All digital products and services must strive to be inclusive and accessible per the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). However, the mental health disability community requires more specialized protocols above and beyond those outlined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
When crafting accessible and inclusive digital platforms for those living with mental health disabilities, avoid triggering images, words, and phrases, such as jumbled text, disorganized layouts, timed forms, illustrations depicting those in distress or despair, and others.
With stigma and shame often attached to hidden or invisible mental health disabilities, this explainer outlines types of disabilities, associated stigmas and stereotypes, and why mental health-driven addictions have led to increased drug overdoses and mortality rates.
To improve accessibility and digital inclusion for those with mental health disabilities, developers and businesses should incorporate Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), heightened sensitivity and awareness, and gentler tones into website designs and messaging. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of this significant community, along with common conditions, barriers, improvements, and much more.
