Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

50Project summariesProducts and technology for personal use in daily livingNovita staff contributors highlighted in boldProject titleContributorsSummaryIdentifying Suitable Accessible Gaming Controller Solutions and OptionsDavid HobbsModern gaming systems capture the interest and excitement of the young and youngat heart. Not surprisingly, Novita clients also want to enjoy such video games with theirpeers – however, almost all gaming system use controllers (or consoles) that are veryinaccessible. Their buttons are small, too close together and difficult to get to for someonewith a physical limitation, and many gaming systems require two-handed control, whichfurther disadvantages people with a physical limitation. Consequently, the area of ‘accessiblegaming controllers’ developed as Novita therapists sought to identify appropriate solutionsthat provided greater access to gaming systems.Rather than re-invent the wheel and create a customised interface for accessible gaming,this project aims to identify a range of commercial, off-the-shelf solutions that satisfy therequirements for accessible gaming. The product can then be reviewed for suitability and, ifpossible, purchased/loaned from the manufacturer to enable Novita clients to trial the device.Where a device can be trialed, feedback is sought so the device can be rated, with the viewto determining its overall suitability for a given physical limitation.MethodA review of available gaming accessories, online gaming forums and websites and specialistadaptive technology centres and internet resources was conducted in an attempt to identifyexisting custom or commercial solutions. Surprisingly, the area of non-standard gamingaccessories is larger than first thought. Many of these products, which are pitched to highlevel(able-bodied) gamers as giving them an advantage, can be translated into the disabilitysector to provide greater gaming access.The range of potential solutions – including information on controllers, where they canbe purchased and cost in Australian dollars – has been captured in a document entitled:Alternative Gaming Controllers/Consoles. This document was circulated to interested Novitaoccupational therapists as a resource for future client referral, and given to families who makeenquiries about accessible gaming options.ResultsThe search undertaken revealed a number of potentially appropriate commercial solutions.One such product, the X-Arcade Controller, was purchased for Novita clients to trial asit offers larger, more accessible buttons and can interface with all three leading gamingsystems (PlayStation, X-Box and Nintendo) as well as a PC. In conjunction with Novitaoccupational therapists, a free two to three week trial of the controller can be arranged on thecondition that the client or their family provides constructive feedback on its suitability.To date, seven Novita clients have trialed the controller and feedback has ranged from ‘tooheavy to rest on my lap, too many buttons’ to ‘I could use a joystick and the buttons at thesame time’. In one instance it was the first time the child had played a game independently,and the trial worked so well the X-Arcade was bought for him for his birthday.