Have you ever noticed just how many national and international celebratory days there are on the calendar? Join the Bridges Helpdesk this month to delight in some of our favorite themed days with us! Topics include:
- March 1: International Zero Discrimination Day #ZeroDiscriminationDay
- March 8: National Proofreading Day #NationalProofreadingDay
- March 15: World Social Work Day #WSWD
- March 22: National Goof Off Day #NationalGoofOffDay
- March 29: National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day #MomAndPopBusinessOwnersDay
Today, we celebrate National Goof Off Day by sharing some fun and accessible activities that can help us all relax and take a break from our hectic lives!
Why It Matters
At the Bridges Helpdesk, we know that setting goals, self-advocacy, and supports and services for blind and low vision students are important. But we also know that no one can be successful without taking a step back to relax, goof off, and have a break. We all need time to recharge, and recharging is even better when it is accessible! See below for suggestions about accessible TV shows and movies and games! We hope that you will take the time in your busy schedule to goof off!
Movies and Shows
I don’t know about you, but the Bridges Helpdesk team members love to kick back with a good audio-described movie. With audio description options available across almost all streaming platforms, blind and low vision users can do just that with the press of a few buttons!
Audio description provides verbal descriptions of visual elements of a movie, television show, or other videos. These elements include unspoken words on the screen, descriptions of the setting, and details about characters’ non-verbal actions, facial expressions, dress, etc.
Audio description (AD) is built into the video. In professional AD, the AD voice is usually different than that of the actors, and the description is inserted between the dialogue. Even sighted individuals can enjoy a film with their eyes closed! Find out more about AD at “All About Audio Description” from the American Council of the Blind (ACB).
Many streaming platforms and television providers have audio description; it just needs to be activated. See below for links to instructions for activation and title lists for some popular streaming services. This is not an exhaustive list so please reach out to us if you have questions about any service:
- Audio Description on Disney Plus
- Audio Description on Hulu
- Audio Description on Netflix
- Audio Description on Amazon Prime
- Audio Description on HBO Max
Many television providers also provide audio description if the audio description track has been recorded for a particular show. If you have questions regarding your specific provider, please contact the Bridges Helpdesk.
Games
Nothing wrong with some friendly competition! No matter what types of games you enjoy, there is sure to be an accessible version. Refer to this list for fun and interactive games that are completely accessible:
- In-Person Games:
- Check out the NFB’s Independence Market. You can place orders via email or phone.
- You can also explore 64 Ounce Games. Check out their accessible games and their accessibility kits.
- Virtual Games:
- RS Games, which is available on computer or smart phone. Players can enjoy choosing from twenty accessible game options, including Monopoly, Scrabble, and Uno.
- QuentinC’s Playroom. This platform can be used by downloading the app to your PC, or playing over the Internet. Players can access 29 different games, including Dominos, Quiz Party, Chess, and 1000 Miles.
- To play games on your phone, you can download the Dice World app. You can choose from six dice games, including Farkle and Yatzee. The app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Contact us
Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 305-9199
- Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page or Facebook Messenger
- Voice mail: Call (443) 320-4003, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.