the best
The schools are broken. I've seen K5 Korean kids reading in English.
She has now proven she can learn to read as an adult, which means she could have learned to read as a kid. Our garbage society failed this woman and many others.
imagine not being able to use a computer. can't type (can't spell).
Yes... Listen to this video of a woman in her 20's with severe dyslexia who when social media was getting popular, she couldn't type... ruclips.net/video/u0zB8P572gM/видео.html
I feel so sorry, I was just thinking. Texting? Literally anything about phones involving reading. If I was illiterate I would know SO MUCH less then I do. Whenever I’m interested in someone I read about it online or watch RUclips videos about it. This is crazy I feel bad
tbh It never even occurred to me that there are adults that can’t read. I can’t even fathom how they’re able to keep it a secret the whole lives. Can illiterate people read and write numbers? How do they keep track of things? How did they do anything before smart phones?
It's called having a good memory. Writing gives the mind an excuse to forget. If you don't have that crutch you rely on your own memory more.
I hate my life that I can't read I drink everyday wishing it would take me out this life I live
My grandma was given a choice to either let my mom repeat a grade or move her further. She had to repeat the grade. My mom became an RN later on in life.
It makes you wonder what could have happened if she had decided to move her forward.
@@ProLiteracy
When she told me I was surprise that was an option. This must of been in the 50s. I think the option came from the school being more concern about the social than the education. I think she still would of did well, my mom was very determined.
You have to ask are educators or parents concerned about the kid's self interest or their own?
Do you know anywhere someone who don’t know how to read can learn?
I think she’s an intelligent person, and was able to find ways around her inability to read. I think that’s why she was able to get her high school certificate. She unfortunately slipped though the cracks.
❤❤❤❤❤
❤
one in SIX?!?!?
Plot twist: they can't read too :D
Reading and writing are unatural acts. For thousands of years we survived without them. Unfortunately to be a function member of society you need to learn to interpret these scribbles so you can get a job to interpret and produce scribbles of your own :/.
Lol are you actually anti reading and writing? Your comment is kind of ridiculous...
Never heard it put like that b4 😅
@@123rockfan 😆
I think a lot of students who pledgiarise it's because they can't read
American school kids can assemble an automobile, but sometimes an Indian graduate can't.
how tho???
*Though. You seem barely literate yourself.
@@KeyserSoze23 it’s a internet shortcut mister grammar Level999
I mean I don’t want to be rude or anything but buddy go on the internet a little bit more and understand internet culture before you come at me with that literacy text. It’s like saying dat, doe, wassup, btw, lol, tbh...etc
@@KeyserSoze23 is my reaction weird to an illiterate getting a high school diploma? I don’t think so. It sad to know some people are illiterate at the their later years because it’s nearly impossible to learn a language when you’re old. I wish sometimes that people like you “mister illiteracy text” help out people like these who actually need it instead of coming at me with an 13yo account and 0% knowledge about internet culture
poverty, overcrowding in schools, disabilities, etc.
1:34
I know how they feel because that is exactly what happened to me I thought I was a naughty child I'm illiterate learning difficulties and you can't get any help quick enough to come to you when you got bills tell you to go on the internet well what about people who can't read and write and illiterate I was sexually abused as a child and mentally and physically put me down for a naughty child Audrey Partick Dental Care didn't do nothing went back home ever so let down with the Education in Kent
So they do not text, or use smart phones (or any phone for that matter), or computers?? Like how did they pass the driving test?? How did they pass through high school, stores, hospitals e.t.c I actually don't know if I believe this.
I'm from a third world country where we paid with our sweat and blood to go to school; walked far distances, went hungry to go to school (and always hoping for an international scholarship) we valued education with our lives, and even if we didn't have teachers (trust me some subjects people took in their GCSE, they didn't have teachers) we studied on our own!!
I think after I have seen a few of these videos, it is fair to conclude that:
The parents of these adults who cannot read failed them, their teachers failed them, most of all THEY HAD NO VALUE FOR EDUCATION maybe cos it was given to them cheaply.
