Making RPG Podcasts Accessible by Fay Onyx Workshop

Making RPG Podcasts Accessible by Fay Onyx Workshop notes and resources: http: //writingalchemy. net/ resources/rpg-podcasts/ http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Workshop Notes and Resources Resource document with links and more detail n Power. Point slides in multiple formats n This Power. Point is an accessibility tool to help people follow along n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Workshop Format Information dense n Breaking things up n ¨ Animal photos ¨ Three short discussions http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Who Is Fay Onyx? Writer, artist, podcaster, game designer, and disability consultant n Queer, disabled, neurodiverse, and genderqueer n Ze/Hir pronouns n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

My Projects n Writing Alchemy Podcast ¨A fairy tale series that combines humor and magic with serious topics ¨ A tabletop role-playing series about the adventures of disabled and mentally divergent heroes n Magic Goes Awry ¨A tabletop role-playing game focused around the core principle of accessibility ¨ A high fantasy system that is light on rules and heavy on magical mayhem http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

What About You? How many people here are part of a podcast? n How many of you play role-playing games? n How many are part of a role-playing game podcast? n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Accessibility Creating an environment where people with disabilities can fully participate n Removing barriers to participation n Being welcoming and respectful n Changes that increase accessibility have many benefits for everyone n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Ableism Discrimination against people with disabilities n Like other forms of oppression, ableism is deeply embedded in modern society n Many people are unaware of ableism, but awareness is growing n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Ableism and Language A lot of everyday language perpetuates the idea that people with disabilities are lesser n Not everyone is bothered by ableist language, but many are n Change is an ongoing process n People with certain disabilities will have a harder time changing language n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Ableist Language n Words for disabilities that are frequently used for negative things Lame ¨ Insane, mad, crazy ¨ Dumb ¨ Idiot, stupid, moron ¨ n Many people don’t realize that doing this is derogatory ¨ n It implies that disabled people are bad or lesser Possible replacements Frustrating ¨ Silly, ridiculous ¨ Nonsense, illogical ¨ Wild, extreme ¨ http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Experiences of Disability n Limitation: Some people experience their disabilities as limitations ¨ n Neutral difference: Others experience their disabilities as neutral traits ¨ n n I experience my divergent mind in this way In both cases, people will experience barriers created by society ¨ ¨ n I experience my chronic back condition as a limitation Physical barriers like wheelchair inaccessible buildings Social barriers like stigma and stereotypes Each person is different Spectrum http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Disability as Limitation and/or Difference n It is important to make room for both ends of this spectrum ¨ Not doing so invalidates people’s experiences, which can be harmful and upsetting n n This is where a lot of game mechanics run into problems Don’t generalize personal experiences of disability ¨ Make it clear when something is the experience of a specific person or character http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

More Experiences of Disability Visible disabilities n Invisible disabilities n Limited energy/resources n Flare-ups n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Terminology n n n Neurodivergent: Having a mind which differs significantly from what society considers normal. This word is a value neutral term that is replacing the term “mental illness. ” Neurodiversity: The diversity of human minds. This word was created to refer to the mental diversity of a group, but some people use it as an identity. I will be using both nerodivergent and mental illness in this workshop. ¨ n A way to include people with different experiences. Neurotypical: Having a mind which society considers normal. http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Reflection We are going to pair up and do a short discussion n It is okay to adjust this to meet your needs n ¨ Three person group ¨ Reflect by yourself n If anyone has access needs, I can help http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Reflection Question When is a time you encountered a barrier that prevented you from enjoying a podcast, TV show, movie, or other media? n 5 minute conversation n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Podcast Accessibility Transcripts n Accessible audio n Content warnings n Accessible websites n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Transcripts n n n Important for deaf and hard of hearing folks, people with audio processing issues, and people for whom English is a second language Require time and/or money “The Podcaster’s Guide to Transcribing Audio” by Join the Party Podcast ¨ Transcription options ¨ Transcript format suggestions n You. Tube’s automatic caption service is a free resource ¨ Transcript editor that pauses audio when typing http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Accessible Audio n n n Making sure all people have a similar loudness Limiting the dynamic range Producing audio as mono Keeping any sound effects or music that overlap with talking quieter during overlap Ensuring that filters and effects don’t make it hard to understand what is being said ¨ Ghosts http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Content Warnings Purpose is to warn audience members about types content in a podcast episode that they may find harmful or disturbing n Builds trust with audience n Empowers people to make effective choices about when and how they expose themselves to intense content n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Website Accessibility Can get very technical n Use headers to separate different sections of the website n Describe images in alt text n Mobile friendly n ¨ There are plugins for wordpress http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Participants with Disabilities Scheduling n The recording environment n Game accessibility n Story content n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Scheduling Preferred communication methods n Reminders n Time of day n Session length (2 hours) n Breaks n Cancellations n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Recording In-Person n n n n Transportation Wheelchair accessibility Supportive seating Microphones that move with people Temperature control Scent free Calm environments Behavior adjustments, like as avoiding cross-talk http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Recording Online n n n n Making use of an already accessible environment (their home) How easy is it to use? Video and other visual aids Access to equipment Specific equipment needs Slow computers Background noises http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Game Accessibility n Game system complexity ¨ Rules-light games ¨ Spell cards ¨ Summary sheets n Rule books ¨ Find n out what format is best for them Character sheets ¨ Online character sheets ¨ Braille character sheets http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

