“I can play games like anyone else!”
Tuesday, March 18th, 2025
Our specialist assessment team have helped foot-control expert Max to discover just the right combination of equipment and positioning for controlling joysticks with her hands as well as her feet. It was a privilege to chat to her recently for an update about the impact of our support – and gaming in general.
Max finds a standard controller with her hands very challenging, and she remembers a childhood of limited attempts at gaming because of her cerebral palsy. “My sisters and Mum would play Super Mario, and I would just get left behind or die before we had even reached the next level.”
Her first gaming breakthrough came a few years ago thanks to a custom foot-controlled controller setup for her Xbox One that was created by Max’s father and our Technical Specialist.
“I could play finally some games independently for a while, but it was all mounted on furniture in one room and I had to be sat in my wheelchair, which wasn’t ideal, comfort-wise.”
Raising the game
A few months ago, she was keen to explore her gaming potential on a Nintendo Switch, so she asked our specialist assessment team for further help in identifying a more comfortable and portable setup with more controls thrown into the mix. You can find a detailed description of the setup that provided the best solution on our GameAccess website.
“It’s life changing!” she said. “I now have a setup where I can sit comfortably on my sofa and play games like anybody else would. I can multitask and access all the buttons and sticks at the same time without having to struggle or be in pain.”
“Being able to access the gaming world has been great in allowing me to explore my creative side. I can sit and forget the world around me and create virtual worlds for myself. I’m playing games like Dreamlight Valley, Hogwarts Legacy and Life is Strange.”
Inclusivity and payback
Max is also keen to emphasise the inclusivity of games. “They’re important for having fun with the people around you,” she said. “I’m able to engage in conversations about games because I’m not being left out.”
There’s also the matter of levelling-up those family gaming rivalries. “The first time I could play Mario Kart with my Mum and sisters was amazing. I was emotional when I could join in and not be at a disadvantage. It felt so freeing, and I was so happy!”
“SpecialEffect is an amazing charity. They knew exactly what was needed, understood my needs quickly and were able to work with my own suggestions to produce a perfect solution.”
Thank you Max, and we’re here to support you with your gaming journey for as long as you need us.
Find out more about our video games support, and become a regular giver to help us support more children with technology here.
Image above: Max with her gaming setup during our visit. Here she’s trying out both a ball-topped and a U-topped joystick. Our team continue to work with her to get the best from her setup, including adding a USB version of the Celtic Magic foot joystick for Hori Flex compatibility.