Adaptive Gaming Clinic

New Program at AzTAP!

Through consultations, device demonstrations and equipment trial our staff helps determine what games, specialized gaming hardware, accessibility settings and game/gaming system settings will accommodate the player’s needs and help each client move towards meeting their individualized gaming goals.

Program Background

Video gaming is an important recreational activity for many persons.

Historically home-based video gaming systems have had no accessibility options for persons with disabilities and as games have become more sophisticated, they have become even more inaccessible. Only in the last few years have significant advancements been made in the accessibility of these gaming systems, the games themselves, and in the development of adaptive access technology.

AzTAP is funding the adaptive gaming client through a grant received from the American Rescue Plan. In addition to these funds, AzTAP is using its own resources to provide space, equipment, and other infrastructure to support this program. AzTAP is working on and exploring additional long term funding options to sustain this program.

Older gamer celebrating after playing with adaptive controllers

Preteen boy with a huge smile seated in a manual wheelchair with a clear laptray on which there are three different types of adaptive gaming equipment that he is using to game.

A one-handed PS4 controller — Examples of assistive gaming technology

A quadstick adaptive gaming controller — Examples of assistive gaming technology

Clinical Coordinator

Lauren Janke, OTD, OTR/L

Lauren graduated from NAU’s Occupational Therapy Doctoral program in May of 2021 and has been working as a direct service provider with the pediatric population since. Her passion and focus in her sessions has been empowerment through positioning and access to assistive technology and adaptive gaming.

She joined the AzTAP team in July 2022, and as an Arizona native, Lauren is very passionate about inclusivity and improving access to technology and gaming throughout the state!