ABSTRACT
This chapter has provided background information on literacy within Canada seen through a gender-sensitive lens. Through the use of a ‘telling case’ it has attempted to show how one individual does not fit into dominant gender and literacy-related stereotypes. For example, this individual is not dependent on others, does not have low self-esteem and does not identify as a person with low literacy skills. She does however experience multiple other identities that would have to be taken into consideration in developing a literacy programme that would be beneficial to her, particularly if it was based upon a social model of disability and a rights-based approach. In fact the individual concerned is independent and is able to have many of her needs met through networking and mutually beneficial exchanges with other people.
