Video games have come a long way since Pac-Man! They are a way to socialize and connect with others. Cooperative online gaming communities let you play with people all over the world. Or you can play with just a few friends or family in your home.
Community Vision’s Assistive Technology (AT) Lab wants to make sure that people with disabilities are included in the fun.
Adaptive Gaming Consultations
The AT Lab offers consultations on adaptive gaming. This means we listen to what a person wants to do, and we help figure out the best way to accomplish that goal.
For example, a person with a mobility limitation wants to play video games. However, they find typical gaming controller hard to use. With adaptive devices, they can create a custom controller that allows them to play with greater ease.
New Adaptive Gaming Equipment in Our Loan Closet
The AT Lab is working to create a community of people who offer support for adaptive gaming. As part of this network building, AT Lab Assistant Director Noelle Birky reached out to the Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab. When they heard about our work, they donated an Xbox Adaptive Controller, a Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit, and Xbox controllers to us!
We offer a huge thank you to Bryce Johnson and the Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab for the generous donation!
The AT Lab’s Open Hours and Loan Closet give people the chance to try out assistive technology. This includes adaptive gaming controllers. It also includes adaptive devices such as switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks.
Since every person has unique goals and needs, AT solutions are customized. A person might need to try a few different things to discover what works best for them. Our Open Hours and Loan Closet help meet that need.
The AT Lab has open drop-in hours every Thursday, noon–5 p.m. Our Loan Closet has a two-week loan period. These opportunities let people try out options and find the right AT.
Noah’s Story
Noah and his mom came to the AT Lab to try out our adaptive gaming setup.
Noah was a natural at gaming. He quickly racked up points while he played Forza Horizon 4 and Dragon Quest 11.
He tested the Xbox Adaptive Controller, RJ Cooper small joystick, and AbleNet Jelly Bean switches.
Noah’s mom later shared that he couldn’t stop talking about how much fun he had gaming.
