Accessible Parties and Games

All disabled people have the right to participate in cultural life, recreation, and leisure activities on an equal basis with others. This page centers disabled people’s expertise and practical knowledge about creating genuinely inclusive social gatherings.

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Why This Matters

Social isolation is one of the most significant and least-discussed impacts of disability. When parties, game nights, and social gatherings aren’t accessible, disabled people don’t just miss one event—we miss the relationships, inside jokes, and community bonds that form through shared experiences.

The good news: accessibility doesn’t require huge budgets or perfect execution. It requires thoughtfulness, flexibility, and asking disabled people what we actually need rather than assuming.

This guide covers practical strategies for hosting accessible events, finding games that work across different access needs, and navigating social gatherings as a disabled person.

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Planning Accessible Events

Before You Invite Anyone

Venue considerations:

• Is the entrance step-free? (Not just “there’s a ramp somewhere”—is it actually usable?)
• Where’s the nearest accessible parking or transit stop?
• Are there accessible restrooms? (Check width, grab bars, and whether the path to them is clear)
• Is there quiet space available for sensory breaks?
• What’s the lighting like? Can it be adjusted?
• What are the seating options? Can people move chairs, lie down, or sit on the floor if that’s what works for them?

For home gatherings: You don’t need a “perfect” accessible space. What matters is being honest about what your space offers and doesn’t offer, so people can make informed decisions.

Sample language: “My apartment has three steps at the entrance and one bathroom upstairs. I can set up the main gathering in the living room, which has a mix of couch seating and floor cushions. Let me know if you have access needs I should know about for planning.”

Invitations That Actually Help

Accessible invitations give people the information they need to decide whether and how to attend. This isn’t about lengthy disclaimers—it’s about being specific and honest.

Include:

• Exact address and specific entrance instructions
• Parking and transit details
• Physical layout information (stairs, seating types, bathroom locations)
• What to expect (loud music? dim lighting? lots of people?)
• Food/drink situation (what’s provided, can people bring their own, allergen info)
• Explicit invitation to share access needs: “Let me know what would help you participate”
• Start AND end time (predictability matters)
• Whether there’s flexibility to arrive late, leave early, or come and go

Sample invitation:

Game night at my place, Saturday 6-10pm. Address: [specific address]. Street parking available, nearest bus stop is [X]. My building has elevator access and an accessible bathroom on the main floor.

We’ll be in the living room—mix of couch, chairs, and floor space. I’ll have snacks out (ingredient list attached) and people are welcome to bring their own food. Drinks available but BYOB also fine.

It’ll be maybe 8-10 people, background music but conversation-level noise, regular lighting. There’s a quiet bedroom available if anyone needs a break.

No pressure to stay the whole time. Let me know if there’s anything that would help you participate!

During the Event

Pacing and breaks:

• Build in natural break points rather than marathon sessions
• Announce when breaks are happening: “We’re going to take 15 minutes before the next game”
• Don’t make people ask for breaks—assume some people need them and normalize them
• Have water and snacks accessible throughout, not just at meals

Flexibility signals:

• “Feel free to step out whenever you need to”
• “You can join in the next round if you want to sit this one out”
• “There’s no wrong way to participate”
• Let people engage at their own level without comment

Check-ins without spotlight:

• Individual, quiet check-ins work better than public “is everyone okay?”
• A simple “how are you doing?” during a natural pause
• Text option: “text me if you need anything during the party”

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Accessible Games by Type

Board Games and Tabletop

What makes a board game more accessible:

• Simple rules that can be explained in 5 minutes or less
• Short play time (30-60 minutes) or games that can be stopped mid-play
• Limited fine motor requirements (small pieces, fiddly setup)
• Not heavily dependent on reading small text quickly
• Works with varied numbers of players
• Low-pressure (cooperative or low-stakes competitive)

Highly accessible options:

• Codenames (Pictures version especially): Team-based, no reading required for Pictures version, can accommodate different communication styles
• Dixit: Visual cards, creative interpretation, no “wrong” answers
• Telestrations: Drawing and guessing, no art skill required, consistently produces laughter
• Wavelength: Discussion-based, no reading during play, works with varied communication styles
• Just One: Cooperative word game, simple mechanics, no time pressure
• Concept: Pictionary-style but with icons instead of drawing, no time limits
• Qwirkle: Tile-matching, no reading, tactile pieces
• Azul: Visual puzzle, chunky tiles, no reading, can be played without speaking

Games with accessibility considerations:

• Ticket to Ride: Great game but small cards, tiny train pieces. Works better with card holders and on large tables.
• Settlers of Catan: Lots of small pieces, complex trading negotiations. May need longer play time and piece modifications.
• Scrabble: Reading/spelling dependent, small tiles. Consider Bananagrams as an alternative with larger, easier-to-handle tiles.

