Aishwarya Wagle
Why Accessibility Belongs in Every Classroom
We often hear that the future belongs to those who can think critically, create meaningfully, and design inclusively. But how do we build these qualities in our students? One unexpected answer: games. More and more educators are turning to game-based learning to help high schoolers not only grasp accessibility challenges but truly feel them. In doing so, they’re nurturing the kind of empathy that textbooks just can’t teach.
The Power of Play: Why Games Work
Games have a unique way of engaging students—they’re immersive, interactive, and intuitive. When it comes to teaching about disabilities and accessibility, they become more than just fun. They become windows into another person’s experience. Whether it’s navigating a digital world with visual impairment or designing tools for inclusive access, students begin to internalize the real-world impact of their design choices.
From Awareness to Empathy
The shift from knowledge to empathy is subtle but significant. Traditional lessons might explain what a disability is, but games can let students experience it. By walking in someone else’s virtual shoes, students gain a deeper, emotional understanding of the daily barriers faced by people with disabilities—barriers that often go unseen in the physical classroom.
Design Thinking with Heart
These games don’t stop at empathy—they spark action. Once students understand the challenges, they’re encouraged to come up with solutions. This naturally leads into principles of universal design and inclusive tech. When students start designing with accessibility in mind, they’re not just learning coding or UX—they’re learning how to be thoughtful creators in a diverse world.
Making the Shift: What Schools Can Do
Implementing game-based accessibility learning doesn’t require a full tech overhaul. There are ready-to-use tools, low-cost platforms, and open-source games that schools can introduce with minimal training. More importantly, it’s about creating a culture where empathy is seen as a core component of 21st-century learning—not just a soft skill.
Conclusion
Teaching accessibility through games isn’t just a trend—it’s a much-needed evolution in education. As schools look to prepare students for a diverse and digitally connected future, empathy and inclusion must be built into the foundation. And what better way to start than with a controller in hand and a heart wide open?
