Introduction / Rationale: Research on serious games for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) mainly focuses on digital games. Wai Ji Christian Service in Hong Kong developed a new card game, "Wai Ji Match Fun" (WJMF), designed to enhance cognition and psychosocial well-being in people with ID.
Objectives: This study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of WJMF for people with ID and explored its cognitive and psychosocial well-being benefits.
Methods / Approach: Sixty-four adults with mild or moderate ID participated in an 8-week WJMF program, attending weekly 60-minute sessions in groups of four, led by trained occupational therapists or rehabilitation assistants. Feasibility and acceptability were measured through attendance rates and staff feedback. Other outcome measures included the Personal Wellbeing Index – Intellectual Disability (PWI-ID) (Chinese-Cantonese version) and the short version of Prudhoe Cognitive Function Test (PCFT).
Results / Practice Implications: Staff feedback showed high satisfaction, and attendance rates confirmed the program's feasibility and acceptability. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive functions (praxis, orientation, and PCFT scores) and psychosocial well-being (PWI-ID scores), particularly in life satisfaction, personal safety, and overall well-being.
Conclusions / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: WJMF is a feasible and acceptable program with potential benefits for individuals with ID.