In defence of audiobooks

I have heard some people criticise listening to audiobooks as not really reading. I’ve heard people (myself included) who automatically add disclaimers and defence to the revelation that the book they have just read was actually listened to.

“I know it’s cheating but I actually had the audiobook.”

“I’ve just finished reading this book. Well listened to really. I know it’s not the same.”

“It’s not reading really is it? It’s like listening to the radio. You may as well be watching the telly.”

“That’s not how books are supposed to work.”

Well, to those people who are defensive of their own audiobook habit (this includes me):

Relax! You don’t have to defend yourself. Audiobooks are real books. It’s just as valid to hear them as to read the pages and you can call it reading if you want.

And to those of you who criticise, mock and deride audiobooks and their listeners:

SHUT UP AND STOP IT! it is a perfectly valid way to enjoy a book. It is still the same book, still the same words. The person is still engaging with the story and enjoying it. It is still a book and it is still reading even when it’s listening.


Now, here is a list of reasons that somebody may use audio books rather than printed or ebooks:

They are blind or partially sighted and don’t read Braille or the book they want is not available in Braille.
People with disabilities are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.

They have dexterity issues, chronic pain, shaking hands, paralysis or other motor issues which prevent them from holding a book and/or turning pages.
People with disabilities are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.

They have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, sleep disorders, Fibromyalgia, depression, medication side effects, chronic fatigue (the symptom) and similar that makes sustained concentration and/or holding up a book, and/or sitting to read, difficult or impossible.
People with disabilities are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.

They have dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, ASD, medication side effects, dementia or another specific learning disability, acquired intellectual disability intellectual disability that can impair cognitive processing, comprehension and concentration.
People with disabilities are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.

They are very short on free time to themselves due to work, family or home commitments and can’t freely sit with a book, where as audiobooks are easier to enjoy “on the go”.
People with little personal time are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.*

They may be in a situation in which they will experience abuse or bullying for reading or taking time to sit with a book. An audiobook can be more flexible and “private”.
People in difficult situations are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.*

They may dislike talk or music radio and would prefer to be reading a book than driving. Audiobooks allow them to drive and read simultaneously.
People with different preferences are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.

They may simply enjoy having a story read to them and enjoy the format as an alternative to traditional books.
People with different preferences are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.

They may want to read a book that is not in their first language and find the spoken word easier to follow than written word.
People with different preferences are still “allowed” to enjoy books. Audiobooks are accessible and valid.

No matter what the reason, even if the reason is simply “I like audiobooks”, there is no good reason for mocking or dismissing a persons choice too use an audiobook. If you truly like books and truly want people to enjoy reading and literature then you should be celebrating any format that allows people to do just that.

* These reasons disproportionally affect women, minorities and poor people who are often working long hours, expected to do more around the house and who are often negatively judged for enjoying the “luxury” of sitting and reading or who don’t live in a society that encourages reading.

Deadpool and Fury Road

I came out of the cinema after Deadpool with a similar feeling to watching Fury Road. It was odd, the films were pretty damn different in everything from plot to cinematography, yet here I was with a felling of “that was just like Fury Road”.
Then I realised, it wasn’t because the films themselves were alike, it was because I had for once (or more accurately, for the second time), come out a a film not disappointed in how they had treated the female characters.
Female characters who were real characters, with personality, agency, characterisation and who didn’t exist to satisfy male gaze.

(minor spoilers ahead)

Vanessa, a quick witted, complex personality, who doesn’t take shit but isn’t the all powerful bad ass trope. A sex worker who is allowed to be a sex worker, who isn’t “saved” who calls the shots on how and when her relationships happen, who has genuine feelings and motivation. Who can be pretty and sexy and practical, who despite literally being a stripper, is allowed to have a costume that is relatively covering when she is being kidnapped and even puts on a nice warm coat. Who is allowed the ingenuity and skill to partially free herself but (due to being a normal human surrounded by superhero) still accepts help from others.

Angel, a super strong woman who looks super strong, who has a solid tough looking body, who wears clothes that are flattering yet highly practical and suitable for her role and activity. Who is a partner in the evil genius game and is respected by her boss, and treated as an equal, not a subordinate or arm candy. Who takes part in the delicious self aware gag about gratuitously ripped costumes. Who has opinions and emotions, who respects her opponents and loves the fight but doesn’t succumb to the trope of falling for her adversary.
(I have a major crush on Angel)

Negasonic Teenage Warhead, a teenage girl who acts like a teenager. Who has oodles of personality and isn’t made in to a bimbo. Who has a seriously realistic teenage body - slim, a little curvy but not hyped up and no teeny tiny measurements. Who is powerful and confident but who listens to her superiors. Who is bad ass, and dangerous and still knows when things are too much for her. Who isn’t expected to be in a love triangle with anybody.

