The IBM Corporation recently awarded a grant of ten new desktop computers and a new color printer to Rockwall’s award-winning Reading for Adults program.  Reading for Adults is an adult and family literacy program that offers free tutoring in English as a Second Language, GED test preparation, and U. S. citizenship test preparation.  The new IBM computers and printer will be used to supplement tutoring in each of these areas.

In addition to the computers and printer, the recent IBM grant also included IBM’s innovative Reading Companion software.  The software, a part of IBM’s literacy grant initiative, uses state-of-the-art voice recognition technology to help individuals learn to read.  The software “listens” and provides feedback, allowing emerging readers to practice and improve their reading skills.  Reading for Adults is working now to implement use of the new software and plans to make it an integral part of its ESL tutoring program.

IBM’s Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs Manager Terry Steele and Program Manager Katie Kabage recently visited Rockwall County Library to meet with Reading for Adults program manager Gloria Bishop and observe ESL students as they used the new hardware and software.  “We are so happy to have fully-equipped computer workstations for our students,” Ms. Bishop said as the three toured the area where students were working.  “The new computers and software will help us help our adult students, and it will give the students an excellent opportunity for independent study.  We are very grateful to IBM for this grant.”

Reading for Adults tutoring classes are available Monday through Saturday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  For information about enrolling in a class or volunteering to tutor (no experience is required!) contact Program Manager Gloria Bishop at gloriab4@verizon.net or 972-204-7705.