Community Action 217: Read Mail Aloud When Requested
The Idea: Help an older adult or person with a visual, reading, language, or cognitive barrier understand mail they have voluntarily asked you to read.
Why It Matters: Important correspondence may involve benefits, appointments, bills, insurance, housing, taxes, elections, healthcare, or government services.
Try It Today: Ask what the person wants read, whether they want the entire document or only particular sections, and whether anyone else may be present.
Make It Work for You: Protect privacy and read accurately without adding interpretations presented as facts. Do not open mail without permission, sign documents, make financial decisions, discard correspondence, or keep copies unless specifically authorized. Legal, medical, tax, financial, and benefits documents may require assistance from a qualified professional or authorized agency representative. Watch for deadlines and official contact information.
Take It Further: Help organize questions for the appropriate organization, locate accessible document formats, or connect the person with a trusted advocacy or reader-assistance program.
Community Connection: Accessibility, personal independence, confidential assistance, and informed decision-making
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