Games should be fun for everyone. However, sometimes having a disability may hinder an individual’s ability to participate and enjoy them. Many games require physical dexterity to roll a die, vision to see playing cards, or even the ability to move around physically. People with disabilities struggle to enjoy many traditional games, but happily, game manufacturers have taken note over the past few years and new, more accessible options continue to crop up.
Braille LEGOs® Bricks
When learning is game it becomes way more entertaining! That’s why we’re excited about the rollout of Braille LEGO Bricks. Learning Braille can be intimidating for children, but everyone can get into the hands-on fun of these old-school building blocks. The Braille Bricks offer a variety of activities through which visually-impaired kids can learn to read (not just learning Braille, but developing reading skills), practice math, build their vocabulary, and more. While this may not be the traditional way to engage with LEGOs, it’s still quite amusing and engaging for children, and offers a way they can enjoy this beloved game just like their friends.
Braille Playing Cards
When you’re a kid, playing card games like Go Fish and Crazy Eights are par for the course. As an adult, poker and solitaire become more appealing. But all these games require the ability to see the card faces in order to play them. If you’re a visually impaired card game enthusiast you should get your hands on a pack of Braille Playing Cards. No need to worry about accessible online Solitaire games because you’ve got the analog version ready to go.
Braille UNO®
If you’ve never tried your hand at UNO, I highly recommend you indulge. It’s a wickedly addictive card game that’s now available with Braille cards. Perfect for visually impaired or blind people, this game will keep you occupied for hours on end.
Accessible video games
Video games have practically become a national pastime, especially in the current throes of a global pandemic. But players need to be able to use a controller to play, which used to pose a problem for those with motor control or dexterity disabilities. Today, however, things are different, as there are a variety of adaptive controllers to choose from. Deaf players can even kick things up a notch with the SubPac M2X wearable vest, which “translates game audio into tactile thumps and vibrations so they can be physically felt.” There are even gaming non-profits like Ablegamers that serve as online communities and support for gamers with disabilities.
Accessible Escape Rooms
A traditional Escape Room is a themed live-action game in which players work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately accomplish whatever “mission” has been assigned to them. Players are confined to a single room and are given a time limit—usually around 60 minutes—to finish. TPGi’s Accessible Escape Room delivers the same activity but is explicitly created to accommodate players with all types of disabilities. Many Escape Rooms, for example, will include notes on paper without Braille or require users to interact with a computer that does not have screen reader software installed. The room in which the game is played may have barriers for players in wheelchairs, or there could be an audio message (voicemail or video) that doesn’t employ captions. We ensure that our Accessible Escape Room is suitable for all players, and are always looking for feedback on how to improve the accessibility.
Having a disability doesn’t automatically guarantee a less fulfilling or satisfying life. Or, as these game options attest, a less fun-filled life. To be added to the waitlist for the Accessible Escape Room please fill out the form on the Accessible Escape Room page.