Tabletop roleplaying games:

Tabletop RPGs (like Dungeons & Dragons) can be highly accessible because they’re fundamentally flexible—everything is negotiable with your group. However, they’re often run in ways that create barriers.

Making tabletop RPGs more accessible:

• Session zero to discuss access needs, content limits, and communication preferences
• Shorter sessions (2-3 hours) with built-in breaks
• Mix of communication methods (verbal, text, gesture)
• Dice rolling apps for people who have difficulty with physical dice
• Character sheets in accessible formats
• Rules flexibility—prioritize fun and storytelling over mechanical correctness
• Safety tools like X-Card, Lines and Veils (look these up—they’re designed by the tabletop community to make games more comfortable)

Card Games

Accessible options:

• Uno: Classic for a reason—simple rules, large cards available, color/symbol matching
• Exploding Kittens: Visual cards, simple mechanics, short rounds
• Sushi Go: Pass-and-pick, visual scoring, plays quickly
• Love Letter: Very few cards to hold, simple decisions, short rounds
• The Mind: No talking during play (great for people who struggle with verbal communication), simple concept

Adaptations that help:

• Card holders for people with limited hand strength or dexterity
• Large-print card decks
• Card shuffling machines
• Table space to lay out hand rather than holding cards

Video Games

Video games have made significant accessibility progress in recent years, largely because disabled gamers and accessibility consultants pushed for it.

Party games with strong accessibility features:

• Jackbox Party Packs: Phone-based input (use your own device), many don’t require fast reactions, customizable settings. “Quiplash,” “Fibbage,” and “Drawful” are standouts.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Auto-accelerate, steering assist, variety of control schemes
• Overcooked (with caveats): Highly cooperative, but can be stressful—play on easier levels with communication about stress tolerance
• Among Us: Text-based communication option, no reaction time requirements, can be played across devices
• Fall Guys: Simple controls, visual gameplay, failure is low-stakes and funny

Games with notable accessibility options:

• The Last of Us Part II: Widely considered a landmark in game accessibility—extensive options for vision, hearing, motor, and cognitive access
• Forza Horizon series: One-touch driving assists, speed adjustments, colorblind modes
• Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller: Hardware designed for customization with a wide range of inputs

What to look for:

• Remappable controls
• Subtitle options (with speaker identification and sound descriptions)
• Colorblind modes
• Speed/difficulty adjustments
• One-handed control options
• Screen reader support (rare but growing)

Resources:

• Can I Play That? (caniplaythat.com): Reviews games specifically for accessibility
• DAGERS (Disabled Accessibility for Gaming Entertainment Rating System): Accessibility ratings
• Game Accessibility Guidelines (gameaccessibilityguidelines.com): Developer resource but useful for understanding features

Active and Movement Games

Not all parties involve sitting around tables. Here’s how to make more active games inclusive.

Adaptable classics:

• Charades: Can be adapted for seated play, no speaking required, visual creativity
• Pictionary: Drawing-based, can use digital tools, seated play
• Two Truths and a Lie: Verbal game, seated, no movement required
• 20 Questions: Verbal/written, fully accessible with communication adaptations

Party games with natural flexibility:

• Heads Up: Phone-based charades, can adapt poses for seated players
• What Do You Meme?: Card-based caption game, minimal movement
• Cards Against Humanity / Apples to Apples: Card selection and discussion, fully seated

Making movement games more inclusive:

• Offer role variations: timekeeper, scorekeeper, judge, announcer
• Allow seated participation or modified movements
• Remove time pressure or competitive elements
• Make “sitting out” a normal, unpressured option

Word and Trivia Games

Communication-flexible options:

• Codenames: Works with pointing, can be played without speaking
• Concept: Icons instead of words, no speech required
• Pictionary: Drawing-based communication

Trivia considerations:

• Team-based trivia reduces pressure on individuals
• Varied categories help people contribute their knowledge areas
• Written answer options for people who process or communicate verbally more slowly
• Avoid timed “buzz in” formats that favor quick verbal processing

Word game adaptations:

• Scattergories: Allow typed answers, extend time limits
• Boggle: Use larger letter dice, allow physical manipulation of letters
• Crosswords (cooperative): Work together on a projected crossword, no time pressure

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Food and Drink

Planning Inclusive Food

Food at social events often creates barriers for disabled people, whether through allergies, dietary restrictions, medication interactions, or sensory issues.

