My Personal Gaming Experience
After my retinas detached when I was in kindergarten I was transformed from a sighted child into a totally blind child within just a few days. Throughout my childhood I did have access to a number of traditional, off-the-shelf games that were adapted with braille and tactile plastic overlays, with Scrabble and monopoly being most notable.
Although I appreciated having them, I now realize how frustrating they were. We, as blind people, have only our two hands to comprehend the board, so it became a matter of feeling the whole board, over and over again, to get a sense of what was happening in the game.
We, as a family, also tried to adapt a number of other games, from me using my slate and stylus to braille cards, and my very discerning fingers were often unable to detect the indentations on standard dice.
These games were made for sighted people, though I tried my best to participate and be included. Garrett’s games turn this dynamic on its head. These are games designed for blind kids. Games that their sighted friends, siblings, and classmates find cool and exciting and want to join them in playing!
Garrett’s inspiration came from his young blind students. I can only imagine the feeling of a blind middle school kid breaking out one of Garrett’s games and having the sighted kids come around, eager to learn how to play. Instead, I will share my own experience with one of Garrett’s games, which I received as a gift shortly before Thanksgiving last year.
True Inclusivity
This past Thanksgiving, I experienced something remarkable unfold around our family’s crowded table. We had received a new game from Inclusive Imagination — a gift from founder Garrett Whitmyre — and for the first time ever, we did not need special instructions or extra labeling so I could join in. Both blind and sighted relatives played side by side, tossing dice and trading good-natured jokes, the fun equally shared from the moment we opened that classy, gift-like package.
In a world where accessibility in gaming often arrives too late or too superficially, Inclusive Imagination sets a new standard: build universal design in from day one. By sharing my own introduction to the company — starting with my first conversation with Garrett at the AFB Leadership Conference in Oakland, then reconnecting at Microsoft’s “Seattle Disability Connect” — I hope to highlight the seamless experience I had with family, the importance of well-crafted packaging and tactile design, and why educators, parents, and disability advocates should take note.
A Journey of Connection: How We Met & Why It Matters
I first met Garrett years ago at an American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference in Oakland. Even among so many passionate advocates, Garrett’s vision for accessible tabletop gaming stood out. We bonded over the idea that board games could be truly universal — if only designers wove in braille, tactile components, and inclusive thinking from day one. Our paths crossed again at Microsoft’s “Seattle Disability Connect,” where it became clear that our aspirations for merging disability advocacy and mainstream entertainment perfectly aligned.
That second encounter was more than just a friendly reunion; it underscored how small moments can spark broader shifts. In the disability community, genuine change often starts with face-to-face meetings like ours, where shared passion meets practical ideas. It was the realization that something as simple as a casual conversation could launch us on a mission to reshape how we all play — and that’s precisely what Garrett and Inclusive Imagination have set out to do.
Building Tabletop Inclusion: The Foundations of Inclusive Imagination
Garrett Whitmyre, a Teacher of Visually Impaired (TVI) and Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) in Tacoma, WA, saw firsthand how easily students are sidelined during classroom activities. Many times, kids who are blind or have low vision simply watched peers roll dice, never getting the chance to feel that same thrill of taking a turn. That experience, watching capable learners relegated to the edges of play, lit the spark that would become Inclusive Imagination.
His early prototypes — tactile boards, braille dice, easily discernible pieces — didn’t just address a niche classroom concern. They showed how thoughtful design could empower any learner to be part of the action. Rather than patching solutions onto existing games, Garrett let real-life frustrations guide every choice, ensuring each product bridges the gap between what’s possible and what’s fully accessible for kids and adults alike.
A Personal Playtest: Bridging Abilities at My Family’s Thanksgiving
When Garrett first handed me a new tabletop set — complete with braille dice, jumbo versions for folks with dexterity concerns, and a deck of cards — we were struck by how polished everything looked. The packaging itself felt like a high-end present, and unwrapping it was half the fun. That same sense of excitement followed me to Thanksgiving, where I laid it all out on the table for my nieces and nephews, confident we could play without scrambling for accessible add-ons or makeshift labels.
