Minds At Play

Minds At Play Minds at Play-Fostering communication and social interaction through imagination and play.

Fostering communication and social interaction through imagination and play.

Building real-world social confidence through shared adventureIn our Dungeons & Dragons social groups, participants aren...
05/06/2026

Building real-world social confidence through shared adventure

In our Dungeons & Dragons social groups, participants aren’t just exploring fantasy worlds-they are practising real-life social skills in ways that feel natural, engaging, and meaningful.

Through collaborative storytelling, participants navigate empathy, teamwork, communication, and self-regulation-supporting one another as they make decisions, solve challenges, and share the spotlight.

With just the right balance of structure,flexibility and a safe space, D&D creates a supportive environment where participants can safely explore different ways of interacting, expressing themselves, and connecting with others.

It’s not about “getting it right”-it’s about growing confidence, building relationships, and discovering what works best for each individual.

03/06/2026

This week, our turtle folk miniatures came to life in so many different ways across the group.

From simple base coating through to layering, washes, and dry brushing, each participant explored their own approach to building colour, depth, and detail. Some focused on clean foundations, others experimented with shading in the recesses or highlighting raised areas, and a few brought multiple techniques together to create strong contrast and definition.

What stands out isn’t just the variation in techniques it’s the individuality in how each miniature reflects its creator.

Mini painting in our sessions isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about focus, decision-making, and expressing ideas in a tangible way. Participants develop patience, confidence, and a sense of ownership over their work, while also sharing ideas and learning from each other in a supportive social space.

Every figure tells a slightly different story and that’s exactly what makes this kind of engagement so meaningful.

02/06/2026

Watching moments like this never gets old.

This is our DND29 young adult group, and the growth we’ve seen over time has been incredible. Some participants started out using just one word responses, or communicating only through chat. Now, they’re role‑playing full scenarios-acting out their choices, explaining their thinking, and working together to shape the story, rather than simply rolling the dice and naming a move.

What’s happening here is more than just gameplay. It’s confidence building. It’s social communication. It’s learning to collaborate, express ideas, read the room, and be heard in a supportive space where everyone belongs.

We’re so proud of how far this group has come, and of the trust they’ve built with each other along the way

We are starting our intro sessions in preparation for our Term 3 soon:

Neurodivergent and looking for a space to grow socially ?

Register your interest and we will let you know when our intro sessions start :
https://mindsatplay.com.au/social-groups-expression-of-interest/

We loved being part of State of Play NSW!Last week, our co-founder Dwayne Fernandes delivered a micro-talk at State of P...
01/06/2026

We loved being part of State of Play NSW!

Last week, our co-founder Dwayne Fernandes delivered a micro-talk at State of Play NSW-and it was fantastic to be surrounded by so many thoughtful, passionate developers and incredible talks.

Dwayne shared insights into our Play Test Labs, which we’ve designed to go beyond traditional testing. These sessions create a supportive environment where participants can share their perspectives and lived experience, helping shape social experiences that are more accessible from the ground up.

At Minds At Play, we’ve seen how powerful it is when participants feel safe to contribute, try new things, and share honest feedback.

Play Test Labs are built on that foundation-bringing participant voices into the design process in meaningful, practical ways.

We’re excited to keep building this space and working with developers who are committed to accessibility and inclusion.

If you’re an indie developer looking to create more accessible experiences, you can learn more about our Play Test Labs and how to get involved here:
https://mindsatplay.com.au/play-test-lab/

And a big shout out to Rick Salter and Luella Moore for giving us the fantastic opportunity to share-we really appreciate your support in helping elevate more inclusive perspectives in the industry.

Thanks again to everyone we connected with-we’re looking forward to what comes next!

Teamwork really does make the dream workStarting Skyblock with nothing but a sapling, a bit of dirt, ice, and lava, our ...
29/05/2026

Teamwork really does make the dream work

Starting Skyblock with nothing but a sapling, a bit of dirt, ice, and lava, our Minecraft social group set out with a shared goal-and a lot of trust in each other.

Fast forward, and the island is thriving, shaped through communication, problem‑solving, and collective decision‑making.

Watching participants collaborate, plan, and celebrate each milestone feels like watching a little world come to life in the sky .

A powerful reminder of what’s possible when everyone contributes their strengths.
https://mindsatplay.com.au/minecraft-registration/

What makes a Minds at Play social group so special?It’s more than just getting together -it’s about meaningful connectio...
27/05/2026

What makes a Minds at Play social group so special?

