What is Gaming Accessibility? "Gaming" is a word used to describe all things involved with video games, and gaming accessibility is the process of making the playing of a video game accessible to people who play them (gamers) with disabilities. Through the services discussed below, NEAT helps gamers with disabilities get back into the game.
To achieve gaming accessibility, a gamer might just need to choose a specific option available within the game's options, or maybe they need a specific controller, or some combination of the two. This is just the beginning, the needs of gamers with disabilities are just as diverse and unique as the gamers themselves. NEAT can help gamers with disabilities and their families discover the best way for them to play.
Gaming Accessibility services are led by Adam Kosakowski. Through these services, Adam leads NEAT in working with any gamer looking to get back in the game despite any disability. Additionally, NEAT can support game developers looking to make their games more accessible.
If you are interested in these services, please contact Adam Kosakowski, Assistive Technology Specialist at 860-286-3167 or email Adam.Kosakowski@OakHillCT.org
For more information on adaptive gaming, click here to listen as Adam breaks it down with iHeart Radio!
Gaming Accessibility Services
Play Consultation
Play Consultations are for gamers with disabilities who are looking to find a better way enjoy their favorite game(s) despite their disability. For this consultation, the gamer’s gaming needs will be assessed from all angles. This process can take into account, for example, stamina, comfort, as well as personal preferences. After, the game(s) of interest as well as method of play will be analyzed leading to an exploration of in-game options and alternate controllers as well as controller schemes that will improve the gamer’s future gaming experiences.
Design Consultation
Design Consultations are for game developers looking to improve the accessibility of their game. Adam and other NEAT team members as necessary will put any one game through a quality assurance process, testing it for its accessibility. The results of that process can be discussed in person and/or through a written report complete with recommendations.
Play and Learn
Play and Learns are a fun and interactive service where gamers or those interested in gaming can play some games while they and the ones supporting them learn about gaming accessibility. Play and Learns are not meant to meet individual needs of gamers with disabilities or developers, but rather provide a space to learn about accessibility in gaming on a macro level. Participants will have a chance to see and use some adaptive gaming equipment first hand and learn about what sort of gamers the tools could support.
A Play and Learn can have many appearances and it depends on the need! Below are some examples. A Play and Learn can include a:
- Workshop with professionals from any field looking to learn more about gaming accessibility. This might fit a conference type environment, for example, with some presentation and some play by attendees.
- Get together where gamers and/or professionals play games while learning about their accessibility features and accessible ways to play them. This could take place at a K-12 school, for instance.
- Station or table at an event where participants and their guardians/caregivers can come by to play some games and learn what accessible tools are available for their family.
Contact Adam to discuss your specific needs to build the right Play and Learn for you.