The definition of literacy is constantly changing to reflect current employment, education, and technology trends. The National Literacy Act of 1991 defines literacy as:

An individual’s ability to read, write, and speak English and compute and solve problems necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one’s goals, and develop one’s knowledge and potential.

Adults with low literacy skills experience many social, economic and personal challenges that compromise their abilities to support themselves or their children or to fully participate in their communities.