Minds at Play

Here at Minds At Play, we recognise the challenges often associated with engaging and assisting people with a Disability. Our program aims to offer a safe environment to express emotions and frustrations. The adventure is designed to mimic real-life consequences, allowing for exploration into this subject as well, as all actions taken have consequences. As players carefully choose their actions, they develop critical thinking skills. STEM skills are developed through play as moves require critical analysis of their surroundings and decisions based on inference. Participation develops decision-making skills, with the game providing structure and a safe environment to practice. The adventure is very flexible, players can do almost anything to progress, providing a safe space to explore this decision-making. The game also assists in initiating conversations between players, providing a common subject for discussion in and out of the game. Our program improves creative and imaginative skills, needing to visualise most of the adventure while using maps and figurines. Through the role-play, they additionally explore themselves, separating their identity from themselves and allowing them to see it from an outside perspective. The adventure is played through a created character, allowing for the development of perspective taking skills as they think as their character would. The high levels of collaboration and teamwork also encourage these skills as players are required to act in ways to benefit their team. Requiring them to look at all perspectives before acting. Players are required to collaborate within a team to progress, developing teamwork and conflict resolution skills.