The Hidden Barriers of Team Building: Why 'Fun for Everyone' Often Isn't
Working in accessibility, we spend our days making digital spaces more inclusive. We audit websites, suggest improvements, and work to ensure everyone can access online services equally. But recently, our team faced a stark reminder that accessibility challenges extend far beyond the digital world. We came across an issue that deeply affects workplace culture, team building and even family outings.
Our story begins with what should have been a simple task: organizing a seasonal team get-together. Like many workplaces, we wanted to plan something fun, engaging, and most importantly, something inclusive for everyone to enjoy. Two of our most valued team members are blind, working as accessibility auditors. Their expertise is invaluable. When something isn't accessible, it directly impacts their daily lives. There's no "glossing over" accessibility issues when they're fundamental to your team's experience.
The challenges began almost immediately. The first suggestion was axe throwing – an increasingly popular team-building activity that was quickly ruled out for obvious safety concerns. Then came bowling, another common choice for office outings. But again, we had to consider: how would our blind team members fully participate? While blind bowling is certainly possible with proper adaptations, most commercial bowling alleys aren't set up to provide an equitable experience.
Our next attempt seemed promising: an escape room. These puzzle-solving adventures have become a go-to for team building, promising to test communication skills and problem-solving abilities. We contacted several escape room venues in our area, hoping to find an accessible option. The responses were disappointing but illuminating. Most replied with a simple "sorry, this activity is not accessible." One venue was more specific, stating that "the types of puzzles are not accessible for blind people."
This response highlights a crucial oversight in how we design recreational activities. Yes, traditional escape rooms rely heavily on visual puzzles – finding hidden objects, decoding written messages, spotting patterns. But why must they be exclusively visual? Couldn't puzzles incorporate sound, texture, and spatial awareness? Couldn't clues be discovered through touch or hearing? The limitation isn't in the concept of an escape room itself, but in how we've chosen to design them.
The problem isn't just about specific activities being inaccessible. It's about the mental load placed on diverse teams when planning social events. It's about the subtle message sent when team members have to constantly point out why popular activities won't work for them. It's about the limited options available in our cities and towns for truly inclusive entertainment.
As a result of all of this, we have decided to compile a list of suitable activities that could be used for team building when members of the team have a disability, in the hopes that it may help other teams with a similar issue:
Art or Craft Sessions
How it works:
Provide art supplies and work together on a group mural or individual pieces that connect to a shared theme.
Offer tactile materials for participants with visual impairments.
Use guided instructions with visual aids, captions, or interpreters for clarity.
Ensure accessible seating and workspace arrangements.
Why it works: This activity is hands-on, creative, and adaptable to different skill levels and preferences.
Trivia Challenge
How it works:
Host a trivia game with a mix of fun, general knowledge, and workplace-related questions.
Include a visual scoreboard for everyone to follow.
Provide a host who can read questions aloud and type them for accessibility.
Allow teammates to work together so that strengths are pooled.
Why it works: Teams can bond through knowledge-sharing while ensuring accessibility through multimodal delivery.
Inclusive Scavenger Hunt
How it works:
Create a scavenger hunt with sensory-friendly and low-mobility options, such as:
Virtual scavenger hunts (find items at home and describe them).
Tactile items for blind participants or visual descriptions for items.
Tasks that involve teamwork, where members can collaborate to balance abilities.
Why it works: It encourages problem-solving and teamwork while ensuring flexibility.
Cooking or Tasting Experiences
How it works:
Organize a group cooking class or food tasting.
Provide verbal and visual instructions, as well as step-by-step printed guides.
Incorporate sensory-rich tasks for those with visual impairments (e.g., feeling textures, smelling spices).
Include accessible kitchen tools for participants with mobility challenges.
Why it works: Cooking is a universal activity that can be easily adapted for diverse abilities.
Lego Serious Play
How it works:
Use Lego bricks to build models that represent team challenges or goals.
Offer larger, tactile blocks for participants with dexterity or visual challenges.
Use prompts that encourage verbal storytelling so everyone can explain their creations.
Why it works: Combines creativity with strategic thinking, allowing everyone to contribute.
As we continue to push for more accessible digital spaces, let's not forget about the importance of accessible physical spaces and activities. True inclusion means being able to participate fully in all aspects of work life – including those moments when we're not actually working. Only then can we say we're building teams that truly work together.
Have you faced similar challenges in planning inclusive team activities? We'd love to hear your experiences and solutions.