Adaptive Game Controller for Cerebral Palsy

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

this controller requires the use of one foot.

to operate, users place one part of their foot in the center "ground" circle and tap on the outer circle controls, completing the circuit. For the upper controls, users tap "up" "down" or "space" with their toe while keeping their heel in the center circle. For the lower controls, users tap "left" "right" or "click" with their heel while keeping their toe in the center circle.

controller #2 (diplegia)

this controller requires the use of one arm.

to operate, users place the length of their arm vertically on the board with their fist closed. they can then switch between controls by sliding back and forth across the board, connecting the circuit between the lower "ground" strip and the individual controls.

I created both controllers with accessibility and simplicity in mind. I wanted them to be really easy to make and natural to use, for all physical abilities. I didn't want my controller to pose a disadvantage to gamers (especially since video games are often competitive) and tried to make the reaction time as fast as a generic game controller or computer keyboard.

Supplies

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

controller #2 (diplegia)

Gather Supplies

(listed above)

Cut

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

cut a rectangle out of thick foam board
cut a slot from the center circle to the edge of the board
cut indented circles into the board (7 total)
cut 7 ovals out of tinfoil (folded over to be multiple layers)
cut 7 small squares out of tinfoil

controller #2 (diplegia)

cut a long rectangle out of foam board
cut a long strip of tinfoil (folded over to be multiple layers)
cut shapes out of tinfoil for controls: up/down/left/right arrow, square (space), and circle (click)