Communicative and receptive disabilities are typically physical or, in certain circumstances, emotional limiters on the player’s ability to either communicate via a specific means or receive external information. These limitations can extend from minor hurdles to a full inability to articulate.
Quick Guidance
- Accommodate communication concerns where speech is not achievable or difficulty achieved (and it is not the desire of the player to vocalize) by providing assistive devices, allowing for the access of pre-existing devices, or changing the mechanics of communication through the game by offering greater opportunities for nonverbal action requests, such as a preference toward written dialogue, or use of manipulatives (cards with powers or actions on them, tokens, dice, etc.).
- If vision is impaired, consider textured manipulatives, or increasing the size of manipulatives such as dice or miniatures. Otherwise, consider increased utilization of theatre of the mind for sessions.
- Ensure that pathways to and from the table are clear of tripping hazards and that lighting is set to appropriate levels according to recommendations from Pre-Session Communication.
- If utilization of manipulatives is continued while a player at the table has accessibility needs with regard to their vision, describe actions that involve the movement of those manipulatives.
- If players have difficulty communicating with the larger group, consider their positioning at the gaming table, and the environment they are in. Sitting closer to the GM might reduce the need for a voice to carry over. Reduce external sources of noise. Be aware of physical-nonverbal cues being offered by the child. Be observant of their needs.
- If a player displays an inability to form words, or pronounce specific sounds, it may not be advisable to offer what you feel is “guidance.” Don’t ask them to slow down, repeat themselves, cut them off, or attempt to complete the dialogue for them. Instead, show patience and understanding. Provide ample time for them to communicate and, if requested, alternative resources.
- If communication in game depends on literacy of standard format text for a player that is unable to communicate through those means, consider alternative methods for delivery or direct verbal or visual communication.
- Consider learning the related language version of sign language.
Possible Articles
- Conditions that make speech unintelligible
- Conditions controlling tone, pitch, and cadence of voice
- Conditions causing complete muteness
- Conditions affecting the speed of speech
- Conditions affecting the ability to say specific words
- Conditions that impact specific spoken sounds
- Conditions that cause delayed communication of words, speed stuttering, pauses, repetition
- Conditions that involve motor control deficits in communication
- Conditions that cause use of incorrect terms or phrases
- Conditions caused by deafness from birth
- Conditions caused by complete deafness
- Conditions caused by complete deafness lacking communication tools such as writing
- Conditions caused by complete deafness lacking communication tools such as lip reading
- Conditions causing difficulty in expressing meaning when spoken
- Conditions causing difficulty in expressing meaning when written
- Conditions that cause ringing or obstructing sounds in ones ear
- Conditions caused by complete deafness lacking communication tools such as sign language
- Conditions causing difficulty with retention from spoken language
- Conditions causing difficulty with retention from written language
- Conditions caused by total deafness and total blindness
- Conditions caused by Hearing Impairment
- Conditions caused by Hearing Impairment and Partial blindness
- Conditions caused by Hearing Impairment and Total blindness
- Conditions caused by inability to recognize terms when partially obstructed
- Conditions caused by blindness
- Conditions caused by partial blindness
- Conditions caused by blurring vision
- Conditions that affect ability to smell
- Conditions that cause strain on senses with continued use
- Difficulty understanding directional terms. Front, back, before, after
- Conditions that impact depth perception and visual coordination
Communicative / Receptive Needs Articles