Project Synopsis

Reach Canada undertook to work with disability and literacy leaders in enlisting the support of Canada's Snowbirds (Air Demonstration Squadron 431) to produce public awareness posters that link the excitement of aerobatic flight to the benefits of literacy. We proposed that 5000 posters be produced in a triptych format, depicting the Snowbirds applying reading and writing skills as part of their daily work. The posters could include logos from leading national literacy and disability organizations, as well as those of Reach Canada, the Snowbirds and the National Literacy Secretariat. The posters and information packages about the Snowbirds could reach the community level through national organizations and the provincial/territorial literacy organizations.

The packages could also include a CD ROM containing adaptable artwork templates, with instructions for developing more locally applicable messages in an appropriate language. The poster images would be colourful and useful for meetings, conferences and literacy campaigns with the general public. They would demonstrate collaboration in the voluntary sector and illustrate support from the Snowbirds - an emerging "literacy and disability sensitive" organization. The message would be subliminal, suggesting that reading is a key to success, regardless of career ambition or personal goals.