Make Your Board Games Accessible: Crafting Large-Print Cards, Tactile Tokens, and Carrying Cases

Make your favorite games friendlier — fast

Struggling to find one place for large-print cards, tactile tokens, and easy-carry solutions? Youre not alone. Players and teachers tell us the same thing: a great game can stall when cards are too tiny, tokens are slippery, or a box wont travel. Inspired by Sanibels accessibility-first design (Elizabeth Hargrave herself has emphasized making games welcoming), this guide turns that intention into practical, craftable upgrades you can finish in an afternoon or scale to bulk for classrooms, clubs, or classroom parties.

Quick wins: What to do first

Before you dive into supplies, prioritize these three high-impact upgrades. They take minutes and make the biggest difference in playability:

• Large-print cards with high-contrast text and simplified layout.
• Tactile tokens that are easy to feel, grab, and sort without sight.
• Organized carrying cases with foam or felt inserts and tactile labeling for quick setup and teardown.

Why accessibility in board games matters now (2026 context)

From late 2024 through 2025 the tabletop community increasingly focused on inclusive design: publishers adopted clearer accessibility notes, and indie designers expanded UX testing with players who have low vision or limited dexterity. That momentum carried into early 2026, with more print-on-demand shops and 3D printing services offering accessible-friendly options. Sanibel is part of that wave: Hargrave designed it with accessibility in mind, putting inclusive play on the tabletop map.

"Sanibel was designed with accessibility in mind"  Elizabeth Hargrave (on designing for family play)

Do a 5-minute accessibility audit

Before you modify pieces, test the game as a real user would. This quick checklist helps identify friction points.

• Can card text be read across the table from a seated position? If not, mark for large-print cards.
• Are tokens distinguishable by touch? If not, mark for tactile upgrades.
• Is setup easy with one hand? If not, plan dexterity aids like trays or holders.
• Are critical icons large and high-contrast? If not, redesign or label with tactile marks.

Tutorial A: Make large-print cards (step-by-step)

Convert standard game cards into readable, durable cards without reprinting the whole game. Two routes: replace the cards with new printouts or overlay the originals with readable sleeves. We cover both.

Materials

• Inkjet or laser printer (local print shop for higher volumes)
• 100gsm to 300gsm cardstock depending on durability needs
• Matte laminating pouches and household laminator or clear card sleeves
• Ruler, craft knife, corner rounder
• Fonts: At least 18pt for body text, 22pt+ for headings. Use dyslexia-friendly fonts like OpenDyslexic or easy-to-read sans-serifs like Inter or Verdana.
• High-contrast color pairs: black on off-white (not stark white) or white on deep navy.

Layout rules

• Increase font size by at least 30% over the original.
• Boost line height to 140% for better readability.
• Keep text blocks short and use bold for keywords; minimize decorative backgrounds behind copy.
• Leave a clear 6mm margin around text.

Steps

1. Measure an existing card (standard is 63x88mm). For large-print, target 70x
   20mm or a custom rectangle that fits the game's box. If replacing the box insert is not possible, use oversized sleeves that hold both the original and a printed overlay.
2. Open a template in a program like Google Slides, Affinity Designer, or Canva. Set the page to the card size, import icons and copy, and switch to your chosen high-contrast palette and larger fonts.
3. Print a test on regular paper. Check readability across the table and with a handheld magnifier. Iterate.
4. Print final copies on cardstock. Laminate or use sleeves for durability. If you laminate, round corners and file the edges lightly for smooth play.
5. Number cards on the back in large type so players can check order by touch (e.g., raised sticker or a small embossed dot for every 5th card).

Tutorial B: Create tactile tokens for touch-first play

Tactile tokens let players identify pieces by feel alone. Use textures, raised patterns, and weight differences to make each token unique.

Material options (from cheapest to premium)

• Puffy fabric paint / dimensional paint (craft-store classic)
• Hot glue on coin blanks (fast, textured ridges)
• Air-dry or polymer clay (moldable, paintable)
• Resin cast from silicone molds (durable, can add weights)
• 3D printing (custom shapes, braille-friendly, consistent repeatability)

Design tips for tactile clarity

• Distinct shapes: circle vs. square vs. shell shape
• Distinct textures: ridges, dots, cross-hatch, smooth
• Weight differences: add small washers or metal pellets in resin or clay for heavier tokens
• Use tactile coding: 1 dot = resource A, 2 stripes = resource B, etc.

Step-by-step: Quick hot-glue tactile tokens

1. Gather cheap wooden discs or thick cardboard blanks (25mm to 40mm).
2. On the top of each blank, pipe patterns with hot glue. For shells youll want concentric ridges; for coins use a single raised dot.
3. Let cool, sand any sharp edges, then paint a solid, high-contrast color if desired. Seal with matte mod podge for longevity.
4. Add a backing mark (a small punched notch) to indicate orientation for asymmetric pieces.

Step-by-step: Resin or clay shells (Sanibel-style)

1. Sculpt a master shape in polymer clay or 3D-print a small shell model. Keep the master about 30-40mm wide for easy handling.
2. Make a two-part silicone mold around the master. Use food-safe silicone for classroom projects if kids will handle them.
3. Cast resin into the mold. Add tiny metal washers at the base to add weight so tokens dont slide.
4. Finish with matte spray or add a raised braid or groove to the shell edge to make it thumb-friendly.

Tutorial C: Card holders, trays, and dexterity aids

Small physical changes can make a table playable for people with limited hand mobility. The goal: reduce fumble points and allow single-hand play.

Simple card holders (2 designs)

• Foam strip holder: Cut craft foam into a shallow V-channel. Cards slide in and stay upright. Glue a thin strip to the base of each holder for a non-slip foot.
• Binder clip + craft stick: Affix a sturdy binder clip to a small craft stick to create a low-cost angled stand for a hand to slide cards in and out.