It’s more than just getting together -it’s about meaningful connection, supported engagement, and creating space for every participant to grow socially at their own pace.

Here are 5 things you’ll always find in our social groups:

-Small, supportive groups
-Expert facilitation
-Flexible structure
-Inclusive, affirming spaces
-Purposeful, high-quality experiences

Every session is designed to build confidence, encourage communication, and create positive social experiences in a safe and engaging environment.

Ready to join a community where you can connect, learn, and grow?
https://mindsatplay.com.au/groups/

21/05/2026

Different Visions, Shared Growth

Our D20 Bard miniatures show just how differently creativity can shine-wood textures, bold cow prints, sparkles, and detailed lighting and shadow effects all brought these pieces to life. From freehand painting to layering, dry brushing, and washes (like adding the dice numbering), each participant explored their own approach.

Most importantly, they’re building real skills while connecting in a safe, supportive space with like-minded individuals.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day | Let’s Build Better TogetherTomorrow is Global Accessibility Awareness Day-a powerfu...
20/05/2026

Global Accessibility Awareness Day | Let’s Build Better Together

Tomorrow is Global Accessibility Awareness Day-a powerful reminder that accessibility isn’t an afterthought. It’s a responsibility. It’s about making sure everyone feels considered and included.

At Minds at Play, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about-it’s something we actively create.

Our Playtest Lab, built with accessibility and neurodivergent inclusion at its core, gives game developers a unique opportunity to do something truly meaningful:

>Listen directly to neurodivergent participants
>Understand diverse ways people experience games
>Design with real perspectives in mind

We’re incredibly proud that our co-founder Dwayne Fernandes will be speaking at the Talk It Out event, sharing how this initiative is helping reshape the way games are created-making them more inclusive, more accessible, and ultimately, more human.

Because when participants are part of the development process, we don’t just improve gameplay -
✨ we create belonging
✨ we support confidence
✨ we amplify voices that deserve to be heard

Let’s make this a conversation:

What does accessibility in gaming mean to you?

What’s one change you’d love to see in the experiences you engage with?

Drop your thoughts below - we’d love to hear from our community.

Together, we can shape experiences where everyone has a place.

Talk It Out: https://events.humanitix.com/state-of-play-nsw
Play Test Lab: https://mindsatplay.com.au/play-test-lab/

“Never split the party.”It’s a classic Dungeons & Dragons lesson-but it goes far beyond the tabletop.In our D&D Social G...
19/05/2026

“Never split the party.”

It’s a classic Dungeons & Dragons lesson-but it goes far beyond the tabletop.

In our D&D Social Groups, participants quickly discover that success isn’t about doing it alone. Every adventurer brings their own strengths, perspectives, and ideas. When the group stays connected, those differences become powerful tools for shared problem-solving.

When we stick together, we:

> Support each other through challenges
> Combine creativity and critical thinking
> Build communication and trust
> Grow confidence in a safe, collaborative space

Even the GM is part of that journey-helping shape an experience where everyone can contribute, explore, and feel included.

Because at Minds at Play, it’s not about “winning”-it’s about meaningful engagement, shared stories, and growing together.

If you want to go far, go together.

https://mindsatplay.com.au/dnd-registration

Good News Story: ScottScott’s journey shows how creative expression and the right support can open doors to confidence, ...
16/05/2026

Good News Story: Scott

Scott’s journey shows how creative expression and the right support can open doors to confidence, connection, and community.

After stepping away from mini painting and D&D for more than 14 years due to physical and psychological challenges, Scott joined Minds at Play in 2022 and began reconnecting with the creative interests he’s loved since childhood. With encouragement from staff and the support of his mini painting social group, he’s been able to adapt his painting techniques, rebuild confidence, and rediscover the joy of creating.

Through Mini Painting with Minds At Play , Scott hasn’t just developed new skills-he’s found belonging. From forming friendships within the group to confidently engaging with wider painting communities, this space has become a place where he feels accepted, understood, and supported to be himself.

His message for anyone unsure about joining:
“Give it a go. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

“You can find friendship, acceptance and kindness… you can just be you.”

Swipe through to hear Scott’s story and see some of his incredible work

*This story is shared with permission.
https://mindsatplay.com.au/miniaturepainting

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Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm

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