Enhancing the play and leisure experiences of visually impaired young adults in Hong Kong: A qualitative study

The purpose of this study was to explore the design requirements for interactive games and leisure activities for visually impaired young adults that promote social inclusion and ensure equal opportunities for disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Two visually impaired young adults participated in a focus-group interview. A twenty-eight-year-old totally blind young adult and a third-year University student with severe visual impairment were recommended and invited to participate in a natural research setting with the full support of the Hong Kong Blind Union. The interview focused on the participants’ major considerations regarding the leisure activities that May be affected by their social networks and individual lifestyles. The study findings revealed seven themes relating to the universal design approach, which are crucial for developing effective leisure activities for visually impaired young adults that promote social inclusion and integration. The participants’ emotional responses to existing mobile games and leisure activities were recorded. The results of this study provide an in-depth understanding of the design requirements for interactive games that enhance the quality of life of young adults with visual disabilities.