Game
Box Controllers
(For XBox 360, XBox, Playstations, and GameCube)
Phillip's mom: The controller is wonderful and allows him to work around his disabilities.
You can see that he is a happy camper!!! J (click here to see more on Phillip)
After
years of telling people to "buy the PC version of the game, play it on
your PC because we already have plenty of PC adaptations for special
needs," I decided to find and switch-modify
an appropriate game controller for
game boxes that plug into your TV (XBox 360, XBox, PlayStation,
GameCube).
New Game Controller on left, and old one that was switch-adapted (optional!) on right
(click on pic for larger image)
Now
bear in mind that these games usually move fairly quickly, and
scanning between choices is not an option (unless it's actually built
into the game itself, which it's *not*). So that means you have
to be selective about which *aspect* of the game the person with
special needs is going to control.
The joystick on this controller is very much like a power wheelchair joystick (2" high). And the buttons on this controller are big (1" diameter). But many people with special needs may not have the fine motor to get to all the buttons. However, many games can be operated without access to all the possible game button/functions. But you still need to match the game to the user, making sure that the game *can* be played by someone that cannot access *all* the buttons.
But for others, that can only hit a single or 2 switch(es), you will need to be selective as to what action in the game will be accomplished by the disabled person. For example, a partner might operate the joystick, and the disabled user might hit a single switch into the Fire jack. Oh, yes...I've put jacks for switches into all buttons, including Start.
What I'm saying is, for a significant number of people with disabilities, that can operate this controller's joystick, and get to the big buttons, you're good to go! The only consideration is positioning the controller to be appropriate for your user's special needs. In most cases, I would think my Magic Arm and possibly Device Adapter would do the trick. In other cases, just using some of my new Stick & Suck to hold the controller in place would be enough. (The Game Controller has 1" rubber 'feet' which might just be enough for you)
Game Controller for XBox 360 (jack arrangement similar to cordless above)
(click pics for larger images)
The joystick on this controller is very much like a power wheelchair joystick (2" high). And the buttons on this controller are big (1" diameter). But many people with special needs may not have the fine motor to get to all the buttons. However, many games can be operated without access to all the possible game button/functions. But you still need to match the game to the user, making sure that the game *can* be played by someone that cannot access *all* the buttons.
But for others, that can only hit a single or 2 switch(es), you will need to be selective as to what action in the game will be accomplished by the disabled person. For example, a partner might operate the joystick, and the disabled user might hit a single switch into the Fire jack. Oh, yes...I've put jacks for switches into all buttons, including Start.
What I'm saying is, for a significant number of people with disabilities, that can operate this controller's joystick, and get to the big buttons, you're good to go! The only consideration is positioning the controller to be appropriate for your user's special needs. In most cases, I would think my Magic Arm and possibly Device Adapter would do the trick. In other cases, just using some of my new Stick & Suck to hold the controller in place would be enough. (The Game Controller has 1" rubber 'feet' which might just be enough for you)
Game Controller for XBox 360 (jack arrangement similar to cordless above)
(click pics for larger images)
Be aware that these controllers may not be able to 'look' (as compared to 'move'), so that would have to be done by the partner.
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Philip sits in a Rifton chair with a tray
so I just place it there, No Velcro needed. He doesn't push it off.
Phillip is 6 1/2. so The games I use are:
Sims2
FIFA Soccer
Happy Feet
Dora the Explorer-- Jorney to the Purple Planet Works Really well!!!
Franklin --A birthday surprise
The Bible Game
Sponge Bob Battle for Bikini bottom
It is just Trial and Error. I get what he likes and try it. The more complicated games some of the controller buttons don't work. But I am really happy with the controller.
Maribeth L.
Sims2
FIFA Soccer
Happy Feet
Dora the Explorer-- Jorney to the Purple Planet Works Really well!!!
Franklin --A birthday surprise
The Bible Game
Sponge Bob Battle for Bikini bottom
It is just Trial and Error. I get what he likes and try it. The more complicated games some of the controller buttons don't work. But I am really happy with the controller.
Maribeth L.