Most of these adults find creative ways to hide their reading issues because of their own embarrassment. For example, someone might ask for help reading something saying they “forgot their glasses.” Or at a restaurant, unable to read the menu, they might ask what the waitress what she recommends. And contrary to popular belief, the majority of these people are very smart. I have met a successful business owner who went through most of his life without being functionally literate. I have heard stories about a truck driver making deliveries by following landmarks, business owners having their spouse sign documents, and parents pretending to read to their children by making up stories from the pictures in a book.
There are countless reasons why people attend literacy programs.
•They attended low-quality schools/poorly funded schools.
•They had to drop out of school due to events out of their control (such as needing to become the primary earner for the family).
•They struggled with undiagnosed learning impairments.
•They fell behind early and never caught up. “Sixty six percent of all U.S. fourth graders scored ‘below proficient’ on the 2013 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) reading test”
I had a girlfriend (in '95) that couldn't read ... - we were together for 3 months before I discovered it . - I tried to convince her to learn but she declined . She knew every freaking rap lyric though ...
Who says they don't value education? Why are you comparing what you went through in your third world country with what this intelligent woman goes through. Why would you assume the school system and her family failed her? Are you ignorant, are you 12 or simply playing dumb? Have you not heard of dyslexia before?
Were you aware that since 1969 congress passed the Children with Specific Learning Disabilities Act, (which is included in the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970.)? This is the first time federal law mandates support services for students with learning disabilities.
This is how her, I and millions of Americans with learning disabilities are able to graduate. With help and support form teachers, tutors, mentors and family members. This was how I was able to avoid my severe math disability to consume my life. This was how I was able graduate, get a job and pursue Mechatronic Engineering despite my brains difficulty to process numbers, arithmetic or remembering basic formulas.
Are you now going to tell me that people with learning disabilities don't deserve a future? A financially secure life? To pursue their goals? - Well let me tell you, I do! We do!
I refuse to be a working class peasant flipping burgers for the rest of my life. I deserve better! That's why I was determined to get a high school diploma. That's why I'm getting a Mechatronic Engineering degree.
@@biggdaddynard8087 that's on her then
Damn.
My teachers used to take me to the high school when I was in 4th grade to check out books and read because the elementary school books were entirely too simple
mom needs to get educated.. is she a child wants to breed withot any money. that is stupid.
Okay. Nah. No disability and enough money. Your parents should have taught you to read before school. This lady should be learning and trying for her children to help them.
libRary
Don't blames the schools. Kids who struggle with reading typically struggle with it because they are being raised by troglodytes who don't expose them to words, vocabulary or books during their formative years.. Parent who don't read to their children are to blame, the schools do the best they can with the resources available to them. Sadly dyslexia is genetic and hereditary and can only be helped if there is intensive early intervention in those formative years.
Is it really that hard to learn? Seems odd these adults didn't pick up on reading as teens or young adults in their 20s, 30s.... Can't be that hard if you can teach it to toddlers.
@msc14111990 Shame on those countries that make things so expensive and pay so bad that people can't afford to eat too.
@msc14111990 I have read many of your comments... And either you are simply plain ignorant or an epic troll. If those people in Pakistan or Afghanistan also suffered from dyslexia to the extreme that this woman is suffering then no matter how many hours of study or how many hours they walk to get to school... Them too will never learn to read.
By the way... I am Assuming you are a soilder who was deployed to Afghanistan since you seem to know a lot about that place.
Did you know that learning disabilities are also acquired? Many of our soldiers have returned home with head injuries have acquired some kind of learning disability. From reading, writing to math. That's the least of their problems since the disability is invisible. Many return physically deformed or in a coffin.
These are the many adults your are shitting on with your comments... But hey they acquired that learning disability for your freedom of speech.
Many people who have car accidents also acquire learning disabilities. Or you may get robbed and assaulted and and beaten over the head with a pipe so bad. I hope that doesn't happen to you.
Living with a learning disability is not fun, it's hard and it is expensive when you get into higher education with a learning disability and may cost you jobs when reasonable accommodations are unavailable or scarce.
But for most people like me and her... We were simply born with them and all we can do is cope and move on with our lives.
For someone with dyslexia it is.
If you put 0% effort into life don’t expect my sympathy. 3 year olds can read ffs.
Ummm where did you ever hear that she put 0% effort? Yes many three year olds can read... Except those who suffer from dyslexia like this intelligent woman from the video.
I'll pray for you, amigo.