My Journey to Create an Accessible Gaming Setup

Recently I went on a search to find an accessible hobby that didn’t include technology or staring at a screen. I didn’t have much luck since technology is a key component to independence when you have a disability or are using a wheelchair. But this turned my attention to the first hobby I loved: video games.

Gaming offered me a sense of freedom with SMA

Gaming had always provided a sense of freedom. While playing I could scale a mountain or be a professional football player. Obviously, those are things that aren’t possible for me to do in reality. Over time, though, I started losing more strength in my hands. That made it difficult to hold the controller to play video games and press all the buttons.

I quickly gave up on gaming just out of frustration that I couldn’t play as well as I used to. That fact reminded me that SMA is unfortunately always progressing. Using a computer or playing on my phone was still possible. But I lost that sense of adventure and relaxation that Xbox or Playstation had provided to me.

What accessibility options are available for gaming?

So, while wanting to get back into a hobby, I did research on what’s available to make gaming fun and accessible for people with disabilities. Turns out there are a lot more options for Xbox. Thanks, Microsoft!

First, I visited the website of a non-profit called The AbleGamers Foundation. They provide tons of resources specifically for adaptive technology and custom setups made for gaming. They even go as far as to break down resources by disability type, including muscular dystrophy. You can also consult with AbleGamers if you think you need help or a customized solution.

Putting together my adaptive gaming kit

I had heard about the Xbox Adaptive Controller from commercials and the internet. But I knew that would only be part of my new custom setup. I’d still need buttons that I could move around to different parts of my legs or hands to make pressing them easier. Thankfully, Xbox and Logitech worked together to create the Adaptive Gaming Kit. This works in conjunction with the Xbox Adaptive Controller. And for a reasonable price it comes with 10 buttons (including 4 micro touch buttons), as well as Velcro straps and non-slip lap boards.

I also headed over to Evil Controllers. It is a small company that makes custom video game controllers and focuses on accessible options like one-handed controllers, lightweight controllers, and detached thumbsticks. This is so that they can be moved to comfortable and easy-to-reach positions. I ordered their Mini XAC Thumbstick, and now it seemed my gaming setup was complete.

Altogether, everything cost a couple hundred dollars. That isn’t bad considering what adaptive technology usually costs. But bigger companies like Microsoft, whether you like them or not, are able to manufacture and sell technology at a significantly cheaper price point.

Other ways to improve accessibility

But creating an accessible gaming solution doesn’t just end with hardware to purchase. From Amazon, I bought the AceShot Thumb Grips by Foamy Lizard to raise the height of the thumbstick. Also, most consoles, including Playstation, allow players to re-map buttons. If a certain button is hard for your fingers to reach, change it to a button that’s easier. Certain games also let you customize the control layout; just check the game’s settings.

I’m still figuring out my accessible gaming setup. I know it’ll be a learning curve, but now I have freedom and independence again. And most importantly, I’m having fun.

Connect in the Forum: What assistive devices have you found helpful?