Since its launch in 1989 and incorporation in 1992, NALD has been providing data, referrals, program models and much more, on virtually every adult literacy program in the country. NALD provides all kinds of administrative efficiencies. It lets the literacy practitioner and administrator share ideas and methods, and the information multiplies with every contact. NALD is the vehicle that helps to organize and funnel that information in useful ways. Canada is a big country, with a wide range of literacy needs.
Some issues are unique to specific regions, others are comparable across communities.
Both national and regional policy makers must keep track of what works in the literacy field and what's changing. NALD is able to provide them with hard numbers, as well as insightful answers. NALD gathers, sorts, stores and makes available information on literacy programming, resources, services, contacts, events, awards, funding sources, and, most importantly, resources that can be used in the learning situation thereby levelling the playing field somewhat in an often resource-poor adult education environment. NALD's information is gleaned from across Canada, and, as technology permits, the world. In response to client requests, NALD also provides an analysis of the literacy information, e.g. demographics, impact of programming, etc.