Dream-Technology - Switch Modules

Dream-Technology have a couple of very handy looking accessibility switch modules newly added to their impressive catalogue. These are both designed to assist people in avoiding accidental presses of their switch, in two different ways. There's also hint of a Wireless Switch Converter, that looks extremely useful. These added briefly to the Accessible Gaming Shop Switches section.

Belated add, is mention of their Special-Dream Projects, popped in the Tailor-Made Game Controls section. All very good stuff.

Nathan Fouts says...

Nathan Fouts, author of Shoot 1UP, has blogged a list of excellent Accessibility Option Ideas. As the author of the game with the most accessibility features ever seen in a games console game, he's worth taking seriously. Really looking forward to his next game now, Grapple Buggy.

AbleGames 2010 - Saturday August 21st 2010

AbleGames 2009 was amazing, so I was delighted to learn that AbleGames 2010 will be going ahead later this month. I'll let Assistive Technology Partners do the sales pitch...

"Gear Up and Get Your Game On!

Assistive Technology Partner’s invites children 3 - 18 years of age with disabilities and their families to this second annual event. AbleGames provides a fun environment for children with disabilities to play adapted computer, Wii and other kid-friendly games. Participants can enjoy a Wii racing game using a controller adapted to allow participation using only head movements. There will be a wide variety of switch accessible computer and pinball games including basketball and horse racing. Come and experience the possibilities of what accessible gaming and assistive technology can do to enhance the quality of life for children with disabilities.

Limited Space Available, call now to apply 303-315-1278 - $25/participant (includes T-shirt and lunch) - August 21, 2010 - 10:00am - 2:30pm - Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W 6th Ave, Golden, CO 80401"

If I could, I would, and if you can, you should. Have a fantastic day you lot!

AbleGamers on CNN

AbleGamer and IGDA GASIG member Steve Spohn features in a short clip expounding the virtues of game accessibility. The big deal is that this got national (and international) coverage on CNN. Very nice job.

One Handed Gaming

Hardware Hacker "Hasse" modified a GameCube controller for his disabled brother, so he could play GameCube games on his Wii one-handed. It's a really clever modification, with tilt-sensor and very helpful guide-lights.

There is an alternative solution out there for the lay-person, although it of course will cost more money. Connect one of a range of Playstation 2 one-handed controllers to the Wii/GameCube using an adapter. Simples.

And whilst on the subject, I highly recommend taking a look at Giant Bomb's cross platform list of compatible games for one-handed play.

"Are Wii Being Ignored?"

BBC Ouch! technology correspondant, Adrian Higgin-botham, has written a harsh but fair appraisal of the state of accessible gaming. In short, AAA 21st century video games don't have much in the way of accessibility features. And those rare games that are highly accessible, tend not to have the budget, depth or production values of AAA titles. Come on the mainstream, you are slacking!

Image via: David G on the Ouch! Forums

Falling Down

I've just reviewed "Fall" over at the SpecialEffect Accessible GameBase. There's a nice on-line high-score table for this, so I expect to see mine (BAH) and Bill's (BIL) high-scores take a tumble soon.

There's been some excellent posts over at the GameBase lately, including on the 27th International Holiday Camp of the Order of Malta, pure mouse game Dreams and partial one-switch game Zombie Cricket. Feel free to join up and contribute.