Token tray

1. Cut a small tray from a foam sheet (80x
   20mm). Glue low dividers to separate token types.
2. Paint edges with high-contrast paint. Add a tactile tab for orientation.

Tutorial D: Carrying cases and travel-ready organization

A tidy, labeled case speeds setup and keeps tokens safe. Here are three practical builds: felt pouch, foam-insert box, and magnetic modular case.

Felt pouch (quick)

1. Buy or sew a zip pouch sized to your game components. Use thick felt to dampen tiny pieces from rattling.
2. Create tactile labeling with stitched shapes or sewn-on puffy paint icons so players can find the right pouch by feel.

Foam-insert box (best for sets)

1. Measure your components. Buy craft foam sheets and a sharp blade.
2. Layer foam and cut cavities using a cardboard template so tokens and cards fit snugly. Leave space for enlarged cards if youre replacing them.
3. Add felt-lined lids and tactile labels on the outside.

Magnetic modular case (pro)

1. Create small, stackable trays with embedded neodymium magnets. Each tray holds one resource type and can be snapped together on a metal base plate.
2. Make tactile separators inside trays so a player can feel where to look without opening lids.

Case study: Upgrading Sanibel for inclusive play (practical plan)

Sanibels shell-collecting theme makes it an excellent candidate for tactile upgrades. Heres a focused, realistic plan you can build in an afternoon and refine over a weekend.

Goals

• Make shell types identifiable by touch and sight.
• Make score-tracking readable without leaning forward.
• Ensure setup/cleanup is single-hand friendly where possible.

Plan

1. Large-print shell cards: Recreate shell ID cards at 85x
   20mm with 20pt main text and a bold shell name. Add a tactile sticker (raised dot or stripe) in one corner for quick identification.
2. Tactile shell tokens: Use thin resin shells with concentric ridges and a small washer for weight. Make four distinct ridge patterns for the main shell families.
3. Bag-board solution: Add a sewn-on felt tab with a raised bead to each player board's draw bag opening so players can locate it by touch.
4. Scoring: Provide large-print score strips with tactile tokens (small round beads that slide along a notch) to allow score tracking by hand alone.

Scaling up: bulk & wholesale options (for classrooms or resellers)

If youre outfitting a classroom or selling accessible upgrades, use partners that support small-batch customization. 2026 is a great year for this: more print-on-demand houses and token manufacturers now offer tactile-friendly options.

• Local print shops: ask about variable-data printing and thicker card stocks.
• 3D printing services: perfect for repeating tactile tokens; request a proof batch to test textures.
• Resin mold houses: good for producing hundreds of identical tactile shells from a single silicone mold.
• Boundaries for ADA compliance: while tabletop games dont fall under strict ADA product rules, adopt common-sense practices like large fonts & tactile cues to serve broader audiences.

Classroom & party project ideas (quick, shareable, and inclusive)

• Tactile scavenger hunt: hide tactile tokens around the room; provide large-print clue cards and a braille or raised-dot key.
• Make-your-shell station: let kids press clay shells into silicone molds, paint, and add ridges with a toothpick.
• Card design relay: students rewrite card text with accessible layout rules; compare readability before-and-after in a group test.

Testing and iteration: involve people who use accessibility features

Experience is the heart of accessibility. Invite players with low vision, motor differences, or older players to test prototypes. Take notes on:

• How easily a token is found by fingertip
• How quickly a cards meaning is understood without prompting
• Whether a carrying case enables independent setup

Adjust textures, font sizes, and contrast based on feedback. Small changes often yield big improvements.

Maintenance, safety, and longevity

Durability matters—especially in classrooms. Use:

• Matte laminates to reduce glare
• Non-toxic sealants for clay or resin tokens
• Rounded edges and sanded finishes to avoid sharp bits

Trends & predictions for 2026 and beyond

Whats trending and what to expect:

• On-demand personalization: More retailers will offer single-unit custom prints and braille/tactile add-ons at reasonable prices.
• 3D printing in local maker spaces: Community centers and libraries increasingly provide accessible token production tools.
• Sustainability meets accessibility: recycled resins and plant-based composites will grow in popularity for tokens and cases.
• AI-supported design: tools to reflow card layouts into large-print, high-contrast templates automatically will appear in hobbyist software.

Suppliers & tools to try in 2026

Look for partners that explicitly mention accessibility options. Categories to search:

• Custom card printers that offer thick stocks and matte finishes
• Resin casting kits and silicone mold makers for small-batch tactile tokens
• 3D print hubs for repeatable tactile pieces and braille-compatible lettering
• Local makerspaces that can scale from prototype to classroom batches affordably

Final checklist: Ready-to-play upgrade kit

• Large-print overlay cards or sleeves for your game
• Set of tactile tokens with at least three distinguishable textures
• Card holders or trays to reduce fumbles
• Travel case with foam inserts and tactile labels
• Simple testing notes from at least two players who use accessibility aids

Takeaway: small crafts, big impact

Inclusive design doesnt require expensive gear. With a few tools and intentional choicesbigger fonts, clear contrast, raised textures, and better organizationyou can make games like Sanibel friendlier for everyone. These are practical, repeatable upgrades: craft a prototype, test with players, then scale for a classroom or community game night.

Get templates, kits, and support

Ready to try this at home? Weve prepared printable templates for large-print cards, foam-insert guides sized to common boxes, and a tactile token pattern you can 3D print. Share a photo of your build or ask for a custom template.

Call to action: Want the templates and a starter kit checklist? Sign up for our hands-on DIY packet, or upload a photo of the game youre upgrading and well suggest exact sizes and textures. Lets make game night playable for everyone.

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