Team building is a vital part of the workplace. It creates a positive work culture, builds trust, and mitigates conflict. Team building also helps break the ice with new employees. When planning your team building activities for workers, be sure to consider how you can make it accessible for all team members.
Team Building Activities for Workers with Disabilities
Bowling
Bowling is one of many inclusive team building activities for workers with disabilities. The majority of bowling alleys are accessible.
People with strength or mobility impairments can release their bowling ball using a bowling aid device, such as a ramp or ball pusher. A bowling ramp is a high ramp that people use sitting or standing. The user positions the ramp at the end of the lane and pushes the ball down the ramp. Ball pushers are another option. The ball sits at the end of the lane, and the user pushes the ball forward in their desired direction.
A guide rail may accommodate a person with a visual impairment. The guide rail lines up with the bowling lane from the left gutter. A friend, volunteer, or spotter will tell users:
- When they approach the line
- How many pins are still up
- How many pins went down
- Where their ball went
It is best to inform the alley about any accommodations your party needs before arriving. That way, the bowling alley can prepare to assist the person with an impairment.
Board Game Cafés
Board game cafés are becoming popular. Not only are they inclusive, but they also build vital cooperative skills. Most board game cafés have hundreds of games, thereby providing a variety of games to choose from. Some cafés carry games for people who have impairments. Other games are accessible by nature.
A person who has a strength or mobility impairment may not be able to play a game that involves drawing or holding cards. Yet, there are many games that challenge your mind.
Games that have a lot of written text may also come in accessible Braille version. Some games are accessible because they involve feeling different textures or using strategy to defeat opponents. You can make other games accessible by working in teams. For example, a friend or volunteer can give information to someone with a visual impairment, such as what square they landed on.
Consider speaking to the game café workers. They can suggest or compile games that are great for team building and are accessible for everyone in your party.
Scavenger Hunt
Another team building activity for workers with disabilities are scavenger hunts. Scavenger hunts may be altered to include hints and instructions based on sound, feel, and smell. If you plan on going to a scavenger hunt at a facility, accessible routes are offered for people with mobility impairments.
Be sure to ask in advance to find out how a facility can customize and accommodate your workplace party.
Axe Throwing
Axe throwing has grown in popularity, especially over the past few years. Contrary to popular belief, axe throwing is a very accessisport for for people who have a mobility impairment.
Many axe throwing facilities train and accommodate people who have limited mobility. The first few minutes are safety focused. The instructors teach everyone how to properly and safely throw the axes.
Above all, let the facility know in advance about accommodations that may be required. They may need to raise or lower the targets or move them closer.
Paint Night
Art is an expression of one’s self. Paint night is an inclusive team building activity for workers. Hold paint nights in a hall that is accessible to all workers or at your workplace.
Instead of having everyone copy one image, allow everyone to create what they want. Rather than only supplying paintbrushes, provide different shapes, sponges, and textures as tools for painting. You could go a step further and create textured canvases with drywall compound and Mod Podge.
These suggestions are a few of the many possible team building activities for workers with disabilities. Consider asking your coworkers for input. Find out what sparks their interests and what they are comfortable with. Furthermore, use your imagination. Almost any activity can be accessible.