Are you in search of some team building games for wheelchair users?
Whether you’re leading a corporate or a disability support organization, creating an inclusive environment is key to fostering teamwork and building morale. So, it’s important to conduct activities that accommodate all the participants, including wheelchair users. Thoughtful planning ensures that these activities are accessible, fun, and meaningful for everyone involved.
In this article, let’s see 10 engaging and inclusive team building games specifically designed for wheelchair users. These activities will help strengthen bonds and leave everyone feeling empowered.
Choosing the Right Team Building Activity for Wheelchair Users
When planning team building games, accessibility and inclusivity should always be top priorities. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Focus on Adaptability
Ensure the games you choose can be easily adapted for wheelchair users without taking away from the experience. Modify rules or equipment as needed to level the playing field.
Prioritize Teamwork
Look for activities that foster collaboration rather than individual competition. The goal is to build relationships and improve communication within the group.
Keep Safety in Mind
Make sure the venue is wheelchair accessible, and avoid activities that pose a safety risk to participants. Choose games that emphasize fun and connection without unnecessary physical strain.
Ask for Input
Engage wheelchair users in the planning process. They can provide valuable insights into what activities are feasible, enjoyable, and inclusive.
10 Team Building Games for Wheelchair Users
Here are some team building exercises for wheelchair users.
#1. Trivia Game
This activity is a great way to get everyone involved and learn more about each other.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Trivia questions, paper, and pens
Participants: Any number of people in a group
Instructions
- Create trivia questions that cover a variety of topics and are not physically demanding.
- Divide the participants into teams, ensuring a mix of wheelchair users and able-bodied individuals in each team.
- Ask the first team a question; if they answer correctly, they get a point. If not, the other teams can try to answer. You can use buzzers or bells to make it more interactive.
- Keep track of points and declare the winning team at the end.
Debrief
Discuss how the activity encouraged teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Encourage the participants to reflect on any challenges they faced and how they worked together to overcome them.
#2. Wheelchair Relay Race
This activity is a fun twist on traditional relay races, with teams competing to complete a course in wheelchairs.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Cones or markers to designate the relay course
Participants: 4-8 people in a group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into teams, ensuring a mix of wheelchair users and able-bodied individuals in each team.
- Set up a relay course using cones or markers, making sure it is safe and accessible for wheelchair users.
- Ask each team to take turns completing the relay course, and passing the baton (or any designated object) to the next team member.
- The team that completes the course in the fastest time wins the race.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of teamwork, communication, and inclusivity. Encourage the participants to share their experiences and insights on how the activity fostered collaboration and camaraderie among team members.
#3. Story Building Game
This game is perfect for teams that need to improve their communication and creativity.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Any number of people in a group
Instructions
- Choose a theme or topic for the story. It could be anything from “a day at work” to “an adventure in space.”
- One person starts the story with one sentence, then passes it on to the next person who adds another sentence, and so on.
- After each round, ask someone new (wheelchair user or able-bodied) to start the next sentence.
- Keep going until everyone has had several turns adding to the story.
Debrief
Discuss how everyone contributed to the story and what this reveals about teamwork and communication. Encourage the participants to share their creative thought processes and any challenges they faced in building a cohesive narrative.
#4. Pass the Squeeze
This activity is a physical icebreaker that encourages teamwork and trust-building.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Any number of people in a group
Instructions
- Have the participants sit in a circle, ensuring everyone can reach out to each other.
- Ask someone to start by squeezing the hand of the person next to them. That person then squeezes the hand of the person next to them, and so on until it reaches back to the starting point.
- Keep passing the squeeze around but add more challenges, like using only one hand or closing your eyes while doing it.
Debrief
Discuss how this simple activity built trust and teamwork among the participants. Ask them to reflect on how they felt while participating in the game and what role communication played in its success.
#5. Photo Scavenger Hunt
This activity is a great way to get everyone moving and exploring different parts of the venue while working together.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: A list of items or tasks, cameras or phones for taking photos, and prizes (optional).
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide each team with a list of items they need to find or tasks they need to complete within a set time limit.
- The teams must work together to take photos of each item or task.
- To make it more inclusive, you can have one designated photographer in each team who uses their camera/phone to capture all the moments.
- After the allotted time, gather everyone and go through the photos together. You can award prizes for creativity or speed.
Debrief
Discuss how this activity fostered teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Encourage the participants to share their experiences and insights on what worked well and what could be improved for future scavenger hunts.
