I’m a fan of board games, but my low vision creates issues when I’m trying to interact with teammates and complete tasks, and who are we kidding, let’s get real, when I’m trying to win. Here are ways I manage to play despite my visual impairment:
- Use a magnifier. Trivia cards in tiny print are no longer an issue when I use my handheld magnifier.
- Ask for help. Friends won’t hesitate to clarify or explain things an extra time.
- Pair up. Play in teams to divvy up tasks so part of the fun is collaboration.
- Try new games. If your favorite game isn’t as appealing anymore, try something new, like a team game such as Cranium which offers a variety of activities, something for everyone.
- Upgrade to a new version. Look for a modified version of a favorite game like Scrabble or Monopoly. Or replace a standard dice with an enhanced pair. MaxiAids sells some modified games.
- Avoid running out of time. Before you start playing, agree to an extended amount of time for tasks like reading comprehension if necessary.
- Cheat. You now have an unfair advantage. Are people really going to call you, the “charity case,” out for cheating? Work it until they’re on to you. Wink, wink.
What are your favorite games? How would you modify things to make it accessible? Tell me about it.
Adventures in Low Vision 
I was just thinking about board games and missing the days when my kids wanted to play them. My brain fog makes games that require strategy or memory difficult. I think I would be too embarrassed by my slow processing to play games with anyone other than my immediate family! When feeling particularly unfocused, I always suggested games like Uno or Yahtzee. I’d forgotten about Scrabble! I might be able to handle that one. I think I’ll look for it next time I’m out, and maybe some goodies to use to bribe the family into playing.
Goodies and board games, sign me up. Everyone needs time to figure out a word in Scrabble, a good choice Trisha.
Thanks for sharing such great tips and for mentioning our adaptive and accessible board games!
And thanks for stopping by the blog today!
I love the last one, “Cheat.”
In scrabble, I don’t look at the words on the board, I use the colors to cue me in. Pink is a double, dark square triple, etc. I also know how much each letter is worth. For usual board games (like rummy) I play it on the computer using a magnified screen. It prevents headaches. 🙂
Great tip, the color blocks in scrabble are definitely worth the extra attention.
We find those extra cues to help us out. 🙂
You might like reading my blog about airports called “Bowling for Passengers.”
http://rantingalong.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/bowling-for-passengers/
I believe you will relate to it quite well. 🙂