Does your family or group of friends enjoy playing board games during holiday get-togethers? Make your game day inclusive with accessible games that can be played by blind and visually impaired friends and family. Here are 5 accessible games and activities that’s sure to bring lots of fun and new memories.

1.   Accessible Classic Games

There are a lot of new and exciting board games out there. But there’s always something cozy about going back to classic games like chess and checkers. Many of these games have been adapted for blind and visually impaired players. For example, chess for low vision could include high contrast boards with raised squares and chess pieces with pegs that fit securely onto the board. This way, everything is tactile, and pieces can be felt without getting knocked over.

Other classic games that are readily accessible with large print, Braille and other tactile modifications include playing cards, Uno cards, dominos, Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect Four, Monopoly, Bananagrams, Scrabble, and Mancala.

2.   Make Accessible Modifications

With creativity you can modify games that aren’t normally blind friendly. Pick a game you regularly play. Or try something new during the holiday season. You can make games accessible for someone with sight loss. Bump dots and tactile/puff paint can be used to mark pieces or define spaces on a board. Black or brightly colored stickers can make other game elements more visible for low vision players. Adding large print or Braille labels can make other types of game cards accessible. By taking a few little steps, everyone can join in.

3.   Accessible Games for Gift Exchange

Exchanging gifts is a highlight during the holiday season. There are plenty of fun gift exchange games to play at Christmas parties. For example, you can pick names out of a hat and play Secret Santa. For a White Elephant gift exchange game, participants bring wrapped gifts. Everyone gets assigned a number and people pick a gift to open when it’s their turn. There are rules for stealing gifts and other fun twists.

If you’re hosting a gift exchange, make sure it’s an accessible game. Make sure that someone who has visual impairment will be able to read a name or number they pick. You can do this by using a Braille labeler or using large print text. Consider where it would be easiest for them to sit during the game. And be sure to describe items and events verbally so they can fully participate.

4.   Play Audible Games

Adapt visual games into audible accessible games. Use audible word clues instead of gestures for Charades and pictures for Pictionary. How about an accessible open-ended game? You can go around giving each person a time limit for telling and continuing a story. Play 20 questions with the kids. Creativity can really go a long way, especially when you’ve got the whole family or group spending much sought after time together.

5.   RealSAM Can Come in Handy for Accessible Game Time

RealSAM Pocket can come in handy during game time. Just use the built-in video magnifier to enlarge game cards and zoom in to see the game board. You can also use the object text recognition tool to read information. It’s capable of reading all types of texts including handwriting. For example, you’ll be able to use your Pocket to take a picture of your Secret Santa pick. You won’t have to worry about spilling the beans by having another person read your pick. Your RealSAM will be able to read it to you, making it a more accessible game.

If you have a loved one or a friend experiencing sight loss, RealSAM Pocket are fully accessible by voice. It’s friendly and easy to use and can help someone stay connected and independent in so many areas. Find out more about RealSAM features that make a difference for those who are blind or visually impaired when you visit our Online Shop.

A Winning Move

Whatever games or activities you enjoy during the holidays, being able to spend time with friends is really what makes it all so special. And with just a few considerations and a little bit of effort to make things more accessible, you can truly include the whole family regardless of their visual impairments.

Learn more about accessible activities and RealSAM features by reading these related articles:

2023 Gift Guide for Blind and Visually Impaired People

Meet Margaret, RealSAM Pocket user since 2017

Pocket’s Navigation Tool

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The post 5 Accessible Games for Holiday Fun appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Now that the holiday season is here, family gatherings are taking place everywhere. During this time, it’s important to ensure a welcoming home that’s accessible for holiday visits from older family members or friends. Here are some ways to help loved ones age-related needs and sight loss feel comfortable and included during their holiday visit at your home.

Why Holiday Visits are Important

During all the festivities, it’s easy for older individuals or people with sight loss to feel isolated and depressed. They may feel left out because they aren’t able to participate in all the activities the way they used to. Many aren’t as mobile and can’t be out and about. Receiving Christmas cards could be a bittersweet reminder of friends that are no longer around. Some may feel like their visual impairment keeps them from contributing to holiday preparations. Worst of all, they may even feel that they are being a burden or an inconvenience to the family.