Sure enough, sighted and blind family members dove right in, using the same dice and following the same instructions, thanks to the clear braille and large-print guides. No specialized “alternate rules” or off-to-the-side accommodations were needed — everyone took part in the same spirited banter and competitive glee. It was a vivid reminder that universal design fosters real unity, where the only thing that matters is the joy of rolling a well-crafted die or drawing a clever card, no matter who’s doing it.
Packaging & Presentation: Why It Matters
The moment a product arrives, we form our firstimpressions — not just on aesthetics, but on how easily we can unpack and start playing. Inclusive Imagination’s approach treats every game like a high-end present, complete with braille labeling and thoughtful layouts that keep dice, cards, and tokens neatly in place. That “wow factor” breaks down barriers from the start: folks immediately sense that this is a game designed to welcome all players, without fumbling or guesswork.
Of course, some wonder if specialized materials or extra labeling drives up costs, but the balance here is careful: packaging remains straightforward, not overblown. It’s the blend of tactility, durability, and smart design that truly counts, ensuring each set arrives “ready to roll,” so families don’t scramble for extra overlays or homemade modifications. As a result, the unboxing itself becomes part of the fun, reinforcing the fact that accessible design needn’t be dull or overly complicated.
Top Products & Unique Features
For those drawn to adventure, the Polyhedral Braille Dice Sets offer D&D-inspired flair with braille markings and vivid colors — perfect if you’re longing for a role-playing session that truly includes everyone at the table. If you prefer a simpler gateway, the D6 Level Up Classic remains a crowd favorite, sporting crisp black-and-white resin and braille dots that pop both visually and tactually.
Beyond these basics, Garrett’s larger “jumbo” dice cater to folks wanting more heft and easier handling — a real blessing for players with dexterity challenges. And don’t miss his add-ons: card decks, handy trays for keeping pieces in place, and even a range of free digital apps (like a Candy Land–style roller) that boast switch-access compatibility. It’s an ecosystem built not on token gestures, but on genuine respect for diverse user needs.
Balancing Mission and Marketplace
Some people naturally question whether specialized design drives up costs too much, or if a classroom-inspired approach can truly hold its own in a competitive marketplace. Garrett’s priorities start with an educator’s heart — ensuring no student or gamer is left behind — yet he’s equally mindful of real-world viability. The end result is a line of products that, while not mass-market cheap, offer a genuine value proposition: top-notch materials, universal design that stands out, and enough sales to keep the mission thriving.
Looking ahead, Inclusive Imagination can broaden its impact through alliances with nonprofits, libraries, and events like “Seattle Disability Connect.” Partnering with others in accessible tabletop gaming doesn’t dilute Garrett’s focus; it amplifies it. By working together, these innovators can raise awareness of universal design and encourage more developers to adopt it, inching all of us closer to an industry where everyone has a seat at the table.
Empowered Play for All
At its heart, Inclusive Imagination reminds us that universal design isn’t just a last-minute tweak; it’s the bedrock for games that welcome everyone to the table. By baking in braille, bold colors, and tactile elements early on, Garrett Whitmyre shows what happens when practical creativity meets genuine empathy: we get products that unite sighted and blind players through the same laughter, suspense, and camaraderie.
Now it’s our turn to keep that momentum rolling. Educators, parents, and community leaders can explore Inclusive Imagination’s lineup — along with its free digital apps — and share inclusive game night stories online. After all, something as simple as rolling a braille die can plant the seed for everyday inclusion, inspiring others to follow a similar path and transform leisure time into a celebration of accessibility.
” Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic advantage. “
Dr. Kirk Adams, Ph.D.
Advocate, Leader and Keynote Speaker on Disability Inclusion & Leadership
Leading the Way to Accessible Innovation
Innovative Impact, LLC Consulting
Managing Director
Impactful Workforce Inclusion Starts Here
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