What is video game accessibility — and who benefits from it? Engage students with this downloadable comic and teaching guide about inclusion and one of the most popular pastimes in the world.

Estimated Lexile Levels:

• Comic: 810 – 1000
• Endnotes: 1010 – 1200

Projects and discussion questions are aligned to Common Core standards for grades 5-8.

Video games have evolved rapidly since their invention in the late 20th century. However, advances in graphics, audio, scope, and gameplay — often requiring high levels of dexterity and hand/eye coordination to enjoy — have outpaced innovations that make video games accessible to all people who wish to play.

Only recently — and thanks to the efforts of the disability and gaming communities — has the conversation about making video games playable for more people, especially those who have disabilities, really taken off.

This comic and its endnotes will help students learn about accessibility in video games:

• Who benefits from video game accessibility,
• How games can be more accessible, and
• Progress toward greater accessibility in video games.

Through the discussion questions and project ideas in this guide, students can further explore the concepts and ideas introduced in the comic and think critically about issues people with disabilities may face. Ultimately, students will gain tools to understand, advocate for, and create more inclusive communities that are accessible to as many people as possible.

Each free download includes the 4-page comic (with process art and script), additional endnotes, and a teaching guide with discussion questions, project ideas, and other classroom resources.

Story by Matt Slayter
Art by Zak Kinsella
Lettering by R. Alan Brooks