Welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas, and innovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond.

On this episode, titled "Leveling the Playing Field: Gaming, Accessibility, and Inclusion with SpecialEffect," CP State Communications & Operations Specialist, Kelsey Massyk, sits down with Jacob Holden, an Occupational Therapist from SpecialEffect, a UK-based organization that uses innovative technology to help people with physical challenges control video games, aiming for greater inclusion and quality of life. We discuss how SpecialEffect provides individualized setups, using tools like the Xbox Adaptive Controller, to help players with physical disabilities access video games for leisure and fun, advocating for accessible design in the gaming industry.

SpecialEffect is 100% reliant on donations and runs events like Game Blast every February. They also offer support worldwide, even if they don't send equipment outside the UK. You can learn more by visiting their website, specialeffect.org.uk , and check out their resources on accessible equipment and games at their other website, Game Access, at gameaccess.info

Don't forget to catch all the CP State(d) and CP Short State(d) episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and most other major podcast platforms. New and exciting topics will be shared in both audio and video formats as we continue to explore the disability service field.