In today’s reading world, it is difficult to fathom accomplishing even the simplest of tasks without the ability to understand words on a page.Reading a newspaper, scanning instructions on a pill bottle, or comprehending a boss’s memo would prove to be orders too tall to handle. Completing job applications would require assistance, and earning a high school or GED diploma would always be out of reach. The thought is unimaginable to some, but for others — some 14 percent of American adults who lack basic literacy skills and are unable to read above a third-grade level, according to U.S. Education Department data — it is a reality.