This inequality in the distribution of literacy ability poses a large challenge to policy makers. Accordingly, 'life-long learning' is proposed as offering an overall framework for the design and implementation of policies for improving literacy in North America. Promoting access to information and communication technologies. There are domains of public policy other than those related to education and work that are literacy sensitive. Sometimes indirectly rather than by design, policy can influence literacy acquisition, maintenance and use.
Literacy is, for example, a factor in crime prevention and the administration of justice.
There also is evidence showing that literacy has health policy implications. Literacy is an element in the framing of policies related to youth and seniors. Language, culture or citizenship policies also have literacy dimensions, as do social welfare policies, rural development policies, and policies related to various disadvantaged groups. Policy for improving literacy outcomes in North America therefore requires a multiple approach, one that ensures that literacy issues are an integral concern in the framing of other public policies.