Summary
Discover what it’s like gaming as a blind, autistic, chronically ill woman. Learn about accessibility challenges, solutions, and recommendations for games, features, and resources that make gaming inclusive and enjoyable.
Gaming has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Whether it was solving puzzles as a child, playing platform racing games on our first family computer, or exploring text-based adventures in high school, gaming has always been my escape and my joy. Over the years, though, as a blind, autistic, chronically ill woman, I’ve faced unique challenges in finding games that I can play and enjoy. These challenges often shape the way I approach gaming, from seeking out accessible titles to relying on features like screen reader integration or untimed gameplay.
This post is for gamers interested in accessible games, developers looking to improve inclusivity in game design, and advocates who want to learn more about breaking barriers in gaming. If you’re curious about how these challenges have influenced other areas of my life and career aspirations, you can read more about my journey in this blog post about finding my purpose.
Since I am totally blind, this article will not include screenshots or visuals of the games. However, I will do my best to describe the features and accessibility options that make these games enjoyable for me. I hope this serves as a resource for other gamers with disabilities and a guide for developers seeking to create more inclusive games.
Games I Play Now
These days, my gaming experience is wonderfully diverse. I enjoy everything from word and card games to RPGs, MUDs, and incremental or roguelike games. Each of these holds a special place in my life for different reasons. Here are some of my favorites and why they work for me:
Word and Card Games
Word and card games are perfect for relaxing while keeping my mind engaged. Their simplicity makes them accessible even on days when energy is low.
RPGs
Role-playing games allow me to immerse myself in rich narratives while developing characters over time. Accessibility features like text-to-speech make these games enjoyable.
MUDs
MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) are text-based multiplayer games where players type commands to interact with the world. They rely heavily on imagination and storytelling, making them ideal for players like me who enjoy text-based gaming.
Accessibility in Incremental Games
Gentle Reminder Systems
Games like Land of Livia use gentle reminders to notify players when they need to return without penalizing inactivity—perfect for low-energy days.
Offline Progress Features
Incremental games with offline progress allow players to continue advancing even when not actively playing—an essential feature for accessibility.
How I Evaluate Accessibility Features in Games
- Adjustable Audio: Games like Dawncaster allow you to turn off audio completely when sound sensitivity is an issue.
- Untimed Modes: Relaxed pacing in games like Land of Livia.
- Screen Reader Integration: Titles such as Level 13.
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