Driven by her passion for children’s growth and inclusion, Strubenvale resident Mapula Maggie Monyatsi (24) has created a tactile educational board game/puzzle that brings learning and play to all, including the visually impaired.

She told the Springs Advertiser that the need to make everyday activities more inclusive and promote equal participation across all abilities inspired the puzzle. She said that it serves as an educational tool and a symbol of how design can embrace diversity.

She worked with local animator and children’s book illustrator Siphelele Kumalo, who played a significant role in helping her bring the idea to life.

Monyatsi said the puzzle aims to promote positive self-image, encourage interactive learning and support the development of emotional literacy in children.

She said the puzzles are affirmative in nature and presented in Braille and standard print, making them accessible and inclusive for all children.

Each puzzle piece is numbered from one to 24, with the numbers displayed in Braille and standard print. These tactile number cards are affixed to the back of each piece to help children co-ordinate and assemble the puzzles with ease and accuracy.

As the world observes Disability Awareness Month, Monyatsi said that the puzzle highlights the importance of representation and inclusion.

“⁠They emphasise that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to learn, play and explore creatively. In essence, they communicate that disability does not limit potential and simply calls for environments and tools that empower everyone equally,” said Monyatsi.

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She also said she has had children play with her puzzles and described the experience as unique, noting that they had never encountered a locally developed concept that so inclusively accommodates them.

She added that they also embraced the messages displayed on the puzzles, reciting the words beautifully and with enthusiasm.

Monyatsi said schools and organisations can use the puzzles through inclusive learning activities, adding that the puzzles can be integrated into life skills or social lessons, promoting inclusion, diversity and teamwork among learners with differing abilities.

“Teachers can use them to enhance reading, comprehension, vocabulary and tactile learning for visually impaired and sighted learners. They can also be incorporated into special needs education, creative arts and design, as well as extracurricular or awareness programmes,” she said.

Monyatsi faced challenges when creating the puzzles, including sourcing the necessary materials and supplies to bring the project to life, as she had to pay from her pocket, as well as getting others to understand and execute the idea as she had envisioned it.

She said that gaining a deeper understanding of the needs of the visually impaired was also a challenge, which she did by working closely with a specialist teacher who teaches learners with visual impairments to help bring the vision to light.

Monyatsi aspires to work with LEGO to expand the puzzle range and bring the character to life, allowing children to build and engage with it through a more tactile and interactive experience.

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Strubenvale resident Mapule Maggie Monyatsi created a puzzle for visually impaired children. She speaks more about it. #springs #ekurhulenimetro #puzzle #disability

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She advised anyone wanting to design for disabled communities to learn from and collaborate with them, as their lived experiences provide invaluable insight.

“Be patient and open-minded throughout the process. True inclusion takes time, research and true intention. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from experts and educators in the field of accessibility, as collaboration often strengthens the outcome.”

The puzzle is available for pre-order. Orders and enquiries: iamlesa.monyatsi@gmail.com