Most games that able-bodied individuals play can be adapted for handicapped children. Games can help improve motor skills while also supplying physical activity or mental activity. If engaging in a physical game, visit a doctor beforehand to discuss an exercise game plan, according to Disabled World. Find what game appeals to your child. Games play an essential role in keeping your handicapped child stimulated, strong and flexible.
Computer Games
Numerous computer games, both online and offline, can provide entertainment skill development for the handicapped child. Many games can be played using mouse emulators, special input devices, switch interfaces or adapted controllers, according to Disabled World. Other games may not need any adaptations other than the addition of a screen reader. Computer games include classic arcade games such as Bejeweled, Breakout and Bombjack and card games including Solitaire. Additional computer games include memory games such as Concentration, puzzles that challenge mental reasoning, word challenge games and action games. Children can improve their eye and hand coordination by playing visual acuity games such as skeet shooting and pop-up games. Pop-up games involve the child "shooting" pop-up items as soon as possible upon appearance on-screen. Some computer games can contain sound cues to help children with visual disabilities. Video games using joysticks can help improve hand functioning in children with cerebral palsy, according to Disabled World.
Chess
Chess can benefit handicapped children in many ways. Game boards can be adapted for the visually impaired by turning the game board into a peg board, according to American Foundation for the Blind. Drill a hole into the center of each square. Put pegs onto the bottom of chess pieces. The board can also be adapted by using felt pieces or Velcro instead of pegs. Set square boundaries by outlining the squares with glue. Chess can help all handicapped children by improving their reading, concentration and writing skills, according to Disabled World. Each of the game's chess pieces has an assigned point value. Children can improve their mathematical and analytical skills by learning and understanding these values. Developing the skills to play chess can also result in improved assessment abilities, analytical reasoning and planning capabilities. All these virtues can help the child succeed in life.
Chess can also be played online.
Golf
Golf is a game that can be played by children of all ages and handicaps. Golf is easily adaptable, according to Cure Our Children. Give the child lighter and shorter clubs. Have younger children use lighter balls such as whiffle balls, according to the Worchester Polytechnic Institute. Paint the golf balls to increase their visibility. Use larger balls, if needed. Make a light-weight ball by filling a sock with old socks. When in the shape of a ball, cut the ends and secure with a tie clasp. Instead of hitting golf balls, have the child take practice swings. Play a "regular" golf game without using balls. Decrease the distance between holes. Using tees for each shot may help the handicapped child. Paint the tees a bright color to make it easier for all children to see. Having a sighted guide available to provide correct positioning and directions can help visually-impaired children.
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