Al, the smack talking older blind woman, who can put Deadpool in his place but still show care. Who has fun and lives a life she chooses whether that’s seen as respectable or not. Who is a sweet old lady that carries a pistol in her slipper socks. Who has opinions about Crocs. Who is there for you when you need it and knows when to ask qustions and when to keep silent. Who will disapprove about your sex life but only because your noisy about it. Who isn’t a stereotype of the disabled person who is actually super amazing despite/because of their disability and has overcome challenges to be inspiring, and instead sometimes is awesome and sometimes fails and that’s ok because that’s how life it.

Just like in Fury Road, here are a bunch of women who are real characters who exist in a film without it being a “girls film”, who have just as much thought put in to their writing as the male characters (if not more), who are exciting and fun to watch, not because they are women, but because they are good characters.
And it shows that if they want to writers and directors can have perfectly good female characters in any film they want of any genre and people will enjoy it. These two awesome films have managed it. These two films are all the more awesome because every character regardless of gender is a good character.

[disclaimer: I know Deadpool wasn’t without problems: it was very white, some of the jokes where dubious at best and could have been done without, but as far as female representation goes, it done good]

US elections - how do they work?

If like me you are a UK citizen (or from elsewhere in the world) who has an interest in US politics and their current election cycle, or maybe a US citizen who has forgotten some of the details since high school, you may be getting a bit confused about how it all works.
What is a primary? What are the candidates fighting for if this isn't the general election? Just what is a delegate anyway? Don't worry, it's not you. It really is that confusing.

So here is my simplified basic guide to how a US election works and what some of the terms mean. I'll be comparing to UK elections throughout as that is where I am from and the underpinnings of my political knowledge.

So let's start out with who is being elected and why.
In the UK we elect local MPs who sit in the House of Commons. The party with the most MPs in the house of commons is declared winner and is asked to form a government. The leader of that party (assuming it is an MP who has been elected) will become our Prime Minister.

In the US things are a little different. The President is elected in their own ballot - that is to say, that people can vote specifically for who they want to be in the position of President. People also vote for their local representatives, Senators and Representative (who together form Congress). This is a separate vote for their vote for President. Unlike in the UK, in the US it is entirely possible for the President to be from a party that does not hold a majority in Congress, in fact we have been in that situation in recent years.

So if the Presidential Candidates aren't Senators or Representatives (the US equivalent of MPs) and they aren't given the position just because they are head of the party with most seats, then where do they come from? Well, that's what the Primaries are all about.

What is a Primary and how does it work?

The Primaries are all about choosing which person each party will put forward as a Presidential Candidate in the general election.

In the UK the party leader (and therefore potential Prime Minister) is chosen by party members and affiliates in a vote. This happened with the Labour Party in 2015 when Jeremy Corbyn was selected.

In the US the Presidential Nominee for each party is chosen through Primaries.
Each state will hold a primary for each party. The parties (Democrats and Republicans, though there are technically independents and other parties) will have already had a few candidates put their names forward and will have been campaigning to gain public support. This year we have seen Clinton and Sanders campaigning for the Democrats and the likes of Rubio, Cruz and Trump campaigning for the Republicans. During the primaries, people will vote for their preferred candidate.
There will be a primary in each state for each party, e.g. the New Hampshire Democrats Primary and a separate New Hampshire Republican Primary

Each state can differ a little in their rules. Some states allow an "open vote" that is anybody can vote in any parties primary. You could vote for Republican or Democrat candidates even if you aren't a member of that party.
Other states say that you can only vote in a party's primary if you are registered as a supporter of that party or are officially recognised as "unaffiliated" or not a member of either party.

So you have gone to your primary and cast a vote, and your preferred candidate comes out on top. But that's not the end of it.
Firstly this process has to happen in every state.
Secondly, the candidate isn't just decided by the results of each state's primary. You are voting to tell a Delegate what to do.

Who or what is a delegate?

Each state has a number of delegates for each party. These delegates represent the people of that state at the National Convention for their party. At the National Convention, the delegates will place their votes for which person they want to be the presidential nominee.
When you cast a vote at a primary, you are telling your delegate how you want them to vote at the convention. This is because the government decided that all people should have a say in who the candidates are but recognises that not all people can attend the party's convention. This allows people to express their opinion and have it represented.
Each state varies a little in how they "instruct" their delegates. Some states operate a "winner takes all" system in which, whichever candidate gets the most votes over all, across their counties, they claim all the delegates. Even if the runner up won in some counties, they would still have no delegates for that state.
Other states operate more proportional representation systems i.e. each candidate gets a number of delegates equal to their share of the vote or counties won.
A recent example of this is in the Nevada Democratic Caucus that happened on Saturday the 20th of February.
In this, Hilary Clinton got majority if votes (52%) and won in 19 counties. She therefore got 19 delegates. Bernie Sanders got 47% and won in 15 counties. He therefore got 15 delegates. Clinton is still declared the winner as she got most votes and delegates however Sanders will still have those delegates representing him at the National Convention.