More Game Accessibility n Dice ¨ Online dice rollers ¨ Large number and n Braille dice Tracking numbers that change ¨ Online notes ¨ Physical tokens n Maps and props ¨ Theater of the ¨ Tactile maps ¨ Online maps mind http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Story Content n Setting initial expectations and boundaries Lines and Veils ¨ The Same Page Tool ¨ n Safety tools for use during game play X-card ¨ Script Change ¨ Cut and Break ¨ n Techniques for helping people follow the plot Notes ¨ Recaps ¨ Check-ins ¨ http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Reflection Question What is one concrete thing that you can do to improve the accessibility of a podcast or role-playing game that you are part of (or are connected to)? n 5 minute conversation n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Challenges with Game Systems Insanity mechanics n Mechanics that Force Disability on Characters n Treating Disability as a Limitation n Mechanics that Erase Disability n Absence of Options n Ableist Monsters n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Insanity Mechanics n The concept of insanity is connected to a violent and dehumanizing history Stereotype of being dangerous, out of control, and disconnected from reality ¨ Outdated and inaccurate ¨ n Insanity mechanisms Cosmic horror ¨ A way for story events to affect characters ¨ n Alternatives Changing language ¨ Stress and fear mechanics ¨ Erosion of core beliefs ¨ http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Mechanics that Force Disability on Characters n It takes work to portray any marginalized character respectfully ¨ Preparation is needed ¨ Not everyone is up for this ¨ Encourages people to play stereotypes n Alternatives ¨ Conditions like jumpy, shaken, fatigued, angry, and sad ¨ Alter the character’s core beliefs or motivations http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Treating Disability as a Limitation n Often involve derogatory language ¨ n n Disability as a character flaw Don’t make room for people who experience their disabilities as neutral traits Mechanics are often inaccurate Treat disability the same as temporary conditions able-bodied characters experience ¨ Reinforce stereotypes ¨ Symptoms and experiences vary from person to person ¨ n Overly limiting ¨ ¨ Most tabletop role-playing games are about empowerment Disabled characters get left behind http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Alternatives n Case-by-case ¨ Not one-size-fits-all ¨ Disabled experience is diverse n n Role-play the disability without mechanics Custom make mechanics based on the specifics of the character ¨ Mechanics made by people with disabilities ¨ "D&D Disability Mechanics" created by sleepyspoonie http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Mechanics that Erase Disability n n Magical cures or perfect adaptive technology Not always bad, but the experiences of disabled people aren't being represented ¨ Use n on temporary conditions Alternative is to show limitations and trade-offs ¨ The magic/tech isn’t perfect ¨ Does it have side effects, hidden costs, require maintenance, or need to be charged? ¨ Make it clear what that magic/tech can and can’t do http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Absence of Options n Mechanics tied to particular abilities ¨ Magic n n that requires line of sight or vocalizations Lack of setting appropriate adaptive equipment Sometimes people say it isn’t realistic for disabled characters to do certain things or be in certain settings ¨ People with disabilities deserve to be represented ¨ More important than realism n The solution is to custom make options http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Ableist Monsters n Traits associated with specific disabilities are regularly used for monstrous and evil creatures ¨ ¨ n Watch out for ¨ ¨ ¨ n Reinforces negative ideas about disability Cause harassment of people with those traits Cataracts or white eyes Hunchbacks and other atypical body shapes Joints that bend in unusual ways Limbs with non-normative shapes Labored breathing Sores, warts, and blemishes Replace ableist traits with other traits http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Disabled Player Characters n Know when characters have disabilities ¨ Albinism and cataracts ¨ Difficulty with speech ¨ Greater difficulty with