Lifeball Special: An interactive approach to developing social skills for adults with learning disabilities

Lifeball Special: An interactive approach to developing social skills for adults with learning disabilities
Information Plus,
£39.95
(www.information-plus.co.uk)

Star rating: 3/5

This colourful interactive game is designed for people who have learning disabilities to learn and develop life skills, change certain behaviours and build their confidence, writes Matt Dore. It is very easy to use and play, with minimal keyboard skills required. A facilitator is needed to plan the game depending on who is playing, what skills they need to learn and individual ability.

Played with up to four players or teams, the idea is to score points in the areas of health, wealth, relationships and self esteem. There is a printable document explaining the rules. The game revolves around eight social skills and eight social settings, including relationships, responsibility, leisure and work.

There are 64 questions or dilemmas in all, with 20 random events which are meant to represent life and something that cannot be altered by the player’s answers. Time is allocated for discussing the situations so as to build on knowledge, and possibly change certain attitudes or responses to various life scenarios.

The sound and noise can become a bit irritating, but this can add to the excitement for participants. It is good that the facilitator can choose the topics to limit the time or focus on particular areas.

Matt Dore works with people who have learning disabilities in Hampshire