Super Delegates (or Superdelegates)

As well as the delegates who get told how to vote by the primaries, there are other Superdelegates who will have a vote in the National Convention. These are often elected officials who will be attending the Convention and are "un-pledged". They are free to decide who to give their support to at the Convention. Candidates will seek to gain the support of these Superdelegates ahead of the Convention.
A superdelegate may then publicly support (or pledge) a candidate. This gives the candidates (potentially) extra votes at the convention and can also sway the decisions of the general public if they see elected officials choosing one candidate over another. This is why the pledges of superdelegates can be big news and are something that candidates are eager to secure early on. Technically superdelegates are not locked in to this pledge and they could change their mind and vote differently at the Convention, though this rarely happens.

Caucus or Primary?

Above, I talked about the Nevada Caucus. You may have heard this word a few times in conjunction with the primaries, but it's not always clear what they are and if or how they differ from a Primary.
A primary is usually a vote by ballot. A process many of us will be familiar with - got to a voting station, tick a box on s voting slip, and then post it in a ballot box anonymously.
A caucus works slightly differently. These are more informal selection processes and will often be decided by public vote (as opposed to a private ballot) in a meeting style. For example a caucus may be people in the county attending a public meeting in a town hall and the vote being decided by a raise of hands, people calling "aye" or "nay" or coming to a consensus via discussion.
For ease, we use the term Primaries to cover all selection of delegates (during Primary Season), though technically, some states choose via Caucus.

The word Caucus has another meaning in US politics too. There are official Congressional Caucuses, which are interest groups made of of members of Congress to promote and support their specific cause. Examples of these are the Black Caucus (black members of Congress, with interest in issues affecting black people) and the Sikh Caucus (representing the interests of the American Sikh community). Though they can be influential in Congress and their communities or interest groups, they have no direct action in the Primaries.

What do the Delegates do, and the National Conventions

Following the Primaries, each party holds their National Convention. During the Convention, The delegates formally make their vote for the preferred Presidential Candidate. Because most of the delegates either pledge early on , or are bound by the results of the Primaries, the actual outcome of this is usually known in advance. However, the vote is still carried out, as technically, some delegates are permitted to change their vote so in theory, the result may be a surprise.
Votes are also cast for a Vice Presidential candidate. The Vice President is an indirect nomination, as they are chosen alongside the President - candidates will usually have declared preferences for their Vice President during their campaign, but it will be finalised at the Convention.
In some ways this is similar to how the UK Prime Minister appoints the Deputy Prime Minister independent of the election.
The Convention is also the place where they agree on certain platforms and policies that they will campaign for as a united party.

A summary of Primaries and Candidate selection

• Various politicians will state their desire to be a Presidential Candidate. 
• They will begin campaigning to be chosen as Candidate and eventually as President.
• "Primary Season" begins, and over a number of months each state holds a caucus or primary.
• In the Primaries, people vote for their preferred candidate. 
• Each Party holds their own Primary
• Different states have different rules about who can vote in which primary. 
• The result of the primaries are used to tell Delegates how to vote.
• Each state has a number of Delegates for each party. 
• The Delegates vote for the preferred candidate at the party's National Convention
• The Delegates are told how to vote by the result of the Primaries. 
• They will vote for the overall winner in the state or for the winner in each county
• There are Superdelegates, who are not tied to state primary results and can vote as they wish.
• At their National Conventions, delegates will vote in accordance with the results of the primaries to select the party's Presidential Candidate.
• The result is usually known ahead of time due to the results of the primaries.
• The Vice Presidential Candidate is also chosen at the Convention but is not elected. 

As clear as mud, right? It is designed this way because every state (and territory, such as Puerto Rico) has it's own governance and is given the opportunity to vote in their own way. It also bridges the gap between the candidate being chosen by only those who can attend the Convention and the general public (or at least those members of the general public who are allowed to vote in each state). Over the decades, as the US has grown the system has become more complex; as things which made sense originally are still used but new systems have been added to accommodate contemporary needs.

This post took us as far as each party choosing their Presidential Candidate. There will be a future post explaining how the General Election itself works.

