AbleGames 2010

The photos above are just a small sample from the hundreds taken at the AbleGames 2010 event. Following last years amazing event, I was really curious to see if Assistive Technology Partners’ could live up to the 2009 show. They definitely did and more!

Here’s a run down of the equipment used, and how things went.

6 Nintendo Wii stations

Each projected onto a wall for the “big screen” effect.
2 with our “seating system on a Fit Board” contraptions.
2 with switch adapted Guitar Hero (one with drums and microphone).
2 with WiiMotes strapped to hats, arms, etc. for racing and sports.

6 Computer stations

Each with a switch interface and switches, a variety of adapted mice/joysticks and head trackers. One with a cardboard carrel to block light/glare and remove distractions, for kids with vision impairments.
Each with the following games: Aurikon, Hoop Stars, Mario Dash, One Switch Mini Golf, Star Wars, TIG Duels, Sonic Zoom (for kids with vision impairments), Peggle, SEN Switcher, Whack-A-Monty-Mole.

2 Switch adapted Nerf machine-gun stations
Both with Velcro tipped darts, targets, and vests for moving targets to wear. Mounted on “universal mounts” (Bogen arms).

2 Switch adapted pinball tables
Stern’s Spiderman and William’s Medieval Madness. One standard height, one with legs cut down to kid/wheelchair height. Adapted so that one switch jack controlled both flippers.

1 “Splatball” station
A homemade slingshot that could be fired by pressing a large board, which shot paintballs at targets. Several people recommended paintball for kids with vision impairments, due to the sound, smell, and tactile feedback.

Plus a large variety of switch toys, iPads with games and other fun apps, switch adapted “colour spinner” painting toy, etc.

“A local Boy Scout troop served lunch, and one of them helped organize for his Eagle Scout project. The daughter of one of our therapists ran a “kids corner” for siblings of participants and children of staff and volunteers. Two retired NBA players from the Denver Nuggets came to play Hoop Stars with the kids, pose for pictures, sign autographs, and play as Nerf gun targets. At the end of the day, each participant got a certificate with his or her personal title (Best Smile, Basketball Champ, etc.), a trophy, and a CD with all of the computer games and some other resources. We gave away the computers from the computer stations, and are keeping a list of people who want computers, so that I can continue to prepare donated ones as I get them, and give them out.

Everyone seemed to have a great time, and I think we had something that each participant could enjoy.”