The SARAW program, offered by the Foundations for Independent Living Department, offers literacy upgrading to students who have disabilities which are barriers to participation in traditional literacy programs. Speech Assisted Reading and Writing (SARAW) offers an unprecedented range of opportunities to explore and address the literacy needs of this unique group of learners. SARAW classes at Capilano University (North Vancouver and Sechelt campuses) enable students to upgrade their literacy level using computers with assistive, voice synthesized technology. SAM classes enable students to upgrade their basic numeracy skills using the same assistive, voice synthesized technology. Other assistive technology is available for learners whose physical abilities make it difficult to access a traditional keyboard and/or mouse.
Students set goals for each semester which are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Some examples of goals set by students are:
- to learn to read personal correspondence independently
- to improve the reading and understanding of employment related print material
- to achieve high school equivalency.
These goals are personal in nature and represent the individual's own needs for literacy achievement. The accumulation of individual achievements may lead to formal higher education such as that offered by an Adult Basic Education program. The classes are held over two semesters (fall and spring), offering students self-paced instruction in various time slots. Students must attend a minimum of 20 hours per week. Graduates have accomplished this through various combinations of:
- in-lab instruction at the university
- on-line instruction
- on-line tutorials
- independent in-residence time
- independent lab time at the university.
Students are encouraged to act in a mature, independent manner regarding decision making, transportation and completion of assignments. Transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the student. Personal care support is also the responsibility of the student, but financial support may be available through Capilano University.