An Open Letter to Lord Freud

Dear Lord Freud

I write to you with regards to your recent comments on the Welfare Reform and Work Bill, specifically the proposed cuts to payments to those in the ESA WRAG category.

You are quoted as saying that the reform is needed as only 1% of people in that category moved off the benefit each month. You also said,

“As a government, we want to ensure that we spend money responsibly in a way that improves individuals life chances and helps them achieve their ambitions, rather than paying for a lifetime wasted on benefits, “

I find this statement somewhat at odds with your support to the welfare cut.

It is well documented and observed that those people looking for work under WRAG are often still in poor health, following long periods of illness or injury. Additionally some of them may have been out of work for some time or may not be able to return to their previous profession.

Responsible spending and support for people in this group would be the provission of support to allow them to re-enter employment in a suitable manner. People with chronic illness and disability may not be able to work full time or in a usual Monday to Friday routine. However, part time and flexible work is often lower paid and would not guarantee enough salary to cover bills. There is currently a gap in government support that means that people who are physically unable to work full time, can not afford to work full time. Additional support for people in this situation would help people into jobs and and aid stimulation of the economy.

Additionally, some people may not be able to work regular working hours, needing neither work from home options or freelance arrangements. Freelance work is often the only work people with chronic illness are able to undertake, however this is not a guaranteed wage and may not equal a full time wage. There is currently little support for people who work on contract or freelance and that help that is available is restricted and difficult to apply for. Providing additional support for people in this situation would help people find their own work and aid stimulation of the economy.

Many people who had to leave work due to health issues find that their health limitations restrict them from going back in to the same type of work, for example physically taxing jobs; jobs requiring a degree of mobility; high intensity jobs and so on. Furthermore, as employees are generally in favour of recent experience those who have been out of work for some time are at a disadvantage. Currently there is very little provision for retraining, higher education, skill development or apprenticeships, all of which would help to bridge that gap. Most of the available services only relate to basic skills and “CV writing” which are of little actual benefit in the job market and for the majority of people on ESA. Providing additional funding for training and education would give people a better chance at finding a job. Providing additional support for people in this situation would increase employability and stimulate the economy.

Another challenge faced is that many people who have reached the point of being deemed fit to work have done so through implementing various regimen to support their health and recovery. This can include long term regular physiotherapy not available through the limited NHS provisions; regular massage therapy for pain management; the use of specialist facilities like hydrotherapy pools; the use of specialist equipment like TENS machines or mobility aids; even the use of a cleaning or meal service so that they can focus on work. All of these things cost money which a cut in payments would heavily restrict. Without those services people may not be able to afford to stay “work fit”. They also need to be confident that any new job will pay enough to cover these services and that it fits around the schedule needed to maintain their health (for example the local hydrotherapy pool is only open during common working hours). Support should be maintained and improved so that people in this situation can be confident they are fit for work and are employable and can thus contribute to the economy.

A reduction in benefits is not offering support to people on ESA, but is in fact taking support away.

It is a fallacy to believe that people who are placed in to the WRAG category are 100% fit and able to find employment the very next day. The Work Related Activity Group explicitly states that people in this category are working toward being fit and healthy for work. Finding a job, for anybody, takes time and a particular set of circumstances. The additional difficulties faced by those who are disabled, chronically ill or who have been out of work for some time makes this task even more difficult. A reduced income adds to these difficulties rather than takes them away. A reduction in support will not fix barrier to employment, make freelance, contract or part time work suddenly cost effective. It will into make jobs with flexible working more abundant nor will it refresh and renew people's skills or make the right job matches suddenly appear.

Taking any old job due to desperation or poverty regardless of their skills or health status is simply not sustainable and does not benefit the workforce in any meaningful long term, or even mid-term, manner. If a person takes on an unsuitable job due to desperation they are likely to find themselves unable to work in the future as their health deteriorates once more. This may cut the number on benefits temporarily but it is not actually a solution to unemployment, or job shortages.

Responsible spending of money to improve a persons life and chances of employability should involve actual spending. It should also recognise that a persons inability to work full time or return to their area of training makes them invaluable to the workforce, economy and our country. A thriving economy recognises the differing capabilities of its population and works with that to maximise people's potential. A thriving economy recognises that one size does not fit all when it comes to employment.

One final and crucial point. I want to address the final part of your statement:

“ rather than paying for a lifetime wasted on benefits, “.

This implies that you believe that a life not in work is a life wasted. Do you truly believe, can you stand proud in front of a nation of people and honestly and without shame or doubt say that a person who is not working is a waste of a person?

