The Best Accessible Word Games
Word games have a way of bringing people together. Many of these games, however, are designed with only sighted players in mind, leaving out a whole community of word game lovers. That’s changing.
Thanks to developers who prioritize accessibility, visually impaired and sighted players alike can now enjoy word games without barriers. In this guide, we’re diving into some of the best accessible word games out there. These games are actually designed with inclusivity at their core. Whether you’re looking for a multiplayer crossword challenge, a puzzle that teaches braille along the way, or a fast-paced audio word game, there’s something here for you.
Wordvoyance: The Accessible Crossword Game
If you’ve ever wished for a fast-paced, ad-free word game that’s fully accessible, Wordvoyance is the answer. This multiplayer crossword-building game, similar to Scrabble and Words With Friends, was designed from the ground up with inclusivity in mind. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just looking for a fun way to test your vocabulary, Wordvoyance makes it easy for everyone to play.
Accessibility at Its Core
Unlike many mainstream word games, Wordvoyance isn’t just accessible as an afterthought. It was built for accessibility from day one. Sighted players will find it plays just like any other word game, but for those who rely on assistive technology, Wordvoyance is a game-changer.
- Screen Reader Support: Wordvoyance is fully compatible with screen readers such as VoiceOver, ensuring that visually impaired players can navigate and play with ease.
- Keyboard and Controller Compatibility: Play using a keyboard or game controller, providing an alternative to drag-and-drop input.
- Innovative Cursor Input: Instead of relying solely on traditional input methods, Wordvoyance offers a cursor-based system that enhances accessibility and usability.
- iOS-Specific Accessibility Gestures: The iOS version includes gestures such as Magic Tap to check work and submit turns, three-finger scrolling to navigate words, and an Escape gesture to close dialogs.
- Adaptive Gameplay for All Players: Fully-sighted players can play using traditional mechanics, while visually impaired players can rely on auditory cues and alternative input methods to enjoy the same experience.
Whether you’re using a screen reader, a traditional touchscreen, or an external input device, the game adapts to your needs, ensuring an intuitive experience for all.
Multiple Ways to Play
For those who prefer to play solo, the game includes a single-player mode. If you’re looking to connect with friends and family, Wordvoyance makes it easy for visually impaired and fully sighted players to enjoy a seamless multiplayer experience together, finally making a classic word game truly accessible.
Play Anywhere, Anytime
Wordvoyance is available on web browsers, iOS, and Android, so you can play wherever and however you like. Unlike traditional braille Scrabble boards, which require players to physically touch the game pieces, Wordvoyance gives blind players unlimited time to explore the board at their own pace without disrupting their opponents. Whether you’re playing at home, on the go, or during a quick break, it’s a perfect option for mobile-friendly wordplay.
More Than Just a Game
Beyond being a fun and competitive word challenge, Wordvoyance promotes literacy and vocabulary-building in an inclusive way. It brings people together by offering an experience that is not just accessible but also enjoyable for everyone. Fully sighted players can play seamlessly alongside blind and visually impaired friends without missing a beat.
Wordvoyance is available now on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, and on the web. Ready to redefine how word games should be played? Download it today and experience the future of accessible gaming!
Brailliance: A Puzzle Game That Makes Braille Fun
Brailliance is a unique word game that shines a spotlight on the braille alphabet, turning spelling and simple math into an exciting challenge. Designed to be fully accessible, this game is perfect for both sighted and blind players, making it a true celebration of inclusive gaming.
How to Play
Brailliance works like a twist on Wordle, but with braille dots. Your goal? Guess the correct word by ensuring your letter choices add up to the total number of braille dots needed. Unlimited guesses mean you can experiment freely and refine your answer.
Brailliance includes an interactive tutorial, making it easy for new players to jump in. There’s no prior knowledge required. As you play, you’ll naturally start to understand the braille system.
A Game That Adapts to You
Brailliance is designed to be playable by everyone, with extensive accessibility options that ensure blind and sighted players can enjoy the game equally. The result? A truly inclusive experience where everyone plays on equal footing.
- Screen Reader Compatibility: Works seamlessly with popular screen readers, allowing visually impaired players to navigate and play without barriers.
- Braille Display Support: Fully compatible with refreshable braille displays, providing an alternative way to engage with the game.
