Adaptive Game Pieces
Today’s project is all about making adaptive game pieces. Adaptive games can be helpful for individuals who have limited manual dexterity and finger range of motion participate in a beloved game. This is a fairly quick and easy adaptation so let’s get started!
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One summer when I was home completing one of my occupational therapy fieldwork placements, I spent many evenings playing chess with my dad. Yes, he pretty much always beat me, but it was the relationship and act of participating in a game we both enjoyed that I loved the most. That summer will always have a special place in my heart- the conversations, the connections we made, and the many, many times we burst out laughing, smiling ear to ear.
Whether it’s board games or creating art, hobbies can bring us a sense of joy and fulfillment with those we are playing or working with. That’s why today, I am excited to share with you this simple and fairly quick adaptation for game pieces. Let’s get started.
What Are Adaptive Game Pieces?
Adaptive game pieces can assist an individual participating in a board game who may have limited finger range of motion and/or manual dexterity. The type of game pieces we are making today consist of attached loops to help pick up a game piece. Individuals can use either a finger or thumb to pick up and move a game piece. This type of assistive technology can provide support to individuals who may have:
- Limited finger range of motion
- Limited pincer grasp
- Manual dexterity limitations
- Limited 3-prong grasp to pick up game pieces
*Please note, game pieces with a wider base, such as Checkers pieces, will be more stable while playing. Game pieces from games such as Candyland will be more prone to tip when touched. Keep in mind when selecting a game to adapt.
Use Adaptive Game Pieces As A Therapeutic Exercise
Not only can these adaptive game pieces be used as an adaptive device, but these adaptive game pieces can also be used as a therapeutic exercise. Work on finger extension or thumb abduction while participating in a beloved game with family and friends, or during a therapy session.
If you would like to purchase the game of Checkers already adapted check out this one.
Other Types Of Assistive Technology
Special Considerations
- These adaptive game pieces may be a choking hazard for those under the age of three years, and for anyone who may consume or chew on non-food items.
- Please note, I used painter’s tape for this project rather than duct tape. Painter’s tape stuck better to the game pieces I adapted. You may have to experiment with this depending on the type of material your game pieces are made of.
- Be aware that duct or painter’s tape may leave a residue on game pieces.
- Game pieces with a wider base will be more stable while playing such as the game of Checkers. Game pieces from games, such as Candyland, will be more prone to tip when touched. Keep in mind when selecting a game to adapt.
- Adjust the length of the game piece loops as needed.
- Press hard to secure all areas of the tape.
- Replace tape as needed on game pieces if tape starts to come off.
How To Make Adaptive Game Pieces
Materials Needed
- Game pieces of choice
- Painters tape*
- Scissors
* I found that painter’s tape stuck better to my game pieces rather than duct tape. You may need to experiment with different types of tape depending on the type of material your game pieces are made of. Keep in mind painter’s tape or duct tape may leave a residue on the game pieces.
Instructions
- Cut an approximate 6-8” piece of painter’s tape depending on the game piece size, tape placement, and the size of the loop you are aiming for (picture 1 above).
- Fold the piece of tape lengthwise three times as seen in pictures above (picture 1-3 above).
- Cut a short section of tape and place at one end of the long folded tape (picture 4 above).
- Place on game piece (picture 1 below).
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the opposite side (picture 2 below). Trim excess as needed. (picture 3 below)
- Cut 2 strips of tape- approximately 1-1.5” (¼-½” wide) strip of tape. Wrap around the loop ends to secure.
- Repeat for the number of game pieces needed.
Resources
- This project was adapted based on Rehab Mart’s similar checkers style game.
How did this project go? Let me know in the comments below.
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