A person who can not work and who most live on the goodness of the state should never be considered a waste. They provide love, friendship and care to their friends and family. They engage in media and entertainment sharing ideas, opinions and preferences which help to shape everything from TV listings to politics. They may volunteer on a casual basis, providing support and help to those organisations that could not exist without them. They may have hobbies, that fit around their disabilities that contribute to the art and culture of this country. A person who does not work is not without value. A persons employment status is only one of the many and varied ways we can judge our own self worth and value to others and to society.

A life is not wasted on benefits, it is lived as best as it can be, just like any other individual who may be employed or not. That they may be limited due to their health and disability does not mean that they are limited in value. To state otherwise is a callous dismissal of a vast part of the population.

I, and many other like me, would very much like to know why your statement is so at odds with your support of a cut to benefits. I would very much like to know why you support a policy that keeps people from working rather than helping people back in to work. I want to know that you, and our government values its citizens, all of of it's citizens, regardless of their ability to work and that you will not punish those you deem as a waste.

You do have a responsibility to improve the benefits and welfare system in this country, but that responsibility is not to government accountants and bean counters but to the citizens themselves who need the support of their government in order to live a healthy and valued life.

Your Sincerely

Sophie Tynan

Accessibility in LARP addenda

The first three parts were well received but, I was reminded of a few extra things to consider. So here we are, a few tidy ups.

Addendum for Venues

In part Part 2 I talked about considerations for venue. I have one to add:

• The ideal venue is near public transport and roads but this isn't always available. Travelling whilst disabled is difficult so consider arranging for a scheduled pick-up or shuttle service from a mainline train-station.

Timekeeping!

This is prompted by a reader comment.

Time keeping is pretty important to a lot of chronically ill and disabled people. As mentioned in the plot and food sections, many people have to operate to a certain schedule. This may be taking medication at specific times or intervals, eating at certain times, monitoring their activity levels, or important in managing issues like PTSD or coping with autism.

• Some people may not be able to wear a watch for health reasons (pain, skin sensitivity etc).
• You may want to make a point that anachronistic timepieces, including mobile phones, will be overlooked if used discretely.
• Consider having an IC clock or timekeeping method in the main play area available to all players.
• If not knowing the time or a distorted passage of time are a part of your setting then talk to players who have indicated illness or disability and work out a suitable OC or IC solution.
• Consider having things happening at set times to act as markers i.e. lunch will be at 12:30. There will be an NPC arriving at 5PM.

Example

Game X is an altered reality game with shifting timelines. The IC time does not match the OC time. John needs to take medication at set times. The organisers agree that John may use an alarm on his mobile phone (set to aeroplane mode) to notify him. They ask if the alarm can be set to quiet and vibrate to minimise disruption. Other players are instructed to ignore it.

Example

Dina needs to measure her insulin every hour but doesn't have a watch suitable for her innumerate character in this post-apocalyptic setting. The Organisers decide that sounding a gong every hour fits with their setting. The gong can be heard across the site.

Costume and Kit

Personally I like clear costume guides. I think this helps create a setting, especially a fictional or historic world, as well as helping to form character and aid in recognition. Costuming can be limited for everybody by time, money and skill. People with disabilities may face other limitations.

• Provide setting and costume information as early as you can – people with disabilities may need longer to make or assemble their costume due to physical or cognitive limitations.
• Make sure your costume briefs aren't to rigid and offer a number of variations of style – some people may have difficulty dressing, or sensory issues that limit what they can wear.
• The concept of aspirational kit, or kit that is evolving can be helpful as it allows people to start of with a basic layer and then embellish as they are able.
• If you have rules regarding armour or heavy armour, consider that these may have to be modified to accommodate a persons disability.
• Understand that IC footwear is not always available to people with specific mobility or medical needs.
• Remember that mobility aids can't always be changed to fit with a costume.
• If you can, include mobility aids in any “look and feel” photographs or costume guides.

Jay uses a wheelchair and is playing a combat character. The heavy armour rules state that the full torso must be covered in addition to legs or arms and helmet and the armour should be plate. This is not compatible with sitting in a wheelchair. The Organisers agree that Jay can wear a chest plate instead of full torso covering and that their modified grieves are suitable.

Hayley has to wear special footwear due to a muskularskeletal deformity. She is worried it won't look right with her costume. The Organisers include “practical footwear” in their costume guide and stress that OC practical footwear is always acceptable.

Downtime systems

This part is inspired by LARP blogger Encounter 21 on tumblr, who recently made a post about downtimes. These systems need to be carefully planned anyway, but there are some extra considerations regarding accessibility.