#6. Word Association Game
This activity is a fun way to encourage creativity and teamwork while building vocabulary and communication skills.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask someone to start by saying one word (e.g., “iron”).
- The next person has to say a word that relates to the previous word, for example, “clothes.”
- Keep going around the circle, with each person adding a word related to the previous one.
- If someone hesitates or repeats a word, they are out of the game.
Debrief
Discuss how this activity encouraged participants to think quickly and creatively while working together. Encourage them to reflect on any challenges they faced and strategies they used to keep the game going smoothly.
#7. Team Charades
This classic game is a fun way to encourage teamwork, communication, and creativity.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Pieces of paper with words or phrases written on them (e.g., movie titles, actions)
Participants: 3-6 individuals in a group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into teams, ensuring a mix of wheelchair users and able-bodied individuals in each team.
- One person from the first team chooses a piece of paper and acts out the word or phrase silently while their team members try to guess what it is.
- If they guess correctly within a set time limit, the team gets a point. Otherwise, the other teams can have a turn to guess.
- Keep going until all the words/phrases have been used, then switch to another team.
Debrief
Ask the participants to share any challenges they faced and what strategies they used to overcome them. Encourage them to reflect on how they worked together as a team and how communication played a crucial role in their success.
#8. Four Corners
This game is a great way to get everyone up and moving while working together as a team.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 individuals in a group
Instructions
- Set up four corners in the room, labeling them with numbers 1-4.
- Assign each corner a different task or challenge (e.g., singing a song, acting out a scene, coming up with an idea). Have one person stand in the middle of the room and call out a number.
- The team standing in that numbered corner must quickly come up with their assigned task and perform it for everyone else.
- Keep going until all teams have had a turn.
Debrief
Discuss how this game encouraged teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking among participants. Encourage them to reflect on any challenges they faced and what strategies they used to overcome them.
#9 Never Have I Ever
This game is a fun icebreaker that encourages participants to get to know each other better and build rapport.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 4-8 individuals in a group
Instructions
- Ask everyone to sit in a circle.
- Explain the rules: One person starts by saying “Never have I ever…” followed by something they have never done before (e.g., “never have I ever been bungee jumping”).
- Anyone who has done that activity must move one step closer to the center of the circle.
- The last person standing outside the circle wins.
Debrief
Encourage the participants to share any interesting or surprising things they’ve learned about each other through this game. Discuss how this activity helped break the ice and build connections among the group.
#10. Group Art Project
This activity is a creative way to encourage teamwork and collaboration while also accommodating wheelchair users.
Time: You decide
Materials: Art supplies (e.g., paper, markers, paint), and easels or flat surfaces for drawing
Participants: Any number of people in a group, including wheelchair users
Instructions
- Split the participants into smaller groups and assign them a theme or topic to create an artwork around.
- Provide the necessary art supplies and encourage each team to work together to create their masterpiece.
- For wheelchair users, make sure they have access to an adjustable easel or a flat surface at a comfortable height for drawing.
- After the allotted time, have each team present their artwork and explain their creative process.
Debrief
Discuss how this activity promoted teamwork, communication, and creativity among participants. Encourage them to reflect on any challenges they faced and to share their favorite parts about the project.
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Final Words
Team building is a powerful way to bring people together. When tailored to meet the needs of everyone—including those who use wheelchairs—these activities can break down barriers, foster cooperation, and create lasting connections. The key is thoughtful planning, adaptability, and an open-minded approach. So, start incorporating these accessible games to see the difference they can make. Together, you’ll create a stronger, more united team.
FAQ: Team Building Games for Wheelchair Users
You might have these questions in mind.
Are these games suitable for all ages?
Yes, the majority of these activities can be adjusted for different age groups to ensure inclusivity and fun for all participants. Just make sure to tailor the instructions and materials accordingly.
Do I need to have a mix of able-bodied individuals and wheelchair users for these games?
No, these activities can also be modified for groups consisting entirely of wheelchair users. The key is to ensure that everyone is included and has access to necessary accommodations.
How can I adapt these games if someone in the group has a different type of disability?
You can easily modify these activities by incorporating any necessary accommodations or changing tasks/challenges as needed. It’s also helpful to consult with disabled individuals beforehand to get their input on how the activities can be adjusted for their specific needs. So, keep exploring and adapting!