Physically Challenged

This section does not contain many games for the physically challenged. The reason is that there are no games that I know of specifically for the handicapped. Special needs providers all say that physically challenged people should play the same games everyone else plays. Alter rules or give help accordingly to make the games fair for everyone. The two games that were presented for this section were Balloon Blowout where some players were blindfolded and given a partner, verbally and physically guiding them, to simulate a blind person playing as well as people in wheelchairs with no help, and Blind Buddy Relay. Many of the games on this website can be altered in someway for the handicapped.

The following sections are from handouts given at the presentation on games for the physically challenged. I don't have a reference for this material, (My classmate could have even type this herself, sorry.). I just want it to be know that I am not the author of these section and do not take credit for it.

Tips On Dealing With The Handicapped

Offer help when it looks as though it might be needed but do not insist on it if the individual refuses aid.
Don't "hover". Handicapped people do not wish to be treated as babies. Children react the same way. They want to be like you and me.
When a handicapped person falls, take it easy. Wait for them to give you a cue. If he can get up by himself, he may prefer doing that. If he needs a lift he will tell you which is the easiest way to get him back on his feet.
Crutches and wheelchairs are necessary accessories. Don't take them away from the handicapped person unless he indicated he would like to have them out of the way. Nothing is more irritating than to have your crutches grabbed quickly as soon as you hit the chair, leaving you stranded.
Vehicles are difficult even for the young and agile. The handicapped often need help here, again, let them tell you how to help. Those who do not need to be carried up the steps usually have methods of their own for making them. Do not pull an arm or push from behind unless such assistance has been requested. Precarious balance can be lost entirely with such tactics.
Relax. No matter what you do, if you are friendly and kind, the handicapped person is going to like you.
Have fun. Talk about the same things you would with any other person. A physical handicap does not necessarily limit your interests or dampen your sence of humour.
Be yourself. Don't be sticky sweet. Omit the pious note.
Let common sence and consideration be your guide, and you will never err seriously. The disabled are just like you are, only with a physical difference that does not have to make them feel or think differently.
When in doubt ask - "May I help you?" "How can I help?"
Remember that it is a whole person that we are dealing with.

What You've Wanted To Know About Helping The Handicapped But Were Afraid to Ask!

In order to ensure the safety and the comfort of physically disabled people and non-physically disabled people when they are together, it is important to remember the following points:

Find out the mechanics of the wheelchair.
Before you start pushing a person in a wheelchair, check for anything caught in the wheels - coats, blankets, scarves, hands, etc.
Check to see if the brake is off because a fast start with the brakes could jar the person right out of the wheelchair.
It is better to back down an incline or curb so the chair does not run away from you. To support it so it does not come down quickly, avoid pushing against the back of the chair because that is the person's back.
If you are going up one small step, tip the front wheels and move up. If there is more than one step go backwards.
If you must go up a flight of stairs with a person in a wheelchair, make sure you have adequate help; one person behind and two people on each side. Grab the chair where it is secure, where no parts will come off. For example, sometimes arms will pull off the chair in order to facilitate transferring.
To go through a swinging door: if the door swings in, push it open with your seat and pull the chair in backwards. If the door swings out, open the door hold and pull, push the wheelchair through.
Don't try and take the chair through loose sand, gravel, ice and snow. If it is necessary to go on rough ground, you may need to go slowly or quickly depending on conditions. Sometimes if you tip the chair on its rear wheels, it makes it easier.
When you are entering and exiting from an elevator, check to see that the elevator and floor are level - avoid bumps.
Be careful of elevator doors, some close very quickly.
You cannot usually turn a wheelchair in an elevator, so enter and exit the same way.
Wheelchair people don't like crowded elevators. They are smothered and claustrophobic. Wait for another.
While walking with a person in a wheelchair, be aware of the person and what he/she is interested in. If you are walking in a crowd, it is difficult to hear so keep in touch, lean over, make comments, see if there is any place that the person would like to go.
Most people in wheelchairs don't like to go into the middle of a crowd. Skirt it. Remember the level you are at. It is full of noise, dust, dirt, kids, shopping bags, dogs, etc. This can be very claustrophobic, so be aware of the feeling.
If you want to talk to a person in a wheelchair, go somewhere where you can sit so that eye level is equal. Looking up is difficult and tiring. If it is impossible to sit down, stoop over, bend over or move a few steps away from the wheelchair, so that the back of the neck does not have to he held back for long periods of time.
Be aware of eye level for viewing. Just because you can see doesn't mean the person in a wheelchair can. Often bars, railings, block the vision. Bend down to their eye level and check out what they can see.
The person in a wheelchair has fears about whether the volunteer can handle the chair, so avoid dangerous positions; e.g. stairs, inclines and ramps. If you must stop at the top of the stairs, turn the chair sideways so that if the chair is bumped it won't go down, and put the brakes on.
If you are helping a person to stand up, give him a waiting time so their body can adjust to the new position. Don't let go until they say they are ready.
Check with the person on canes and crutches before you assist them. A too helpful arm can throw them off balance.
A person in a wheelchair is not an object sitting in a chair; it is a person. However, sometimes the person with a disability is the object of curiosity. Be aware of it. Don't panic yourself. Try to treat the situation as honestly as possible. Don't pretend the disability is not there.
Remember pride and self-dignity all the time. Let a person with a disability do his/her own inquiring whenever possible.
Don't play sexual games. Feed their fantasy and you must satisfy it.

The person is the authority on his/her disability. Ask them the best way to help and work out a system so you are both comfortable. Keep dignity and safety in mind at all times.

When You Meet a Blind Person

Treat a blind person as you would anyone else. He does the same things as you, but sometimes uses different techniques.
If you are not sure how much a blind person sees, ask. Not all blind people have total absence of sight. Most have some sight and make the best use of what vision remains.
Speak to a blind or visually impaired person in a normal tone of voice. Identify yourself and let him know you are addressing him by using his name or touching his arm. Be sure to indicate when you are leaving.
When walking with a visually impaired person, let him take your arm if he wishes. Pulling him by the hand is awkward and confusing.
Do not hesitate to use words like "see", "look", or "read". A blind person will use such words in his vocabulary as often as anyone else.
Describe your surroundings, whether it is the scenery from a moving car, an interesting incident on t.v. or the layout of an unfamiliar room.
Give directions clearly and accurately. Pointing or using phrases such as "over there" will be of no assistance.
Never distract a dog guiding a blind person. The dog guide is responsible for the safety of its master and such interference could lead to unnecessary tragedy.
Avoid the impulse to rush to a blind person's aid. If you are not sure whether or not he needs your assistance, ask.
Remember, when you meet a blind person, common sence and courtesy can lead to an enjoyable friendship.
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