OT professor explores power of literacy in new book

In today’s fast-paced world, literacy is more than just knowing how to read and write — it’s a key to independence. For Turquessa Francis, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy, School of Public Health and Health Professions, literacy lies at the heart of occupational therapy, shaping how people navigate daily life.

Her new book, “Literacy and Occupational Therapy: Enabling Participation Across the Lifespan,” offers a roadmap for clinicians to empower their clients through literacy-based interventions. By addressing a critical, yet overlooked area, Francis aims to equip OT practitioners with tools to foster meaningful engagement and break cycles of disadvantage.

“Literacy skills are essential for performing a wide range of daily tasks,” she says. “Yet, there was no established framework for systematically evaluating and addressing literacy within occupational therapy.”

Francis emphasizes that literacy skills are deeply integrated into nearly every aspect of occupational performance. From managing medications to completing job applications, literacy underpins the ability to engage in daily life successfully.

“The role of literacy is dominant in most areas of occupation,” she explains. Activities like reading and processing written medical instructions, using apps to monitor health, or modifying recipes for nutrition management are just a few examples of how literacy directly influences health and well-being.

Her passion for the topic also stems from a desire to combat the far-reaching effects of low literacy.

“Low literacy impacts everything — poverty, health, even incarceration rates,” she notes. “Worse, it’s generational. Breaking this cycle starts with understanding and addressing literacy in a practical way.”

At its core, the book provides a systematic approach for occupational therapists to integrate literacy into their practice. From assessing literacy skills to implementing developmentally appropriate interventions, Francis presents actionable strategies alongside real-world case studies.

“Each type of literacy follows a developmental progression. Understanding this progression allows practitioners to meet clients where they are and help them succeed,” she says.

Beyond practical tools, the book is a call to action. Francis wants occupational therapists to recognize the dominant role literacy plays in nearly every area of life, from managing health to engaging in leisure activities.

“Literacy isn’t just about words on a page — it’s about enabling people to participate fully in their lives,” she says.