A few pieces I’m proud of, from OR adoption playbooks to accessible gaming and building psychologically safe teams.
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November 12, 2024
Enabling the Disabled: Accessible Gaming
It's estimated that there are 46 million gamers with disabilities (NPR, Apr 23, 2024). Accessible gaming can not only provide a source of entertainment for those with disabilities but can empower rehabilitation therapy and enable engagement in meaningful experiences often difficult to have.
Gaming to Connect
I was inspired to write this article because of the new Netflix documentary, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin. It is an inspiring story about the the secret life of a young gamer with a degenerative muscular disease. When Mats Steen died at 25 his family mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated life. Although they soon became aware of the community of online friends he formed within World of Warcraft and the positive impact he had on their lives (dailymail.co.uk).
"Mats, in his condition, could help so many people without being able to move more than just his fingers. Imagine what the rest of us could do if we put our minds to it" Robert, Mats Father
Mats ability to lead an active digital life, form meaningful connections and overcome his limitations is truly awe-inspiring. I highly recommend you watch this film.
Gaming as Therapy and Exercise
I was lucky enough to work and complete research at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital during my undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees. The talented and dedicated researchers and engineers at the Bloorview Research Institute develop amazing innovations to aid children with disabilities. This was the first time I was exposed to the power gaming and technology could have in therapy. Fun, engaging and competitive games, can help kids become stronger, more flexible and more mobile.
During COVID, I rode my exercise bike while playing games. It was not very strenuous but a good way to get in some exercise while playing. While researching this article I discovered the term Exergaming.
Exergaming is Technology-driven physical activities, such as video game play, that requires participants to be physically active or exercise in order to play the game.
A systematic review of RCTs on the effects of video gaming found that it can be a useful therapy for improving physical and cognitive function. (Suárez-Iglesias, 2021) The researchers conclude that Exergaming seems to be an interesting physical intervention for increasing fitness and motor skill levels, while sedentary videogaming has shown potential for stimulating cognitive function.
Gaming has shown benefits for the elderly cognition (Zelinski, 2014) and offers much to the field of rehabilitation for educators, practitioners and researchers. (Kuo, 2024) It can be leveraged to teach mathematics, spatial learning, provide psychological needs, and gamify interventions. Monitoring and supervision when utilizing video games with vulnerable populations is important.
Designing for Disability
Video games haven't always been accessible to those with disabilities. Groups like Ablegamers mission is to create opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Access, of the University of Washington, recommends the following solutions to make games more accessible:
- Cognitive: Alternative screen and game settings to address cognitive impairments.
- Motor: Resources to create modified controllers designed to help those with motor impairments.
- Auditory: Create options for audio settings that accommodate those with hearing issues.
- Visual: Optional changes in screen size, color contrast, and other visual settings.
"It is our responsibility to create a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and included to experience the joy and community of gaming," Xbox's accessibility director Anita Moraloni.
With the help of disability consultants, companies like Sony and Microsoft have developed the Adaptive Controller and Access Controller to enable disabled gamers to participate. (CBC, Nov 7, 2023). There is promising developments and on going clinical trials to restore autonomy to people with quadriplegia by Neuralink who are designing brain-computer interfaces that are implanted by surgical robots.
Memoirs and Films about Disability
During my studies I read two memoirs about the challenges of disability. Both of these eye opening perspectives became films. Surprisinly I have not seen the film adaptation for Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot despite it starring Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill and Jack Black.
Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot - John Callahan, 1990
- Follows a recently paralyzed alcoholic who finds a passion for drawing off-color newspaper cartoons (Film 2018).
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (French: Le Scaphandre et le Papillon) - Jean-Dominique Bauby, 1997
- Depicts the life a man who suffers a massive stroke that left him with a condition known as locked-in syndrome (Film 2007).
The Future of Accessible Gaming
If you want to learn more about the past, present and future of accessible gaming check out this article by Konvoy, who an investment firm focused on gaming. They anticipate a future where gaming transcends limitations, offering immersive experiences to anyone and everyone.
"As human beings, we all want a sense of belonging and community. That is something that those without disabilities can find easily in games and is something that everyone deserves to have." Konvoy, April 2024
When I worked at the Bloorview Research Institute, I also volunteered with their Sledge Hockey Program. Despite their physical challenges, the excitement and enthusiasm of the children was moving. Seeing them glide across the ice at speeds they normally could not reach was fantastic. If you want to feel the energetic hope and transformative power of enabling the disabled check out Microsoft's impactful "We All Win'' campaign video below.
Consider getting involved with community and support groups and explore research opportunities at institutions like BRI that really make a difference in lives of individuals and families. The government of Canada has funds dedicated to Enabling Accessibility focused on youth, small and medium projects.
