by Greyfax

Hey, folks, it’s a short column this time as I am hosting an event this weekend and have a ton to do. Here is the question: Can we kick out a player who is in cognitive decline?

We’ve touched on this before, and I’m going to do a disability column sometime soon, but here is my answer for this question.

I’m not answering the specific question as any group can kick anyone out for any reason at any time; instead I’m answering what I think they are concerned about.

There is no kind way to explain to someone with a disability that’s not under their control that they are no longer wanted. There simply isn’t. What I would want to do is arrange for perhaps one-on-one sessions with this person to play games with them that they can handle. I realize that solution can’t work for everyone, but this could be presented as an alternative to you telling the person that because of their cognitive decline, they no longer can attend — and closing the door on them completely.

I totally understand that not everyone will agree with this solution. If others have a solution that meets their group’s needs, please present it.

Best,

Ms. Meeple (Jennifer Schlickbernd)

P.S. If there’s a situation in your board game group or at a meetup that you would like advice on, please send me a Geekmail with “Ms. Meeple” in the title.