• If you have a downtime system, keeping it to something that only has to be tackled once between games is best. People may not have the energy or ability to engage with a downtime system continually.
• Give clear guidelines on how the system works and what can and can't be done.
• Consider using a form instead of free form text. Players with cognitive of learning disabilities may not be able to engage with a free text system fully.
• You may need to provide the downtime in various formats so that specialist software can be used.
• Be prepared to receive a downtime in an alternative format if to meet a players needs.
• Do not require on going downtime communication between player characters or NPCs. 
• Do not require players to read lengthy IC documents during downtime. Uptime should not be impacted if a player is unable to keep up with fic, IC documents and descriptions during downtime.

Ffion has CFS/ME and does not have much energy between events (she saves it for events) so she can not devote a lot of time to a downtime system. Many other players are enthusiastically writing fic and IC letters. The Organisers rule that fic and letters written during DT are not to be considered part of the game and are for fun only. Only letters or descriptions submitted as a part of the official DT will have an impact on characters in uptime.

Joseph has a learning disability and struggles with reading and writing. The Organisers make the Dowtime system a series of questions that only have to be answered yes or no in a tick box format. They also make an audio recording of each question. 

Crew

Throughout these articles I have talked about players and organisers. There is another group to consider: your crew. Don't forget your crew. Crew members can also have disabilities which may need some accommodations. All of the points covered can and should apply to crew.

• Keep in mind when assigning roles or jobs that people's needs and abilities may differ. 
• Make documentation accessible and clear. 
• Make sure your crew eat and rest properly (crew management is a whole topic unto itself).
• Above all be honest about what you need and expect from your crew members. If you really need a crew member who can make repeated charges in to battle say that upfront so that people can make their own assessment as to whether they can put their name forward. 
• Most crew teams have spaces for all sorts of skills and abilities, 
• Be upfront and clear about what you need so that you get the best person for the job, and that people aren't left out or worse, actually hurt, by poor accessibility.

Example 
Nim would like to crew at Event X but is concerned because their Muscular Dystrophy means they aren't combat safe or able to walk far. They discuss this with the organisers who assure them that they will have a non-com NPC role and that they some of the encounters can be kept close to the crew hut to minimise walking. 

Now some general commentary.

In this series I tried to cover as many types of disability as I could whilst keeping it general. Everybody experiences their disability differently, which is why it is important to pay attention to booking forms and encourage conversation between players and organisers to establish what you as an organiser can do to help. However, there are a few areas I was a bit short on.

Firstly, I am not overly experienced with either the deaf community or the blind community. I provided a few thoughts and examples but I feel I could have done better. They are questions I have pondered previously and I am still trying to figure out the best way to make LARP more accessible for people with sight or hearing impairments. I know there isn't a one size fits all solution, but knowing what options and what small adaptations would make games more accessible would be great. If I find out I'll pass the information on to you.

• If you are a LARPer, or somebody who is interested in LARPing, and have a sight or hearing impairment and would like to talk to me so we can figure this out, I would love to hear from you.

Secondly, I only briefly mentioned mental health issues. I am fully of the belief that mental health issues can be a disability however, I do think that their needs are different than physical disabilities (ven with all their variation). That doesn't mean that I don't think that accessibility should be denied to those with mental health problems; it's just not an issue I am ready to tackle yet. I would like to talk about mental health in LARP, how we can make things more accessible, things the player can do and things the organisers can do. That's going to take more research and more conversations though. But don't worry, those of you with mental health disabilities, I haven't forgotten about you, I jsut want to get it right.

• If you are a LARPer or somebody who is interested in LARP, and have a mental health disability and would like to talk to me so we can figure this out, I would love to hear from you.

So, for now. I think that's it with this mini series of Accessibility in LARP. At least, until I do follow on parts. Remember, it's not about making the game easier for disabled players and crew, it is about making it no more difficult than for everybody else.

In case you missed them, part one starts at the very beginning of organising your game, part two dealt with venue logistics and part three was all about your plot and rules.

Guide to LARP accessibility - Part 3

This guide is lengthy and is split into a few parts. Part three looks at plot and rules - the things that really make the game. 

Part one starts at the very beginning of organising your game and part two dealt with venue logistics. 

The plot

Whilst a lot of accessibility is down to the venue itself, how you run the game is equally important. Considering your players' needs and integrating that into your plot and mechanics makes everything far more seamless and means that those with additional needs can enjoy the game equally with their fellow players.

