Growing interest in adult literacy has encouraged research and innovative programming in the field. This paper examines several pieces of software created by the Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy at Pennsylvania State University and explains their underlying conceptual foundations and the integration of visual materials. The Penn State Adult Literacy Courseware uses a whole-word approach to teach reading, and has been field tested at 46 sites, with impressive gains in reading achievement. "R.O.A.D. (Real Opportunity for Advancement and Development) to Success" is a course of interactive computer software and print-based materials to help drivers develop the reading skills needed to study and pass the national commercial driver's examination. "Daybreak" helps adults obtain or progress in entry-level jobs by assessing basic skills and diagnosing strengths and weaknesses. "Blue Shield" is being designed to produce a comprehensive industry-centered model basic skills program for entry-level Blue Shield of Pennsylvania workers. "A Day in the Life..." is courseware for low-level readers that simulates actual projects in a worker's day. Software has also been designed as job-related literacy training for American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T). Particular theoretical concepts used in these pieces of software are reviewed, including organization and design factors. Twenty-four figures illustrate sample computer screen displays. (Contains 23 references.) (SLD)