When you’re having loved ones over for the holiday, these are some of the feelings and situations you’re mitigating. Family and friends can make such a big difference in helping someone feel a sense of belonging. Little ones can really make grandparents smile, helping them to focus less on age-related difficulties. When your family activities and your home is accessible for holiday visits, it makes an even greater impact.

Preparing the Whole Family

Adult children of older parents have to be mindful of the whole family, both their older parents and younger children. When older family members are coming over it’s important to help little ones be sensitive to their needs. It’s one thing for children to enjoy a quick visit to Papa and Nana’s, it’s quite another thing for them to live in the same space for a few days.

Little ones need to be reminded that their grandparents need quiet and restful moments during the day. It’s also important for them to respect the areas of the home that their grandparents will be staying in. Older children can be reminded to be helpful. They can be responsible for specific tasks and be especially helpful for certain situations during their grandparents’ stay.

If you haven’t seen your parent, in-law, or friend for some time, you may need to prepare yourself emotionally. Expect to see signs of age-related changes when they come to visit. It’s not always easy to see older parents needing help when they’ve always been independent. Keep in mind that change is natural and there are many ways to spend time with loved ones at every stage of life.

Making the Home Accessible

Along with cleaning, helpful arrangements could be made for family or friends who are older or have a visual impairment.

Assign them to a room that is accessible. Many older adults struggle with stairs. If there’s a way, make them comfortable on the first floor. Likewise, make sure they can easily get to the bathroom. For loved ones with low vision provide adequate lighting, especially during the night. They may need to go to the bathroom or the kitchen and need the light to navigate an unfamiliar environment.

For family members who are severely sight impaired, be sure to eliminate any obstacles. Put out of path clutter they can easily bump into or trip over. When they arrive, take the time to really familiarize them with where everything is. They may easily pick up the house layout, or it may take several go-arounds for them to become confident. Start by making sure they can easily navigate their room.

Just as important, show them how to work things around the house. For example, how to get water from the fridge. Is there a button for toggling between ice and water? Would it help to temporarily put a marker on appliances they’ll be using.

Makie Holiday Activities Accessible and Inclusive

Help them feel welcome by taking the time to prepare for their visit and making your home comfortable and accessible. Additionally include them in preparations and family activities. Even if they just have a cup of tea and talk while you prepare meals in the kitchen. Or just sit comfortably and listen as the children decorate the Christmas tree. These simple things will bring joy, warding off feelings of isolation.

Let them have a voice in the family by listening to their stories and experiences. Avoid overloading the family with festivities that are too tiring. If necessary, make provisions for someone to keep them company while the rest of the family are out.

Additionally, when they are participating in family activities, don’t forget to always take a moment to describe to them what’s going on. They may not be able to see and need help to fully participate.

By addressing your loved one’s needs and making your home accessible, the family can be less stressed and more focused on the joy of being together. After all, Christmas is the season for giving and family, so it’s especially important for everyone to feel loved and included no matter what.

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Related Articles

2023 Gift Guide for Blind and Visually Impaired People

When You’re New to Sight Loss During the Holiday

The post Make Your Home Accessible for Holiday Visits appeared first on RealSAM USA.

1. Custom Gifts

If you are good friends, or it’s for someone you know very well, think of a simple, but unique item that would truly put a smile on their face. What are their interests, crafts, music, food, pets, sports? How about an ornament or keepsake with their name, cherished quote, or inside joke.

One thing to keep in mind when giving custom gifts to someone who’s blind or partially sighted, remember that they would appreciate something they could see or feel. If your gift is for someone who has low vision, make sure that the picture is clear, and the writing will be easy for them to read. Opt for large print with an easy-to-read font and high contrast colors.

When you’re giving to someone who’s totally blind, make sure that the gift isn’t something just visually appealing, but something that’s also tactile. For example, instead of a keychain with a picture of their favorite dog, it could be a keychain with that shape. If you can’t find a way to Braille something for a someone who’s Braille reader, you can have a single character or image engraved or embossed.

2. Traditional Treats

You can’t go wrong with traditional festive treats. Candy canes, gingerbread men, assorted chocolates, and all varieties of holiday cookies will delight.