• Consider multiple methods of solving a puzzle or dealing with an encounter or that there is variation in how encounters are solved. A game that relies solely on combat or physical prowess to get through excludes physically limited players and a game that relies on only cryptic logic puzzles excludes those with cognitive or learning disabilities.*
• Think about your pacing carefully. Having opportunities to rest in between action is important, though you don't want too-long periods of inaction.
• People with physical disabilities may wish to play combat characters. Work with them to see how they fit into the setting and how you can bring combat to them by considering plot (pitched battles are different to snipers and traps), setting and terrain.
• In an ongoing campaign, vary the times that regular events occur so that they are available to more players – players with disabilities often have to stick to an OC schedule even during games.
• Are there ways of giving advance notice of action and events to players with disabilities so they can prepare or time their medication – this could be an OC message from a ref or the delivery of a vision or omen.
• Think about where events happen, can you bring the plot to the players in some instances?
• If you have players with vision impairment, cognitive disabilities or learning difficulties, find out what methods of communication work best for them and include them in your plot.
  • This may mean putting messages in writing or clear type, having a ref or NPC verbally deliver a message to a player and so on.
• Props and plot items should be safe to handle anyway but think about items that can be carried one handed if you have a player who walks with a cane, items which are light weight if they have muscle weakness and so on.
• Don't put anything plot critical in areas that can not be accessed by all players. All players should have the opportunity to reach plot (that's players, not characters, characters may differ).
• Have back-up plan and alternative plots in case a player is unavailable or unable to do certain actions at a particular time due to their disability.

Example:

Morgan is partially sighted and worries that ze won't be able to find key items. The organisers tell zer at the start of each “session” (i.e. morning, afternoon and evening) specific areas he can focus his search on for example, in the shrubbery, they also make sure that IC hidden items are marked with a bright ribbon - players know that only people with the “search” skill can find these items.

Example:

Clara's medication has to be taken at the same time every night and she usually falls asleep at 11pm. The Organisers make sure that no Big NPC meetings that affect her character take place after 10pm.

* Not all games are for everybody and that's ok. If you are running a specifically 100% combat event then make this clear in your advertising so that people can make a choice of whether to attend. However, if somebody with a disability does enquire about your 100% combat event, then you should still consider any reasonable accommodations.

Rules and Mechanics

Rules and mechanics are how stuff happens in your game world – it's how we make the unreal, real. They can affect and be affected by people's disabilities. Your rules and mechanics are about how people do things, so you should make sure that they let all people do things.

• Consider implementing a non-com rule – a rule that means people who can not be involved in combat can avoid it safely OC. These rules should still involve the player IC. Be aware that some players who start off combat safe may have to become non-com later in the game due to health reasons. Know how this should work.
• Hard skills are popular and common – hard skills are things you can actually do OOC that are used IC. You may need to find a way of balancing this for disabled players so that areas of the game aren't shut off.
• It is helpful to have printouts of core rules available for players to check mid game, especially for those with cognitive or learning disabilities. Post them on the back of toilet doors or in bunk rooms.
• Lammies, cards or sheets with explanations of specific skills that players with those skills can carry on them are helpful.
• Keeping mechanics and rules simple benefits everybody especially players with disabilities.
• Make it clear to all players that OC mobility aids are not to be moved, hidden or tampered with at any point. You may need to find some way to distinguish between IC costume items and OC mobility aids.
• Allow some flexibility in rules that require specific actions so as not to exclude people with mobility issues.
• Think about your Time in and Time Out times. Do they give people a chance to recover and prepare for the event without too much rush?
• Are your OC Man Down calls sufficiently different to your IC calls for a medic.

Example:

Chris has EDS, he is finding it difficult and painful to bend over patients who are lying down in order to use his medic skill. The organisers make an allowance so that the patient can be seated instead of lying down. This allows Chris the option of sitting next to his patient to apply the medic skill.

Example:

Rima is partially deaf and is worried she will not hear spell vocals properly. The Organisers decide that all spells will be accompanied by throwing a coloured beanbag at the target – the colour relating to a specific effect. Rima is satisfied she will now know when she has been hit by a spell.

In this guide I've tried to cover as many different bases as I can but I am just one person and I can't cover every possible combination of event and disability. This isn't a comprehensive list but should give you an idea of how to handle most situations. I particularly didn't go in to much detail regarding hard of hearing accessibility as it is something I have yet find good solutions to in LARP. I also only skimmed over mental health issues as I feel that mental health accessibility is a topic which would be best suited to its own post.

Additionally, this isn't a list of things that you absolutely must do every time. There are some things it can be handy to just do automatically that can help all players, but there are other things that are more tailored to an individual. Nobody would blame you for not providing a gluten free catering option when none of your players need gluten free. However, you should be prepared and know how to provide those accommodations if necessary.

At the end of the day, making a game accessible opens your game up to more players and helps you players have a more enjoyable event. Having more players and players who are happy with our event is really what we, as event organisers, are aiming for and good accessibility can help us achieve that. 

