Board games are an exciting pastime that people of all ages and walks of life can
enjoy. Though many think these are a little outdated compared to gaming in the digital
world, innovative board games are coming out and are highly anticipated. However,
not everyone can play at their fullest potential; board games rely heavily on visuals
and careful observation, which is difficult for those with vision issues. Millions of
people struggle with vision impairment and blindness in America. Though people
with vision issues can enjoy board games, it’s much more challenging and can be a
frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are ways to make playing more comfortable
and accessible so more people can join the fun. Here are some board game-playing
tips for people with vision issues:
Correct Your Vision
Not correcting vision issues can harm the eyes and affect the board game experience.
You may start squinting, which can lead to headaches or fatigue, or have difficulty
reading boards or instructions, making it harder to play well. Games like Hadrian’s
Wall and Imperial Steam have some pretty intricate boards that need a sharp pair of
eyes to observe, so having blurred vision already puts you at a disadvantage.
Some prescription glasses can correct your sight and allow you to go through life
more comfortably. They come in many brands, styles, coatings, and more to flatter the
wearer, increasing protection and correction. It’s easier than ever to get a pair fitted
and adjusted to the face so that a wearer can keep them longer.
Another option is to wear contact lenses that offer all-day hydration and clear vision
so that you can play for hours comfortably. You won’t need to lean too close to the
board or squint to make out the text on cards, and you’ll be able to play normally
without fuss. For people who already wear corrective lenses, updating your
prescriptions can improve your vision even further, and it’s healthier for your eyes.
Visit an eye doctor for regular check-ups, product recommendations, and updated eye
health information.
Find Adapted Board Games
Glasses are not always enough to manage vision problems. People with cataracts,
glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or other eye conditions have severe
vision impairment or blindness that prevents them from playing board games.
However, with more people calling for accessibility in all aspects of life, board games
are becoming more usable for those with vision impairment. Many brands have
developed accessible versions for the visually impaired and blind.
Adding braille and tactile elements, larger cards and pieces, or modified boards allows
for a more accessible gaming experience. For instance, new vision-impaired-friendly
chessboards are equipped with speakers to relay important information, such as
checkmates or invalid moves. The best part is that these accessible board games can
be enjoyed by both visually impaired and non-visually impaired individuals, creating
an enjoyable and social experience that combats the isolation that can often come with
severe vision issues.
Make Modifications and Adjustments
While many adapted versions of existing board games are more accessible for visually
impaired people, they may still require some extra modification to enhance the
playing experience for those with visual impairment or blindness. You can label
pieces or add tactile markings using household objects or craft supplies, such as
velcro, pipe cleaners, paperclips, or fabrics with different textures. For games like The
Crew: Mission Deep Sea, which has a lot of cards, you can punch holes in them using
something sharp to create braille or create a duplicate set of DIY cards with braille if
you’d prefer to keep the original cards intact.
Grouping pieces of a similar or the same category and designating a different tactile
object to these groups can help make it easier for players to identify these items. You
don’t have to modify the board; you can adjust it using tools to enhance your vision.
Magnifiers are great for enlarging text when dealing with a board game that isn’t
adapted. Not all experiences with vision impairment and blindness are the same, so
some modifications can be made to accommodate these differences, allowing for a
truly accessible experience.
