Hale Library, the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab and the Student Access Center will host an Accessible Games Day on Monday, Oct 3. The come-and-go event takes place from 1-7 p.m. at Hale Library.
“We are doing a game day with accessibility in mind,” Angie Brunk, academic services librarian at Hale Library, said. “We have some games that have been modified, some games that can be easily modified.”
Brunk said she has a disability herself.
“I’m visually impaired,” she said. “I was born with cataracts. I’m considered low-vision. I’m still very much sighted and I use my vision but I do not have normal vision. Like, I can’t drive.”
Brunk said that while she is open about her own disability, she acknowledges that many disabled people are not and that some do not feel safe disclosing their disability to others.
“This is part of your identity. I was born visually impaired, it’s always been a part of my identity. It’s part of who I am and it shaped who I am,” Brunk said.
The event will include modified versions of games such as Exploding Kittens, Cards Against Humanity, Avalon and Monopoly, Brunk said.
“The money’s all brailled,” Brunk said. “We have enlarged property deeds, and then the board also has a braille overlay. And then larger dice.”
In addition to physical games, Brunk said there will be virtual games available.
“We are showing a platform called RS Games that I really love because it allows interabled groups to have the same experience at the same time,” Brunk said. “You have your choice of a text-based interface for the game if you need a visual interface or a complete audio interface for the game. And we will have stations with RS Games set up for that game night.”
According to rsgames.org, RS Games creates modified board, card and dice games to be accessible for blind and visually imparied individuals. Their online platform has over 20 games, including Monopoly, Uno and Scrabble.
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Brunk said the event seeks to be inclusive of many disabilities.
“We’re just trying to make sure that we’re including a variety of games because the needs of disabled people vary,” Brunk said.
Alexa Murray, freshman in environmental design, appreciates the inclusivity of this event.
“I think it’s a really cool opportunity for students who don’t have access to other events that are planned for the majority of students,” Murray said. “It’s a good opportunity to help them to get involved if they feel isolated from other things that are planned since they aren’t in the majority and they can easily feel like they aren’t being included.”
Brunk said she agrees with the need for inclusivity.
“No one should be excluded from the pain of playing Monopoly,” Brunk said.
Nora Bishop, junior in park management and conservation, said a games day is a good way to raise awareness about disabilities.
“I think that by offering, like, some fun and enjoyable programming is the best way because you just can’t have lecture and expect people to show up.” Bishop said.
More information about the Accessible Games Day is available on the K-State Libraries events page.
