safety alert

If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233 voice), 1-800-787-3224 (tty). There is always a computer trail, but you can click ESCAPE to leave the site quickly.

Information Environment & Mental Health

Issues Related to the Information Environment

People with mental health disorders often struggle with interpreting print or digital information, at least during periods of exacerbated symptoms. It may be difficult to discern meaning in strings of words. For people who hear voices or who are extremely agitated, making sense out of print information may be impossible. It is also true that many medications used by people with mental health disorders also have a side-effect of blurred vision that cannot be eliminated with corrective glasses or lenses. Some people with mental health conditions may have periods of difficulty being oriented to time and day.

Examples of Problems

A schedule is posted each day that states times and places for meetings, activities, meals and chores. A recent arrival with a mental health issue misses meals and meetings because it is difficult for that person to stay oriented to time and day.
Everyone is expected to share in chores and, often, to select a chore preference. A survivor with a mental health condition has made no effort to participate after two days in the program. Her lack of participation is perceived as willful and she receives a written warning for failing to do chores.

Suggested Solutions

Have copies of the daily schedule the evening in at least 14 font type that can be taken by anyone who needs one. If the pattern persists of missing key events in the day, ask if she needs a verbal review of the schedule.
The sharing of chores is a key issue for social stability of the community. Information about expectations should be made clear verbally upon admission even if it is in the program brochure or handbook.
Medication side effects can include blurred vision. See the Understanding Welcoming Environments section on the Information Environment for universal design ideas to facilitate the communication of visual and textual information for people with visual limitations.
Pay attention to potential signs of not absorbing information. Double the likelihood that a survivor receives critical information by stating key points verbally as well as in writing. Allow time for the survivor to repeat important information. Inquire frequently whether anyone has questions or needs clarification.

print this page

email this page

back to previous page