Board game raises awareness about disability

Toyah Wordsworth developed the game Removing Barriers to educate people about the barriers people with disabilities face

A woman who suffers from a neurological disorder has created a board game that educates and informs players about the barriers disabled people can face.

Toyah Wordsworth, 44, from Doncaster, was diagnosed with Friedrich's ataxia, which causes problems with balance and muscle weakness, at the age of 13.

Inspired by her own lived experiences, the game Removing Barriers deals with both physical and mental obstacles, covering topics such as accessibility, adaptability, and understanding.

"I hope it generally makes people more aware," she said.

Toyah had to overcome challenges from a young age, including issues with transport and moving around her school as well as "poor attitudes".

Her mother, Mandy Wordsworth, remembered: "It was the first time they'd had to deal with anyone disabled at her school.

"So it was all a learning curve for the school as well. They had to have lifts put in. I think they were worried they were doing things wrong."

Mrs Wordsworth said the barriers continued to cause problems once her daughter was an adult.

"We went to get her nails done, but didn't mention she was in a wheelchair.

"When we got into the shop, they took one look and said they were busy."

Toyah Wordsworth (right) was diagnosed with the neurological disorder Friedrich's ataxia aged 13

Toyah's personal assistant of two and a half years, Sarah Aris, also described a lack of help and response when they encountered issues travelling on the bus together.

"Things could run a lot more smoothly if there was the support there from the public," she said.

"There's no help, nobody moves, that's the sort of thing that Toyah's wanting to try and put out there."

The game is available to play in the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, and has been adopted by South Yorkshire disability charity Live Inclusive. It is also for sale through Focus Games.

Toyah said she hoped the game would educate the public, employers and institutions on how they could change their behaviour to better accommodate people with disabilities.

"'I just wish that people would treat everyone the same," she said.

"I'm hoping that people are more understanding after playing the game."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North