Representation, Adaptation, and Accessibility
Since 2013, Mindfulness First has equipped thousands of children and adults with mindfulness-based mental health skills and strategies. However, it has become clear since then that our current programming and curriculum, while effective and evidence-based, require additional adaptation and growth to effectively serve the populations that need us most.
How This Journey Began
After partnering with specialists from the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind, who wanted to learn our curriculum and help adapt it for their low-incidence population, we recognized a gap in our industry. This population is at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide than their seeing and hearing peers, and yet their access to mental health resources is extremely limited due to its specialized nature.
A participant at the ASDB Academic Bowl signs their response
What we’re building
This three-year, six-phase project will comprehensively update our core curriculum for adults and children while creating adaptations for specific populations. Our new adult program will feature a foundational module for personal mindfulness practice, plus an optional component for those who want to learn how to share these skills with children—whether you're an educator, parent, or work with youth organizations.
Working closely with accessibility specialists, we'll develop adapted versions specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing, blind and visually-impaired, and deafblind learners - both adults and children. Beyond sensory differences, we're also ensuring our programming accommodates varying neurodiversities and abilities, recognizing that accessibility means different things for different people.
Throughout the process, we will engage and consult with individuals from the communities that will be served. Every new curriculum component will also undergo pilot testing with members of the communities it's designed to serve.
Timeline and Commitment
Launched in February 2024 with our core curriculum refresh, we anticipate completion in 2027. Each phase builds thoughtfully on the previous one, allowing us to create the highest quality resources while securing funding for this vital work.
Our Ongoing Accessibility Journey
We acknowledge that accessibility is an ongoing commitment that extends beyond our curriculum. We're actively exploring funding and resources to improve our own website accessibility and welcome feedback through our Accessibility page as we continue this important work.
This project embodies our fundamental belief that mental health support through mindfulness should be available to everyone, and we're dedicated to removing the barriers that have historically limited access to these life-changing skills.
We are incredibly grateful to our partners and funders for making this project a reality!
