2025-2026 United Way WRC_Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 32
Literacy, Employment Supports
& Assistive Devices
Literacy and essential skills are foundations for
confidence, independence, opportunity, and lifelong
participation in community life.
Across Waterloo Region, people can access literacy
programs, tutoring, employment supports, financial skills
training, and assistive devices that help overcome barriers
and build independence. By strengthening essential and
job-related skills, these supports help people pursue
education and employment, navigate daily life, and reach
their full potential.
The Focus
1,440
Adult literacy support
Children and youth literacy
support
Employment skills
Tutoring
Education and practice of
essential life skills
Assistive devices
individuals accessed
literacy and skills-building
programs.
$150,000
was invested in literacy,
employment skills and
assistive device supports.
The Issues
vs
In Waterloo Region, nearly one
in four adults lack the basic
literacy skills needed to fully
participate in work, education,
and everyday life
2x
According to 2022 Census data,
unemployment rates in Waterloo Region were
approximately twice as high among adults
with a high school education or less than
among those with postsecondary credentials.
(The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region)
32
