Teaching Game Design in the Special Ed. Classroom

We all know the transformative power of playing and making games. In one way or another, games enable us to express ourselves, connect with others, and engage deeply with the world. On top of that, designing games is an effective way for students to practice critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, math and creative writing. This richness makes game design a great learning activity for students who learn in non-traditional ways, but these students will also need additional support. By giving students with learning disabilities the tools and support they need to express themselves through games, we can help them join the gaming community and add their voices and perspectives to the conversation.

In this workshop, participants will learn strategies for making the fundamentals of game design accessible for all learners. We will discuss the aspects of game design that pose challenges for students with disabilities as well as ways to mitigate those challenges. Through examples, discussion and hands-on design activities, participants will gain ideas for supporting vocabulary, organization, perspective-taking and more. Note: while examples will be drawn from middle school, teachers and designers of all backgrounds are welcome!