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Introduction
If you enjoy playing Puzzles, Cards, Video games or Board games, there is always something that you should still be able to do despite your Mobility Impairment. You might need help or the assistance of assistive devices, but most of these games are still possible and can be played on your own or in groups. In many instances, your disability will not affect how well you play, so you can play against disabled or able bodied opponents. Focus on the games that you can play, rather than those that you can't.
Card Games
There are a wide variety of different types of card games, which offer social enjoyment. A game of cards is a way of entertaining yourself in a group or on your own. It is one of the most popular indoor activities for people to participate in. It is also a form of entertainment that will not cost you anything, however some people enjoy playing Poker and other card games online or at a Casino, for both entertainment and money. Some people also organise card games between friends, and bet money, just to add to the fun. Card games are appropriate form of entertainment for both children and adults, as well as those with Mobility Impairments.
Card games are appropriate for children, include:
- Crazy Eights. Crazy eights is a favorite game for many children.
- 31 is a fast and very easy card game to play with kids.
- Rummy.
- Snap.
- Chase the Ace.
- Go Fish.
- Uno
Visit Do2Learn to see the rules and to find out what other card games are appropriate for children.
Card games are appropriate for teenagers and adults, include:
- Poker
- Pay or Play
- Crazy Eights
- Spoons
Visit www.gamblers007.com to see the rules and to find out what other card games are also appropriate for children and adults.
Some people with Mobility Impairments have difficulty using their hands or find it difficult to pick up small things or handle them. If you have difficulty using your hands, you can sit next to the dealer. They can handle your cards and chips.
If you prefer to be independent, you can use:
- larger cards (7″ x 4.5″) these can be easier to handle and to see.
- A card holder which takes large or standard-sized cards can be useful for holding and sorting your hand.
If you are unable to play the actual versions, there are also computerised versions of Card Games. Some windows operating software comes with a variety of card games, or you can play online or download many different games for free. See www.izzygames.com to find a wide variety of these games. Many of these games can be played by yourself or against others. Online Poker is also available on a number of sites. Visit www.gamingzion.com to find out where. Visit Computers & Computer Aids, which can be helpful when playing computerised versions.
Video Games
If you enjoy playing other Video Games, there are a wide variety of different types of Computer or Video games that can be played by people with a physical disability. You get games that can be played on your PC, including sports games like Golf or Pool. Other Games are only available on devices like a Xbox, etc.
Video Games can be played on a variety of different devices, including a Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Wii, or on a variety of other Electronic devices like Home Computers, tablets or Cell Phones.
Types of Games include:
- Educational Games
- Sports Games
- Action Games
- Strategy Games
- Board Games
- Games that can exert you physically
- And many more
Many of the games that are made for Electronic devices, such as Home Computers, tablets or Cell Phones, can often be played online for free, on sites such as www.izzygames.com or can be downloaded for free on sites such as: www.superior-games.com
Alternatively some can be hired from some Video Shops, or be bought online or at shops, fairly cheaply, while others can be quite expensive, depending on the type of games you are looking for.
Game Controllers
Some individuals who play games on their PC, use special game controllers, to better play and enjoy the game. Devices like an Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Wii, are bought with Game Controllers.
A game controller is a device used with games or entertainment systems to provide input to a video game, typically to control an object or character in the game. A controller is usually connected to a game console or computer by means of a wire or cord, although, since the mid-2000s, wireless controllers have become widespread. Input devices that have been classified as game controllers include keyboards, mice, gamepads, joysticks, etc. Special purpose devices, such as steering wheels for driving games and light guns for shooting games, are also game controllers.
Game controllers have been designed and improved over the years to be as user friendly as possible. Some controllers are designed to be deliberately best for one type of game, such as steering wheels for driving games, or dance pads for dancing games.
Video Games that use Game Controllers can be categorized as:
- games not specifically designed to be accessible (mainstream video games)
- games specifically designed to be accessible (one switch games).
Mainstream Video Games
Many mainstream video games are more or less accessible for gamers with a physical disability, usually using special hardware. The most advanced hardware interfaces are mouth-controllers and head- or eye-trackers. Besides these controllers, alternative switch interfaces are used, which enable larger buttons or (custom) grouped buttons.
One Switch Games
For gamers with a severe physical disability that effect the hands, the number of controls might be limited to just one or two buttons. There are games specifically designed to be played with just one button. These games are often referred to as “one-switch”-games or “single-switch”-games. Many early arcade games actually used only a few buttons but as games grew more complex, the number of controls increased. For instance, the Playstation 2 controller consists of 15 buttons and two analog sticks. Unfortunately there are no guidelines for designing game accessibility for physically disabled gamers that effects movements and quick reactions, but Remappable button configuration is one way to make games more accessible is to give gamers the option to remap their controls. One-handed gamers or individuals with more control in one hand, for example will be able to re-configurate the buttons to their liking, putting the buttons more used closer than others. To view other types of Game Controllers. view: Game Controllers
Board games & Puzzles
If you enjoy Board games & Puzzles, there are a wide range of games and puzzles, with varying difficulties, some are suitable for some people with Mobility Impairments, depending on the severity, however each person is different, so some people might be able to play Monopoly for example, with some help, while others will not be able to. Some have
been adapted to enable disabled people to also be able to enjoy them. Some games may be brighter, more tactile or have larger print than standard games, so that partially sighted people can enjoy them to. Some include Braille for those who are Blind. Examples of Board Games include:
- Chess
- Monopoly
- Drafts
- Scrabble
Most of these games can be played, depending on the severity of your mobility impairment. For those with severe mobility impairments there are assistive devices available that can help.
Games like Chess are available as computer games, if you prefer, or if you are unable to play the original version.
Whatever you choose, whether it is Cards, Video or Board games, this is something that you should be able to play, that is inexpensive, good fun & also a form of physical & Mental Therapy.
There is a wide range of board games available to buy at shops like Checkers, or on sites like: www.loot.co.za
Some of these games cost around R650.00, depending on the game. (at the time of writing this article). This might sound expensive, but is not really, when you think of how many hours of fun you can have.
Puzzles
Puzzles can also be enjoyable and offer many benefits. There are a wide range of different types of puzzles, with varying difficulties, 
some are suitable for some people with Mobility Impairments, who's Disability effects the fingers, such as the puzzles with larger pieces. These are also appropriate for younger children. The bigger pieces are easier to pick up and work with, if your Fine motor skills (hand and finger movement) is effected. In those cases, activities like building these puzzles are a useful form of therapy, to improve your Fine motor skills. depending on the severity of the Impairment, each person is different. Partially sighted people can enjoy these puzzles to. Puzzles can be bought at some bookshops, or places like Checkers, or online at sites like: www.puzzles4africa.co.za
Whatever you choose, whether it is Puzzles, Cards, Video or Board games, there is is something that you should be able to play, that is relatively inexpensive, good fun & also a form of physical & Mental Therapy.
References