Elevate these traditional treats with some extra thoughtful touches. If possible, find out what their preferences are beforehand. You can also take the time to label the goodies with Braille or large print. And whenever you’re dealing with food, be aware of allergies.

3. Tasty and “Tealightful”

Cozy beverages like teas, hot chocolates, and coffees would go well with delicious traditional sweets. It’s a wonderful treat to pull out a cherished favorite or try out new flavors all through the holiday season.

4. Sweet Scents

Whether it’s a peppermint scented candle for the Christmas season, or personal care products with their favorite scents, aroma therapy is wonderful. Everyone can always use pleasant smelling hand sanitizers and lotions to take along on the go. Soaps, bath products and essential oils are likewise pleasant stocking fillers.

For these gifts, it helps to know what kinds of scents they enjoy. Also, there are a few things to be mindful of with such gifts for someone who’s visually impaired. You may want to select more subtle scents. People with vision impairments rely on all their other senses and they may be sensitive to overpowering aromas.

Additionally, only give candles to someone who will be confident with them. Candles can be difficult to light or may pose a safety hazard for some people. If you know someone with sight loss that loves candles and can manage without a second thought, by all means, scented candles are warm and cozy gifts.

Essential oils are a great alternative to candles. They come in a wide variety and are versatile. You can mix them with Coconut oil and applied for skin and hair treatments, or as something that can be very relaxing. They can also be used with diffusers which can easily be turned on and off with buttons, unlike candles.

5. Merry & Bright

A handheld flashlight or handsfree headlamp would be a great stocking filler for someone who is visually impaired. Portable lights are useful for tasks that require extra lighting, for example sewing. They can also be very useful for someone who struggles at night or in dimly lit environments. It’s always great to have a couple of extra flashlights ready and available.

6. A Touching Gift

Tactile identifiers and markers are useful tools to include as stocking stuffers for people who have low vision or are blind. Bump dots come in different styles and sizes and can stick to buttons and appliances. They make it easier for someone with vision impairment to identify, for example, where the “Start” button is on their microwave. It’s convenient to always have them on hand for when there’s something new or when old ones lose their adhesive over time.

There are various kinds of markers to help someone who’s blind identify and match their clothing. Pocket Money Brailler for marking cash could also be very helpful. Find out what’s available from your local low vision center, enquire from your Services for the Blind, or search online for various tactile markers.

7. A Gift That Really Speaks

Small talking gadgets like a talking keychain watch or talking thermometers are helpful tools to include as stocking stuffers or gifts. A talking cooking thermometer is so useful for someone who relies on timing and temperature instead of how the food appears. Check out your local low vision center or go online to find nifty talking tools that come in so handy.

8.Fun in All Dimensions

For those who are sighted, the Rubix Cube is an iconic toy for party favor bags and holiday stockings. Did you know that there are tactile cubes and various 3D puzzles for those who rely on their sense of touch? Brain teasers and fidget toys are fun gifts for both puzzle lovers and creative minds.

9. Deck the Cards with Braille and Large Print

In addition to 3D puzzles, playing cards are accessible stocking fillers for a friend or a loved one who’s blind or partially sighted. This holiday season, why not create new memories with a family game of Uno, Crazy 8s, and Rummy?

10. Made with Love

Are you an artist or a crafter? Do you know someone who is? Whether it’s from you, or something you’ve commissioned from a friend, homemade gifts may just be the perfect something for your friend or loved one. A knitted beanie, a crocheted scarf, and handmade jewelry; what better way to make someone feel loved with something especially crafted for them. With these types of items, just be mindful of the guidelines we’ve specified. Gifts will be much appreciated when you’ve made an effort for them to be accessible. Make sure they are visible or tactile.

11. Thoughtful Tokens

Gift cards and subscriptions are awesome stocking fillers or big gifts for someone with sight loss. Gift cards for shops and restaurants would be great if they can be redeemed online. It may be easier for someone using a screen reader or magnification to access the online shop or order food, rather than struggling to get transportation to an actual place.

Subscriptions for treats or beverages like tea, coffee, and wine, would be most excellent as they are delivered to their door. Just be sure that their online shop or app is accessible for someone who’s using magnification or a screen reader. Some companies require patrons to create accounts for monthly selections.