NB: I'm not an expert and I may miss things out but I've tried to cover as much as I can. I have tried to give examples where I can and I hope I have not misrepresented anybody. We are all different and that means I can't cover every possible accommodation.

Guide to LARP accessibility - Part 2

This guide is lengthy and has been split into a few parts. Part one started at the very beginning of organising your game. Part two takes a look at your venue and sleeping arrangements.

The site/venue itself

This is a tricky one because sites can vary so much depending on game. Many people with disabilities accept that not all areas of a site will be accessible – it's a frustrating truth. There are things you can do to mitigate this and still make a site inclusive, this largely involves talking to your player and thinking about where stuff happens.

• Make sure as much of your indoor space is step free or has step free access. This is essential for common and dining rooms, sleeping areas, toilets and washrooms but, you should consider all spaces.
• If there are steps or lips in doorways then provide ramps or alternative access.
• Building access isn't just for people in wheelchairs – people with mobility problems, balance issues, chronic pain or chronic fatigue all benefit from level access.
• Do not put plot critical items or sets in rooms that can't be accessed by all your players.
• Consider the terrain and how rough or steep it is. Can your players navigate it safely? Look for alternative paths for less-able players, or make sure there is provision for changing a set piece or access.
• Consider where action and events will take place. Can your players reach them or will they miss out on things. Does your big encounter have to take place in the ravine or can it take place nearer to the main hall?
• Make sure your venue has adequate seating, and if possible a variety of seating types.
• Consider heating – temperature can affect many people's conditions. Make sure there is heating AND ventilation, that you know where heating controls are and convey to players if the venue is likely to be hot or cold so they can plan their kit accordingly.
• Look at the lighting. Does it highlight trip hazards properly? Do players with vision impairment need extra lighting? Very bright, coloured or flickering light can also be an issue for people with sensory problems such as migraines, autism, vertigo or epilepsy. Refer to the booking forms and if a player notes one of these issues consult with the player.
• Consider designating an OOC quiet room for people with disabilities who need a time out or quiet time. Keep this room quiet and free of too much sensory stimulus.
• Make sure there is an accessible toilet and washroom – large enough for a wheelchair, with handrails and a low sink. If it requires a key make sure to give the key to the player or see if it can be left unlocked for the duration of the event.

Example:

Sasha uses a wheelchair. She is worried she won't be able to access things in the woods over rough terrain. The Organiser shows her the graded access path through the woods that she can use as a short cut and says that all events will take place near to this path. Other players will not have access to this path (unless accompanying her) and she doesn't have to use it if she is confident on the other paths.

Example:

Lee has epilepsy that can be triggered by fluorescent lights. The event organisers find out that their venue uses strip lighting so decide that they will bring their own lamps and use daylight bulbs to create the bright light effect they want in a safe manner.

Sleeping arrangements

If your event is overnight pay attention to sleeping arrangements. A good night's sleep can be the difference between functioning and being immobile to some players. What makes a good night's sleep can vary dramatically.

• Find out early if your venue has bunk rooms and what size and configuration they are (i.e. how many do they sleep).
• If the site is camping only, see if you can designate a room for indoor sleeping for those who need it. Another option is to designate an area of field for disabled camping that is close to facilities including power sources.
• Offer IC and OOC sleeping options, even if your event isn't 24hr. Some people will need to nap during time in and they may prefer OOC to IC for this.
• Find out what bedding, if any, is provided so that people can plan accordingly.
• Make sure there are at least some power sockets available in sleeping areas – some people may use a C-Pap or have other medical equipment and will require power.
• Have back-up options available. Some people's needs may change unexpectedly.
• Consider reserving bunk rooms near to bathrooms for disabled players. Additionally, bunk rooms near to the main play area might be preferred by some disabled players so they don't have to far to walk.
• Make sure rooms and beds are navigable by players in a wheelchairs or who use a walking aid.
• Consider setting up comfortable areas in IC places where players can rest easily without dropping OC.
• It can be helpful to give details of nearby and inexpensive B&Bs or hotels so that people have another option.

Example:

Rose has Crohn's Disease so the organisers make sure she has a bunkroom near to an accessible bathroom.

Example:

David has a back injury that requires careful rest. He requests that a bottom bunk is reserved for him as he can't manage ladders. The organisers also move the venue sofas into one corner and leave a few blankets lying around with the IC reason that squatters were using the building before the characters arrived. This provides an IC rest area for David and others that need it.

NB: I'm not an expert and I may miss things out but I've tried to cover as much as I can. I have tried to give examples where I can and I hope I have not misrepresented anybody. We are all different and that means I can't cover every possible accommodation.

Part 3 covering the plot and game rules can be found here!