Short Guide for DMs & Event Organisers:
1. Make Your Space Welcoming
• Good Lighting:
Ensure play areas, social zones, and exits have enough light for lip-reading and hand signals, even if some areas are kept dark for mood.
• Clear Sightlines:
Arrange furniture and equipment so people can see each other and DMs can visually monitor scenes.
• Accessible Tours:
Offer pre-event walkthroughs so Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or disabled attendees can familiarise themselves with the space.
2. Train Your Team
• Teach Basic Hand Signals:
Make sure all DMs know key signals like:• Thumbs-up = OK• Thumbs-down = NOT OK• Flat hand, palm out = STOP• Fist = EMERGENCY STOP
Introduce a Check-in Gesture:
For example, 🤙 (pinky + thumb extended) to ask, “Are you okay?” Response: players can give a thumbs-up or shake their head.
• Understand Adapted Safewords:
Players may use:• Tapping out• Dropping an item• Pre-arranged gesturesInclude this in your DM briefings.
3. Support Negotiation & Safety
• Encourage Disclosure:
Let attendees know it’s safe to share access needs (e.g., “I’m nonverbal when gagged; here’s my signal”) and that DMs are trained to understand.
• Promote Pre-Negotiation:
Remind players to agree on nonverbal safewords or signals before scenes, especially if they use gags, blindfolds, or sensory deprivation.
• Have Backup Tools Ready:
Provide drop balls, scarves, or other signal items in your dungeon kit.