- Multiple Input Methods: Players can use keyboards, accessibility shortcuts, or traditional touchscreen input to play.
- Audio Cues and Haptic Feedback: Sounds and vibrations help guide players through gameplay, making it easier to understand letter placements and game mechanics.
- Inclusive Design for All Players: Sighted players can tap the keyboard and play as usual, while visually impaired players benefit from adaptive tools that ensure a seamless experience.
More Than Just a Word Game
Brailliance isn’t just fun – it’s educational. By playing, you’ll naturally pick up elements of the braille alphabet while sharpening your spelling and logic skills. With over 1,500 levels and a fun daily challenge, there’s always a new puzzle waiting for you.
Even better, Brailliance is designed for group play. Friends, family, and classrooms can gather around a TV or tablet, working together to crack the puzzle. Because the game works in a web browser, on iOS, Android, and even Chromebooks, it’s incredibly easy to play anywhere, anytime.
Play Today
Brailliance is more than just another word game. It’s a gateway to understanding braille, a fun challenge, and an accessible experience for all players. Whether you’re playing solo or teaming up with friends, it’s the perfect blend of logic, literacy, and accessibility.
Available now on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and web. Ready to start counting dots? Download Brailliance today and put your word skills to the test.
Blindfold Games: A World of Accessible Word Play
Blindfold Games is a collection of audio-based games designed specifically for the visually impaired community. These games bring accessibility and fun together, offering word-based challenges that are just as engaging for sighted players. With full support for VoiceOver, braille displays, and customizable accessibility settings, Blindfold Games ensure that everyone can participate.
Accessibility Features
Blindfold Games are built from the ground up with accessibility in mind, offering a variety of options that cater to different playstyles and needs.
- VoiceOver Integration: Full compatibility with Apple’s VoiceOver, allowing blind and visually impaired players to navigate and play using spoken feedback.
- Braille Display Support: Players using refreshable braille displays can seamlessly interact with the games, ensuring a tactile gaming experience.
- Customizable Speech Settings: Adjust the speaker, speed, and pitch of voice cues for actions, opponents, or game elements.
- Gesture-Based Menus: Navigate menus and control gameplay through intuitive swipe and tap gestures.
- Keyboard and Full Keyboard Support: Play using external keyboards with full key mappings for easier input.
- Zoom and Display Settings Compatibility: Works with screen magnifiers and high-contrast display settings for low-vision players.
Blindfold Games also features an app launcher, providing a central hub to access all Blindfold Games while keeping devices organized and clutter-free.
Blindfold Word Games
Blindfold Word Games is a suite of accessible word-based puzzles designed for rapid audio play. Within this collection, players can enjoy games such as:
- Word Ladder: Transform one word into another by changing a single letter at a time. (ex: WARM > WARD > CARD > CORD > COLD)
- Word Flick: Create as many words as possible from a 4×4 grid of random letters. The longer the word, the higher your score
- Hangman: A classic word-guessing game where you must figure out the word before running out of chances.
- Unscramble: Rearrange jumbled letters to discover the correct word.
Blindfold Word Search: Find hidden words in a grid, with varying difficulty levels and themed word packs.
Blindfold Words From Words: Create as many words as possible from a given word’s letters (ex: “blindfold” > blind, fold, find, oil, etc.).
Blindfold Seven Words: A unique word-building game where you form words by combining fragments based on given definitions.
Blindfold Cryptogram: Solve encrypted quotes by listening and swapping letters to decode the message.
Blindfold Word Biggle: Inspired by Boggle, form words from adjacent letters in a grid, available in multiple sizes.
Ears Word Cookie: A spelling game where you create words from a set of letters, with increasing difficulty levels.
Ears Crossword: A crossword puzzle with adjustable difficulty, hints, and partially completed grids to aid learning.
Download and Play Today
With over 70 Blindfold Games available (11 of which are word games), there’s always something new to explore. Whether you’re looking for a quick mental challenge or a deep, strategic word game, Blindfold Games makes wordplay accessible to everyone.
Word Games Without Limits
The joy of wordplay shouldn’t come with barriers. Thanks to developers who put accessibility first, word lovers of all abilities can enjoy the thrill of solving puzzles, building words, and challenging their minds.
Do you know of any other great accessible word games? Let us know about them!