Accessibility Guide: Play Undercover Word Inclusively

Tips and accommodations for enjoying Undercover Word with visual, hearing, physical, or cognitive disabilities

By Brad | Game Designer & Accessibility Advocate

Last updated: April 2026 | Read time: 10 minutes | For inclusive gaming

Social deduction games should be inclusive. Everyone deserves to play and have fun. Undercover Word is designed with accessibility in mind, but here are specific strategies and accommodations to make it work for people with different abilities.

👁️ For People with Visual Impairment

Fully Blind Players

Screen readers and phone accessibility features work with Undercover Word:

✓ iPhone: Use VoiceOver (Settings → Accessibility → VoiceOver). Routes are announced clearly.
✓ Android: Use TalkBack (Settings → Accessibility → TalkBack). Routes are announced clearly.
✓ Web clients: Use NVDA (Windows), JAWS, or VoiceOver (Mac).
✓ The game announces your secret word clearly, giving you time to memorize it.

Limitation: When the game is in "discussion phase", you won't be able to see other players' faces. Ask a sighted teammate to narrate body language and expressions.

Low Vision Players

The game UI can be adjusted:

✓ Increase text size: Phone settings (Settings → Display → Text Size)
✓ Zoom: Use built-in zoom (pinch to zoom on most phones)
✓ High contrast mode: Enable in phone settings for better visibility
✓ Request word to be read aloud: Use phone's text-to-speech feature

Color Blindness

Undercover Word uses text labels primarily (not just color), so most color blindness types won't impact play. If you have trouble reading the interface, contact support and we can provide high-contrast themes.

👂 For People with Hearing Impairment

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Strategies

Undercover Word is fundamentally a discussion-based game. For d/Deaf players:

✓ With an interpreter: Have a sign language interpreter present. They can interpret the discussion for you.
✓ Written clues: Ask the host if everyone can write their clues instead of speaking them. (Alternative version)
✓ Video relay: If playing remotely, use video relay services to communicate.
✓ Captions: We're adding real-time captions for future updates.
✓ Visual cues: Watch body language and facial expressions closely. These often reveal more than words.

💡 Alternative Game Format

Hosts can adapt the game: Instead of verbal clues, players write their clues on paper. This makes the game fully accessible to d/Deaf players and also changes the strategy (more time to craft clues). Many groups find this variation fun!

🦾 For People with Physical Disabilities

Limited Hand/Arm Movement

Players who can't hold phones or use traditional controllers:

✓ Voice control: Use phone's voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant) to navigate and tap buttons
✓ Eye tracking: Use eye-tracking software if available on your device
✓ Adaptive controllers: Many accessibility-focused game controllers work with tablets/phones
✓ Head tracking: For some devices, head movement can control the pointer
✓ Phone stand: Mount device on a stand so you don't need to hold it

Mobility Limitations (Can't Move Around)

Game doesn't require movement. Participate from a stationary position:

✓ Play while sitting or lying down
✓ Place phone/device on table or bed at eye level
✓ No need to stand, move to different rooms, or perform actions
✓ Fully participatory from a fixed location

🧠 For People with Cognitive Disabilities & Neurodiversity

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD players may find social deduction games challenging due to reading social cues, but some enjoy the strategic/logical aspects:

✓ Play asynchronously: Give more time to think between turns
✓ Direct communication: Ask host to clarify game state explicitly
✓ Logical clues: Give clues that are factual/logical rather than metaphorical
✓ Smaller groups: 4-5 players is less overwhelming than 8-10
✓ No pressure: Play for fun, not competitively if that feels better

ADHD

ADHD-friendly modifications for focus and engagement:

✓ Fast-paced rounds: Undercover Word's 10-15 min rounds are perfect for ADHD brains that need novelty
✓ Stimulation: The discussion and deduction provide built-in mental engagement
✓ Multiple rounds: Play 5-6 games in a row to sustain interest
✓ Minimal downtime: Everyone plays the whole game (no sitting out)
✓ Fidget friendly: Discuss while fidgeting, moving, or pacing

Dyslexia

The game is discussion-based, so reading disability is less of a barrier:

✓ Words are displayed on-screen but you only need to memorize it once
✓ Use text-to-speech to hear the word aloud
✓ Focus on verbal clues given by players (core of the game)
✓ No reading-heavy gameplay phases

Memory Issues

Short-term memory challenges? Here's what to do:

✓ Ask host to repeat clues: "Can you remind me what Sarah said?"
✓ Write down clues: Keep a notepad to track what players said
✓ Host can provide cheat sheet: List of all clues from all players
✓ Extended discussion time: Ask for longer clue phases if needed

🎯 Tips for Hosts Creating Accessible Games

1. Ask Upfront About Accessibility Needs

Before game night, ask: "Does anyone need accommodations?" Most people will tell you directly.

2. Provide Extra Time When Needed

If someone asks for more time to process—give it. It doesn't slow down the game meaningfully.

3. Use Different Formats

Try written clues instead of verbal for hearing-impaired players. Try audio descriptions for blind players.

4. Focus on Inclusion, Not Modification

Accessibility isn't "easier" games—it's "different" games. Everyone still plays competitively and has fun.

5. Create Judgment-Free Environment

People won't ask for accommodations if they think they'll be judged. Make it clear: "We're all here to have fun. Let me know what you need."

Let's Make This More Accessible

If you have specific accessibility needs not covered here, or if you discover barriers while playing, let us know. We're committed to making Undercover Word inclusive for everyone.