Digital Technologies to Support Children and Young People with Severe Mental Disabilities

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">The article describes the digital technologies of two non-profit organizations – the charitable foundation for social assistance to children "Spread your wings!" and ANO “Resource Center for Helping People with Mental Disabilities ”Vera. Hope. Love”: developing online service (special site); online events (master classes) based on the peer-to-peer principle; communication simulator (messenger "EMO"). The main characteristics of digital technologies are highlighted: adaptive design, navigation and materials; content uniqueness; taking into account the user's opinion; safety; different levels of help. The mechanisms that ensure the developmental nature of the proposed digital tools are shown. The grounds (values and principles) underlying the development and application of digital technologies for children and young people with severe mental disabilities are disclosed. The authors consider the contribution of digital technologies in solving the problem of social exclusion, defining digital technologies as a tool that destroys barriers to inclusion in social life.</span></p>