I don't like the term undereducated either. I think you can have  
people who have a relatively high level of education, but due to a  
cognitive decline as they age they may not be able to understand  
health related issues or navigate through the healthcare system. Or  
people who are very educated, but not native English speakers (or  
reafers). They are not illiterate and they are not undereducated.  
That's just my opinion.

Penny
Penny Glassman, MSLS
Univ of MA Medical School
Worcester, MA


On Nov 2, 2009, at 7:51 PM, "IHABRAMSON at aol.com" <IHABRAMSON at aol.com>  
wrote:


> Rima,

>

> Depending on the situation, I have used other terms such as   

> "undereducated adults."  By the way, we once had a governor here in  

> Michigan who shared the sentiment you refer to [you had your chance]  

> - and he promptly made cuts to many adult education programs.

>

> Ilene

>

>

>

>

> In a message dated 11/2/2009 1:58:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, rrudd at hsph.harvard.edu 

>  writes:

> Ilene,

> Yes, that is true but illiteracy is such a loaded word -- it has  

> become a label shaded by blame [you had your chance] and filled with  

> shame and a sense of disgrace.  I would not use it as a metaphor.

> Rima....

>

> Rima E. Rudd, ScD, MSPH

> Department of Society, Human Development & Health

> Harvard School of Public Health

> 677 Huntington Avenue

> Boston MA 02115

> Phone: 617 432 1135

> fax:     617 432 3123

> web:    www.hsph.harvard.edu/healthliteracy

> www.hsph.harvard.edu/sisterstogether

>

> >>> <IHABRAMSON at aol.com> 11/1/2009 11:45 AM >>>

> Thank you for your response, Rima.  A lot depends on how one defines  

> illiteracy.

>

> Ilene

>

>  In a message dated 11/1/2009 11:40:32 AM Eastern Standard Time, rrudd at hsph.harvard.edu 

>  writes:

> Please keep in mind that while many people may struggle with the  

> written word, very few people in the US are illiterate.

> Rima

>

> Rima E. Rudd, ScD, MSPH

> Department of Society, Human Development & Health

> Harvard School of Public Health

> 677 Huntington Avenue

> Boston MA 02115

> Phone: 617 432 1135

> fax:     617 432 3123

> web:    www.hsph.harvard.edu/healthliteracy

> www.hsph.harvard.edu/sisterstogether

>

> >>> <IHABRAMSON at aol.com> 10/30/2009 2:13 PM >>>

> Hello Everyone.

>

> I am in the process of preparing a curriculum involving simulated  

> hospital patients, particularly those who might be illiterate, and  

> was wondering if anyone had sample material to share. Given all our  

> tight schedules, it's never great to re-invent the wheel. Thank you  

> in advance.

>

>

> Ilene

>

> Ilene Abramson, Ph.D.

> Member- Policy Committee

> Michigan Board of Pharmacy (2009 - 2011)

>

> Member - Rules Committee (2009-2012)

> Michigan Board of Respiratory Care

>

> ihabramson at aol.com

> Tel:    248-926-0695

> Fax:   248-926-9080

>

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------

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>

>

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