Basics:

• Ask about dietary needs in advance (invite should include this)
• Label all food clearly with ingredients
• Have options, not just one thing
• Include plain/simple options alongside complex dishes
• Keep ingredients list available (not just “contains nuts”—what’s actually in it?)
• Have water easily accessible throughout, not just with food

Common needs to consider:

• Food allergies (nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs, gluten)
• Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher)
• Medication interactions (some medications interact with grapefruit, alcohol, tyramine-rich foods)
• Sensory preferences (textures, temperatures, flavors)
• Eating timing (some people need to eat at specific times for blood sugar or medication)
• Utensil needs (straws, adaptive utensils, plates with rims)

Sample approach:

“I’m doing a taco bar—tortillas, protein options including vegetarian, toppings, etc. Full ingredient list attached. Let me know if you have dietary needs I should plan around, or feel free to bring your own food if that’s easier.”

Alcohol and Substance Considerations

• Having alcohol available is fine; making it the focus creates pressure
• Always have appealing non-alcoholic options (not just water and soda—fancy mocktails, interesting juices)
• Never comment on what people are or aren’t drinking
• Be aware that many medications don’t mix with alcohol
• For cannabis-legal areas: same principles—available but not central, no pressure, awareness of medication interactions
• Have food available if substances are present

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Sensory Considerations

Sound

Common challenges:

• Background noise makes conversation difficult for people with hearing loss, auditory processing differences, or anyone using hearing aids
• Sudden loud noises can be painful or triggering
• Music volume often creeps up over the course of an event

Strategies:

• Designate quiet space away from main gathering
• Keep background music low enough for conversation
• Avoid sudden sound changes (turning music on/off abruptly)
• Consider visual alerts for doorbells or other signals
• If playing games with sound, provide captioning or visual alternatives
• For larger events: hearing loops, real-time captioning, or sign language interpreters

Light

Common challenges:

• Fluorescent lighting can trigger migraines, seizures, or sensory overload
• Very dim lighting makes lipreading and facial expressions hard to read
• Flashing lights are dangerous for people with photosensitive epilepsy
• Bright sunlight or glare can be painful

Strategies:

• Adjustable lighting when possible
• Avoid flickering bulbs or candles in main gathering spaces (flameless candles are fine)
• Warn about any lighting changes in advance
• Provide sunglasses-friendly environment (no comments about wearing sunglasses indoors)
• Natural light with options to control it (blinds, curtains)

Smell

Common challenges:

• Strong scents can trigger migraines, asthma, or sensory overload
• Perfumes, air fresheners, scented candles, strong cooking smells
• Chemical sensitivities to cleaning products

Strategies:

• Request fragrance-light attendance: “please go easy on perfumes/colognes”
• Skip scented candles and air fresheners
• Ventilate well, especially during/after cooking
• Use unscented cleaning products before the event
• Provide outdoor or well-ventilated space option

Temperature

• Let people adjust their own temperature (layers, blankets, fans)
• Don’t comment on people’s temperature regulation
• Be aware that some medications and conditions affect temperature sensitivity
• Have water available (dehydration affects many conditions)

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Communication Accessibility

Multiple Ways to Participate

Not everyone communicates the same way, and not everyone’s communication is consistent throughout an event (fatigue, pain, and medication effects are real).

Offer options:

• Verbal and written participation
• Gesture-based responses
• Text or phone-based game inputs (like Jackbox)
• Pointing or card-selection games
• Role options that involve different communication amounts (dealer vs. player, scorekeeper vs. active participant)

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Guests

• Face people when speaking
• Reduce background noise when possible
• Good lighting for lipreading
• Written or visual game options
• For larger events: consider ASL interpreters, CART (real-time captioning)
• Ask what each person prefers—don’t assume

For Guests with Speech Differences

• Allow time for communication without finishing sentences
• Written communication options
• AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device-friendly pacing
• Games that don’t require quick verbal responses

For Guests with Processing Differences

• Give extra time for game decisions
• Explain rules multiple ways (verbal, written, demonstration)
• Repeat information without making it weird
• Allow “phone a friend” (asking another player for help)
• Check understanding without putting anyone on the spot

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Hosting as a Disabled Person

You Don’t Have to Do It All

Hosting while disabled often means acknowledging your own limits. This is fine. Actually, it’s good modeling for everyone.

