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Playful Educational Activities / Nature, Games, Computer Games, and Toys

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  • Accessible Chess game for Windows. Opens in a new window: Created by Nathan Tech (UK). Free demo version. Paid full version with more features.
  • Accessible LEGO building instructionsOpens in a new window:
    Text-based instructions in sequence make building elaborate sets with LEGO accessible for screen reader users. LEGO is a great way to improve spatial awareness and spatial reasoning. Numbers of Lego sets for which accessible instructions have been created available from the website. Created by Matthew Shifrin, a high school student who is blind, together with his sighted friend.
  • Accessible OrigamiOpens in a new window:Blog about accessible origami for users who are blind or vision impaired, by a mother who is blind. Text-based introductory tutorials on basic origami folds and how to get started folding for beginners. Also provides basic text-only step-by-step instructions on how to fold popular origami figures, including a fox, a swan, an angel fish, and a bouncy bunny.
  • Accessible Wordle.Opens in a new window: Free chrome extension to make the popular daily five-letter word guessing game Wordle accessible. Perkins eLearning explain why it is a good learning toolOpens in a new window.
  • BallylandOpens in a new window:
    Preschool educational computer program with special support and design features for very young children who are blind or have low vision and lots of support features for children with other or additional special needs. Playful Early Learning keyboarding, cause and effect. Created by Sonokids.
  • BG Chess Challenge 1.0Opens in a new window: Free chess game for Windows in the 'blind gamers' series. Created by Spoonbill Software (Western Australia).
  • Blind RadioOpens in a new window: Blind-friendly internet radio web site which offers access to thousands of free online radio channels.
  • Extreme FrisbeeOpens in a new window: This video shows a new game developed by Nulkaba Public School, NSW, called Extreme Frisbee. It is published on their Youtube Channel ‘Hairy Dog Productions’ which showcases a series of games created as part of a social skills program for students who are blind or have low vision to play with their peers. The videos are created by and for students. For the ethos behind the Extreme Frisbee Game, please visit this article on the Paths to Literacy websiteOpens in a new window
  • FashioneyestaOpens in a new window:
    A blog on Fashion and Lifestyle for blind and partially sighted people, by a young, fashion-loving woman who is herself vision impaired.
  • Hark The Sound GamesOpens in a new window:
    by the University of North Carolina (US), is a series of really simple, free sound games intended for young children who are blind or have low vision. Includes three types of games; Naming Games, Category Games, and Pad Game. The Pad games, including Braille Twister, can be played with the Dance Mat of a Play Station II game console. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.Opens in a new window
  • Help Kidz LearnOpens in a new window:
    website that allows young children, and students with special needs, to play a wide range of games online. With ten free games (after registration), and a large number of subscription-based games. By Inclusive Technology in the UK.
  • How to create content for a podcast in an accessible wayOpens in a new window People who are blind or vision impaired can/should be content creators – not just consumers. Useful resources and strategies for content creation, by Glen Morrow (Statewide Vision Resource Centre).
  • Hungry FingersOpens in a new window:
    Educational tools designed to give children with a vision impairment the confidence that with poor vision, or even without sight, they can be in command of the space around them. They can learn how objects are related to one another, and why they look, or feel different when we draw them. Developed by Professor Bob Marek.
  • International Braille Chess AssociationOpens in a new window:
    (IBCA) is the apex body of chess for the blind and is affiliated to FIDE (Federation Internationale Des Echecs - the world body of chess for sighted)
  • Lego Braille Bricks Opens in a new window: Learning through play. The site includes a link to the MOOC- Massive Open Online Course on How to use the braille blocks learning kit, including playful instructions and ideas for activities with LEGO Braille Bricks.
  • LEGOs in EducationOpens in a new window:
    Blog post by Diane Brauner for the Perkins eLearning - Paths to Technology website. Valuable tips for using LEGO bricks in educational activities, such as hands-on math activities, and tips to build with LEGO for students who are blind or have low vision.
  • Nature for the BlindOpens in a new window:
    Directory of more than 160 Braille trails and sensory gardens in 28 countries around the world. Also information and links for schools for the blind around the world, summer camps and other educational resources. Created by Evan Barnard, Georgia, USA.
  • Playopolis ToysOpens in a new window: Online shop providing toys that encourage children to play, to learn what happens as a result of their actions, and to build skills. To facilitate choosing the best toys for special needs, toys are grouped by category. (USA, formerly known as Playworks).
  • Reach and Match Learning Kit Opens in a new window: An award winning tool which assists children who are blind or have low vision to learn braille and essential developmental skills through exercises and games with their peers.
  • SCIVIS Space CampOpens in a new window: A week long camp that takes place at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, US. Especially catering for children with a vision impairment (from 10 years old).
  • Special Needs Toys AustraliaOpens in a new window: Online shop for parents, teachers and therapists to purchase equipment, toys and aids that can be used in play or as part of a therapy program. In category Sensory, then either Auditory or Tactile, there are a number of toys which can be enjoyed by children with limited or no vision. Under Sensory, then Visual Perceptual there are some toys with bright, flashing lights which could also be used by children with low vision.
  • Sensory Corner – Positive LivingOpens in a new window:
    Attractive range of therapeutic tools and toys collected by educational psychologist Rachel Cheung for her online shop
  • Tack-Tiles Braille SystemsOpens in a new window:
    Based on LEGO-type blocks, these Braille blocks are tactile aids that support development of Braille literacy skills in a fun way. They can be used in combination with regular LEGO. Made in the US can be ordered from and sent around the world.
  • The Blind Sport PodcastOpens in a new window: Audio podcast hosted by New Zealander Mike Lloyd, issued approximately twice per month. Each podcast covers an interview about sports for people who are blind or have low vision and shares information and tips.
  • Toys and activitiesOpens in a new window:
    List of recommended toys and activities for blind babies, toddlers, and children. Compiled by mother of a now 8 years old daughter who is totally blind.
  • Twister GameOpens in a new window:
    A valuable guide by Loretta White (Future Reflections, Fall 2008, National Federation of the Blind, US) on how to adapt the “Twister” game for children who are blind.