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Accessible Games Book

By Katie Marl

Hurdling Wheelchair
Brief Description

With the world moving on people with disabilities are now more readily seen in community, education and work settings.

This book has come about from a belief that when companies/ playschemes/ schools/ conferences use games to integrate people and to promote mixing, this aim can only be achieved if the games are accessible. Games that are not accessible only highlight to everyone the ability levels we each have.

The games included are a selection of those commonly used categorised into suitability for various disabilities, awareness raising, use for various sized groups and introduction games. The book takes an easy-to-use game per page layout. Symbols and detailed indexes lead the user to the relevant games for their situation.



Lots of Wheelchairs A look in more detail

The games included consist of those commonly used but I have sought to adapt them in order that they are accessible to a greater number of people, particularly those with disabilities. Games are classified as suitable for Small groups (under 10), Medium groups (10-40) and Large groups (40+) but please remember that a large group could easily play small or medium group games if the people are grouped and then return at the end for a whole group discussion/ feedback session. It is also indicated if the games are thought to be useful as a disability awareness raising exercise.



Something to think about when coming up with games

- Always ensure there is enough choice in the options you provide so that people can work at their own level, eg. instead of giving the instruction “Go to the door in the style of a frog”, say “Go to your left in the style of an animal”. That way people choose an animal they can physically portray in action and sound and move the distance they can manage. Also, giving open directions such as ‘move to the left...” means blind people can more easily take part, and it spreads the people out more evenly, reducing congestion and reducing the obviousness of fast/ slow movers.

- If games involve moving around the room and actions using arms then wheelchair users are automatically excluded - they can’t drive! Action must be something simple like nodding the head.

- Place chairs around the room to allow people with walking difficulties to sit at certain stages in the game.

- Describing what will happen in the game to the group before starting allows disabled players to access the suitability for them, and allows for preparation from one stage of the game to another, eg. people with walking difficulties can move to the part of the hall they know they need to be next.

- Don’t play games that involve the group mirroring actions of one person - this makes a persons limitations obvious; people cannot work at their own ability level.

- If written sheets are to be used during the game copies with print blown up to at least 24pt should be available for those with sight difficulties.


Sending me your accessible games

You can do this in one of two ways, either you can email it to me - click on 'send me a game' below, or you can send it to me by post - by writing to the address at the bottom of the page.

Send me a game!

If you want to find out more about me then click here

Katie Marl
Flat 6, 264-272 Liverpool Road,
Birkdale, Southport,
Lancashire. PR8 4PE
ENGLAND
Email Address:
Michael Marshall
Or: Katie Marl

Designed by Michael Marshall © 1997 18/08/97
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