Strategies:

• Co-host with someone who can handle what you can’t
• Delegate specific tasks (someone else does food, someone else handles setup)
• Host events that match your capacity (board game night might be easier than dinner party)
• Communicate your own needs: “I’ll need to rest during the party—that’s normal, it’s not about you”
• Set end times that work for you and stick to them
• It’s okay to host from your bed/couch/wheelchair—the social connection is what matters

Low-Energy Hosting Options

• Movie night: Set up, press play, minimal active hosting required
• Potluck: Everyone brings food, you provide space
• Game night with designated game-teacher: You host, someone else learns and explains rules
• “Hang out”: No structured activity, just presence—sometimes the best kind of gathering

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Attending Parties as a Disabled Person

Advocating for Your Needs

Before the event:

• Ask for accessibility information if it’s not provided
• Share needs that require planning (dietary, physical access, communication)
• Confirm what accommodations are possible
• Decide if the event is accessible enough to be enjoyable, or if you’d rather skip it

Sample script: “Thanks for the invite! A few questions: Is the space accessible for someone using [mobility aid]? What’s the food situation—I have [dietary need]. And is there somewhere quiet I could take a break if needed?”

It’s okay to:

• Ask questions
• State your needs directly
• Request changes
• Decide not to attend if access isn’t possible
• Leave early
• Arrive late
• Participate differently than others
• Take breaks
• Bring your own food, chair, cushion, or whatever you need

Managing Energy at Events

• You don’t have to stay the whole time
• Taking breaks is normal and fine
• Leaving early is not rude (give a warm goodbye and go)
• You can participate from the edges—not everyone needs to be in the center of the action
• Bring what you need (medications, snacks, support items)
• Check in with yourself throughout: “Am I still enjoying this?”

When Events Aren’t Accessible

Sometimes events aren’t accessible and no one’s willing to change them. This is frustrating and disappointing, and it’s not your fault.

Options:

• Decline and be honest about why: “I’d love to come, but I can’t access the venue. Hope you have fun!”
• Suggest accessible alternatives: “Could we do something at [accessible location] instead?”
• Organize your own accessible events
• Find community with people who prioritize accessibility
• Let yourself grieve the things you miss—that’s legitimate and real

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Resources

Disability-Led Organizations and Communities

• Disability Visibility Project (disabilityvisibilityproject.com): Alice Wong’s ongoing project centering disabled people’s voices, including social and cultural content
• Sins Invalid: Disability justice performance project that models accessible, intersectional community gatherings
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (autisticadvocacy.org): Resources on autistic community building
• Disabled People’s Organizations in your region (search “[your country/region] disabled people’s organization”)

Gaming Accessibility

• Can I Play That? (caniplaythat.com): Video game accessibility reviews by disabled reviewers
• AbleGamers (ablegamers.org): Organization supporting disabled gamers, custom controller support
• Special Effect (specialeffect.org.uk): UK-based charity helping disabled people play games
• Game Accessibility Guidelines (gameaccessibilityguidelines.com): Comprehensive developer guidelines
• BoardGameGeek Accessibility Guild: Board game accessibility discussions and recommendations

Accessible Event Planning

• Rooted in Rights: Disability media and culture
• Autistic community resources on social events: Many autistic organizations have published guides on sensory-friendly events
• Local Independent Living Centers: Often have resources on accessible event planning in your community

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Where Are You Starting From?

If You’re Hosting Your First Accessible Event

Start simple. Pick one or two things to focus on (maybe venue accessibility and food labeling). Ask guests what they need. Be willing to learn and adjust.

If You’re a Disabled Person Who’s Been Excluded

It’s not your imagination, and it’s not your fault. Inaccessible social spaces are a real barrier, and the isolation is a real harm. Building your own accessible community—even if it starts small—can be powerful.

If You’re a Regular Host Who Wants to Do Better

You’re probably already doing some things right. This guide isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention and flexibility. Start by adding accessibility information to your invitations and asking guests what they need.

If You’re Planning a Larger Event

Many of these principles scale up, but larger events need more infrastructure: captioning, interpreters, physical access audits, sensory considerations built into venue selection. Hire disabled consultants.

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Related Pages

• Recreation, Travel, and Outdoors
• In-Person Community
• Online Communities
• Assistive Technology Overview
• Communication Access and AAC
• Sensory Disabilities
• Neurodivergence

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This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.

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Contribute to This Page

Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.

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This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.