cognitive and intellectual tasks n It is also important to be aware of what things aren't disabilities ¨ Extreme beliefs, erratic behavior, violence, ignorance, and bigotry aren't mental illnesses http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Research n n Personal experience Big difference between non-disabled experiences and disabled experiences ¨ It is important to learn about lived experiences of disability n Where to find personal experiences? ¨ You. Tube ¨ List of podcasts in "The Digital Crip Wave: Podcasts by Disabled People, " by Erin Hawley http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Game Job Descriptions n n Problem: Disabled characters being left behind Game Job Description: A brief description of the activities the player characters will need to be able to do in order to fully participate in the game Action game: move quickly, fight, and overcome physical obstacles ¨ High school drama: Attend high school and interact with other characters ¨ n Disabled characters need accommodations and assertive devices that will allow them to fulfill the game job description http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Creating Accommodations and Assistive Devices n n Find the balance where their disability isn’t being erased Disabled characters should control their own accommodations ¨ Example: If a disabled character uses the fly spell to get over obstacles, then they should have a way to cast it n The player should have control over their character's service animal or personal attendant http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Reflection Question What is a time where you encountered one of these dynamics in a podcast, roleplaying game, or other media? n 5 minute conversation n http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Negative Patterns of Representation n Insanity as a plot device ¨ Replace with something specific ¨ Example: Alien drug that makes people hallucinate n Disability as a joke ¨ Most common when people don’t know that a character is disabled ¨ Avoid surprise reveals of disability http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Villains n Problem ¨ Like for ableist monsters, disabled traits are used to make villains more sinister ¨ Especially mental illness ¨ Disabled characters are overrepresented as villains n Alternatives ¨ Fewer disabled villains ¨ Don’t use disability as a sinister trait ¨ More good and neutral disabled characters http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Bitterness n Problem ¨ Common portrayal of disability ¨ Connected to the idea that disabled people are incapable of having happy and meaningful lives n Alternatives ¨ Fewer bitter disabled characters ¨ If a disabled character is bitter, give them a clear cause for their bitterness (that is not their disability) http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Helplessness n Victims ¨ People to rescue ¨ Used to show bad a situation is ¨ Myth that disabled people are better off dead ¨ Disabled characters are killed disproportionately n What to do instead ¨ Don’t kill disabled characters ¨ It is okay to have adversity, but maintain the agency of disabled characters ¨ They take meaningful actions to address their situation http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

Inspirational Disability n Problem People are called inspirational or brave for going through their daily lives ¨ Congratulating someone for doing an everyday thing sends the message that you don’t think they are capable of accomplishing anything ¨ Dehumanizing fixation of the person’s disability ¨ Can show up in characters that are intended to be a positive representation of disability ¨ n Alternatives ¨ ¨ ¨ Portray disability realistically Fully develop disabled characters Respect their accomplishments on their own merits http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

One-dimensional disability n Problem ¨ In dominant society straight, white, cisgender, ablebodied men are thought of as the norm ¨ Marginalized characters tend to have one or two dominant traits swapped out ¨ This leads to representation of disability is predominately white, straight, cisgender men n Alternatives ¨ Create complex characters with intersecting marginalized identities http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/

http: //writingalchemy. net/resources/rpgpodcasts/