Does your family or group of friends enjoy playing board games during holiday get-togethers?
This Christmas season, why not make your game day inclusive with accessible games that can be played by blind and visually impaired friends and loved ones.
Here are 5 accessible activities that’s sure to bring lots of cheer and new memories.
1. Accessible Classic Games
There are a lot of new and exciting board games out there, but there’s always something cosy about going back to classic games like chess and checkers. Many of these games have been adapted for blind and visually impaired players. For example, chess for low vision could include high contrast boards with raised squares and chess pieces with pegs that fit securely onto the board. This way, everything is tactile, and pieces can be felt without getting knocked over.
Other classic games that are readily accessible with large print, Braille and other tactile modifications include playing cards, Uno cards, dominos, Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect Four, Monopoly, Bananagrams, Scrabble, and Mancala.
2. Make Your Own Modifications
With creativity you can modify games that aren’t normally blind friendly. Whether it’s a game you regularly play or it’s your tradition to try something new during the holidays, you can make games accessible for someone with sight loss. Bump dots and tactile/puff paint can be used to mark pieces or define spaces on a board. Black or brightly coloured stickers can make other game elements more visible for low vision players. Adding large print or Braille labels can make other types of game cards accessible. By taking a few little steps, everyone can join in.
3. Games for Gift Exchange
Exchanging gifts is a highlight during the holiday season and there are fun gift exchange games to play at Christmas parties. For example, you can pick names out of a hat and play Secret Santa. For a White Elephant gift exchange game, participants bring wrapped gifts. Everyone gets assigned a number and people pick a gift to open when it’s their turn. There are rules for stealing gifts and other fun twists.
If you’re hosting a gift exchange game, you can make it accessible by simply making sure that someone who has visual impairment will be able to read a name or number they pick. You can do this by using a Braille labeler or printing with large print. Consider where it would be easiest for them to sit during the game and be sure to describe items and events verbally so that they can participate fully.
4. Play Audible Games
Adapt visual games into audible games. Like using audible word clues instead of gestures for Charades and pictures for Pictionary. Go around giving each person a time limit for telling and continuing a story. Play 20 questions with the kids. Creativity can really go a long way, especially when you’ve got the whole family or group spending much sought after time together.
5. RealSAM Can Come in Handy During Game Time
RealSAM phones can come in handy during game time. Just use the built-in video magnifier to enlarge game cards and zoom in to see the game board. You can also use the object text recognition tool to read information. It’s capable of reading all types of texts including handwriting. For example, you’ll be able to use your RealSAM phone or Pocket to take a picture of your Secret Santa pick. You won’t have to worry about spilling the beans by having another person read your pick, your RealSAM will be able to read it to you.
If you have a loved one or a friend experiencing sight loss, RealSAM phones are fully accessible by voice. It’s friendly and easy to use and can help someone stay connected and independent in so many areas. Find out more about RealSAM features that make a difference for those who are blind or visually impaired when you visit our Online Shop.
A Winning Move
Whatever games or activities you enjoy during the holidays, being able to spend time with friends is really what makes it all so special. And with just a few considerations and a little bit of effort to make things more accessible, you can truly include the whole family regardless of their visual impairments.
Learn More
You can read more about accessible activities and fun and helpful things to do on your RealSAM phone:
12 Gift Ideas for Blind and Visually Impaired Loved Ones
How to Approach Christmas When You’re New to Sight Loss
Learn Something New Every Day with RealSAM Pocket
By Guenivir Kendrick
