Bretting games for the blind: New media library makes access easier!
Bretting games for the blind: New media library makes access easier!
The world of board games offers a lot of fun, but for people with visual impairments, these would often be an unattainable dream. However, the "German Blind Studies" (Blista) in Marburg has found a way to give broad access. With the opening of the "Library of Things" in December 2022, an important point of contact was created to facilitate blind people and their families to participate in the board game.
Mirko Melz, head of the Blista accessibility center, emphasizes that the provision of special board games is often associated with high costs. In particular, the purchase of adaptive materials represents a challenge. Nevertheless, the response to the offer is consistently positive. Numerous inquiries about other implemented games show the great interest.
board games for everyone - also for blind
In the media library, users can borrow not only learning materials and books in braille, but also board games. Classics such as chess and Malefiz are prepared in close cooperation with game publishers especially for blind people. To make playing easier, the adapted game boards have thicker, haptically designed surfaces with magnets and recesses.
older people use the media library in particular because the eyesight often subsides in old age. The offer of the "Deutsche-Blinden-library" is aimed not only at blind people themselves, but also to parents and teachers of blind children who need important aids to promote participation. Inquiries can be addressed directly to the blista (info@blista.de).
everyday challenges and adjustments
board and card games are very popular with sighting people, but the offer for the blind is limited. Katja Löffler from the Central Library Foundation for Blind in Hamburg reports that not all games can be redesigned for the blind. One example is the well-known "human-noiser-dich-not", which has a special game board with tangible fields and figures. However, these adaptations are often a major challenge and costly.
The adaptation of games is also a question of demand. While old classics such as chess and lady have found a certain spread, more modern games are difficult to access. Small companies and private individuals, such as Velen games, are committed to making games available for blind people. Mattel also released the first official UN Braille card game, which is available in regular trade at 17.99 euros.
promotion of inclusion
Adapted board games play a central role in promoting inclusion. Including games offer both blind and the visually the opportunity to play and interact. In addition to the blista, games such as "4 wins" and "human not annoying yourself" can also be purchased in the aid shop of the auxiliary community, where special variants are offered for different needs.Overall, it can be seen that the world of board games for blind people brings challenges, but also becomes more accessible through innovative approaches and the commitment of various players. The willingness to adapt and the offer of suitable materials are crucial for participation and joint game fun.
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