Accessible computer games

One of my passions in life is accessible computer games. Yes, you now know and it has been one of my hobbies for many a day. This is why now and then I ask this question: can we look forward to more accessible computer games for the blind?

A lot has been done but there is much more that can be done and with the advent of the IPad and IPhone, accessible computer games are becoming more of a reality than a rarity. I know that there are some accessible computer games developers out there who are very committed to this, and hats off to them.

Accessible computer games can benefit so many, starting with blind and partially sighted persons and including those with dexterity and learning challenges and so many more. I play as often as I can which is not as often as I would like but I am going to leave you with some websites to check out.

Ian Humphreys has come out with the 18th free accessible game from Spoonbill Software. BG Codebreaker substitutes all the letters of the alphabet with numbers then invites you to decode words. You can browse all 18 game descriptions here:
www.spoonbillsoftware.com.au/blindgamers.htm
www.audiogames.net
gamesfortheblind.com
Accessible chess puzzles hosted by Mario Lang.
delysid.org/chess/epd.cgi
For tennis and bowling -
www.oneswitch.org.uk

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and share my blogs with others.

Games for Me

One of the most frequently asked questions is this one:  What types of games do I like to play?

 

When I had enough sight, I used to play air hockey, some pickup basketball, some ice hockey, and the usual board games and accessible computer games.  Nowadays, I have limited my enjoyment to chess, and several accessible computer games.  What do I mean by accessible computer games?

 

Games on the computer with voice output.  In short, games that have a speaking facility that allows me to hear what is on the screen, hear what I type and enter, and feedback from my input.  

 

I am a definite games person.  I love things such as Battle Ship, Solitaire, word games, and of course chess.  I can no longer play air hockey but I am just dying for someone to develop an accessible air hockey game or something similar. 

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my pleasure for games with others.  Visit www.aph.org to learn more about how blind persons play games. 

Board Games

Believe it or not, there are several board games out there that can be used by blind persons.  Monopoly, Scrabble, cribbage, just to name a few.  I myself am not a board game lover but for the little that I have played, they have been enjoyable.

 

Many years ago I invented a board game that was based on the economy; all about various countries using their resources and money to become the richest.  I have several friends who enjoy board games; and sighted persons can play along as well.  I hope that companies continue to make board games accessible to blind persons.  I have played Othello, and now I am a passionate play of Chess.  I have also played some checkers as well.

 

Board games are enjoyable to anyone at the best of times and it's a really nice ay for friends to come together.  I sure hope that some day they will be able to adapt Trivia Pursuit for blind persons; that is if they have not already done it.  If you are seeking to buy a board game for a blind friend or family member than you can visit www.maxiaids.com. 

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell the world about how blind persons can play board games.