World Braille Day on January 4th is a great time to help aged care residents understand how much we rely on our sense of sight. Alongside simple activities like creating their name in Braille (you can find our step-by-step guide here: → Braille Name Craft for Seniors), a blindfolded taste test is a fun and engaging way to demonstrate what it’s like to navigate the world without visual cues. This blog focuses on how to run the taste-testing activity smoothly and safely—it’s always a crowd favourite and full of laughter!
Step 1: Set Up the Space
Choose a table at the front of the room where 3–4 volunteers can sit facing the audience. Make sure chairs are sturdy, the area is well-lit for staff, and you have enough space to move around safely.
You will need:
- Blindfolds (soft fabric or eye masks)
- Small tasting cups
- Spoons (if required)
- A whiteboard or large sheet of paper for answers
- Napkins or wipes
Step 2: Select Your Food Items
Choose foods that are easy to swallow, safe, and offer different textures. Small amounts only. Some great options include:
- Yoghurt
- Marshmallows
- Cranberry sauce
- Chocolate pudding
- Jelly
- Ginger beer
- Banana
- Whipped cream
- French onion dip
- Corn relish
You can prepare 5–10 rounds depending on time and how adventurous your residents are.
Step 3: Blindfold & Brief the Participants
Seat your volunteers and apply the blindfolds gently. Explain the rules: They will taste one item at a time. They must guess what the food is using taste alone. No smelling the cup beforehand! Have fun with it—there are no wrong answers. Let the audience know they’ll see the correct answer written on a board.
Step 4: Run the Taste Test
Go from left to right for each round.
- Give each blindfolded participant a small cup.
- Allow them to taste the item.
- Each person gives their guess aloud.
- Write the correct answer on the whiteboard so the audience can follow along.
- Move on to the next round.
Encourage cheering and reactions from the audience—this is meant to be fun and interactive.
Step 5: Wrap Up
Once all rounds are complete, remove the blindfolds and have a light-hearted chat about how hard (or surprisingly easy!) it was. This leads naturally into a conversation about how important touch and Braille are for those who cannot rely on sight.
Why This Activity Works
It’s sensory, engaging, and easy to run Encourages teamwork and laughter. Helps residents understand Braille’s purpose.
Pairs perfectly with the Braille Name Craft as a complete session for World Braille Day.