In the same way, this rule also applies for digital content, like streaming services, podcasts, and audiobooks. You want to make sure that the digital content is accessible to your friend or loved one.

12. A Present for All Seasons

If you’re really looking for something completely accessible for your loved one, why not a RealSAM Pocket for Christmas? RealSAM Pockets are fully voice operated for anyone who’s struggling to use a conventional smartphone. The simple, “tap to talk” button allows them to make calls, manage contacts, and send messages by voice. With this gift they’ll be able to stay in touch all year round.

What’s more, with Pocket, they’ll also be able to stay connected with access to unlimited streaming for no additional subscription. Learn more about Pocket’s amazing accessibility by scheduling a demonstration or by visiting our Pocket’s page.

It’s the Thought that Counts

These are 12 ideas with tips and advice for giving amazing stocking fillers and gifts this Christmas. If you find these suggestions helpful, be sure to share. But remember, it’s the thought that really counts and your friends and loved ones will just love the fact that you thought of them.

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The post 2023 Gift Guide for Blind and Visually Impaired People appeared first on RealSAM USA.

December brings us Christmas music, holiday sales, decorations, and calendars filled with festivities. It’s a time of joy and celebration. But what if you’re dealing with sight loss for the first time this holiday season? You may feel like you’re just barely coping and yet you’re expected to cheerily participate in all the goings on. Here are some ways you can navigate sight loss during the holidays.

You’re Not a Grinch

If you don’t feel like celebrating the way you usually celebrate because of sight loss, you’re not a Grinch. Don’t feel guilty about wanting to spend just a quieter more subdued Christmas, Hanukah, New Years or whatever you usually celebrate. Any health issues could be a traumatic experience, especially if it occurs suddenly, or if it’s a lasting change. Allow yourself to adjust and come to a place of acceptance and mental healing without being pressured into activities that feel overwhelming.

Honesty is not Humbug

Are there friends and loved ones who could be there for you if they knew what you were going through? With them, you don’t have to be embarrassed about sight loss. There’s no need to hide it or act like it’s not as bad. Honesty matters. True friends and loved ones will care and respect you for who you are regardless of your vision. You would want to be there for them, wouldn’t you? Instead of spending the holidays on your own, why not consider letting those few and trusted come in.

Shining a Light for the Little Ones

If you are a parent or a grandparent living with young children, sight loss may be difficult for them to grasp right away. They may not understand that you now have to do things differently and they could be more sensitive to all the changes during this season. With patience and gentleness, take the time to explain to them what it’s like for you. Tell them to describe their artwork, or the beautiful decorations they see. When you take the time to explain to them, they will begin to understand. They will learn how to be kind and helpful, not just to you, but also to others. If you do your best to be positive around them, they will remember your strength when they are going through future difficulties.

Shopping That Helps

Go shopping. Not for toys and trinkets necessarily, but for helpful aids and assistive technology that could make a big difference. From kitchen gadgets to accessible phones like RealSAM, there’s something in the market for everyone. Maybe this season is about finding out what works for you. If it sounds overwhelming, you can visit a low vision center near you. Many of them have products for demonstrations. You can try out different technologies, get guidance with purchasing and training.

Father Christmas Had Help and So Can You

If you are new to sight loss, you may feel helpless, that there’s very little you can do on your own. It won’t always be this way; you will be able to do many things independently. It takes time to learn and build confidence. In the meantime, if there’s something you can’t do, ask for help. For example, if shopping for gifts is something that brings you joy, and you can’t get to the store on your own or shop online, ask for help. You may eventually get mobility training to get to shops or assistive technology to shop online, but in the meantime, don’t miss out, ask for help.

If you have more critical needs at this time, it’s important to know that there is help and support. Reach out to your local sight loss organization for resources and guidance. They are there for you.

A Vision for the Season

Despite sight loss, it doesn’t take eyes to remember the true themes of the Christmas season, peace, love, joy, and hope. It’s a time to give thanks for blessings, cherish our loved ones and take joy in knowing that there’s a brighter future to come. If sight loss is overwhelming, take it one day at a time. With support and determination, you will soon be stepping into a new year with independence and confidence.

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The post When You’re New to Sight Loss During the Holiday Season appeared first on RealSAM USA.