Adaptive Gaming Controllers with Advanced Customization Options Catering to a Wide Range of Disabilities

Sonys New Access Controller Reveals a Big Problem in Adaptive Gaming

Sony appears to have some understanding of this, having released new 3D printing and 3.5-mm expansion port specifications to, according to our SIE spokesperson, empower the maker community of hobbyists and accessibility charities to create even more customization options for players with specific accessibility needs.

On paper, it appears to be a generous move. In reality, it underscores Sonys overestimation of the potential of the Access controller as a panacean hub when the community needs greater consideration.

Moreover, it places additional pressure on a small group of under-resourced charities to paper over the Access controllers deficiencies. Its depressing; its sad, Kraft says. These are the only people out there, in my opinion, that are putting the effort into trying to learn all of the things that are out there and possible setups. Now theyd also need to shift focus to creating solutions for a hyper-focused proprietary device not everyone can use or, indeed, needs.

For instance, simply allowing the DualShock 4and accessible setups built around itto be used with PlayStation 5 games would make a meaningful difference to many players and, according to Dale, would go a long way to demonstrating that they are aware that accessibility isn't just about the new product they are selling.

Similarly, third-party options that are smaller, bigger, or unorthodox shapes can be better for players than adaptive controllers and avoid the steep costs associated with them. That kind of cheap entry point might not be something many think of as accessibility, Dale continues. But weird unofficial controllers with just the right mix of features are a big reason I was able to game in my teens.

With accessibility being pulled into the orbit of proprietary controllers, however, solutionsif they remain viableare lost behind a paywall erected by the Access controller and its peers.

Worse, focusing on adaptive controllers can mask other ways we should be mitigating the cost of accessibility. When Todd Howard placed the onus on the XAC when pressed on accessibility in Starfield, he exemplified how easy it is to lose sight of the importance of software level accessibility.

If we buy a game only to find it inaccessible, that in itself represents a wasted expense. But this extends to making hardware more accessible and, in particular, more customizable on a software level. How much more? Ultimately, as customizable as possible, Kraft says. If on the Xbox there were so many options for customizing the way your controllers and your XAC worked that it was just overwhelming, then you might have a reduction in the amount of people that need other things.

Nor should we ignore the information vacuum that accompanies accessible hardware. To improve the cost of accessibility disabled gamers need a range of choices and an easier way to research and access different accessible solutions, says Gohil. Something that, arguably, Sony and Microsoft should be doing more to mitigate.

Fortunately, it can also be addressed without them. The onus is currently on charities to do so when a well-resourced, affiliated, and platform agnostic organization would be better-equipped. A really good fit for this would be somebody like Epic, who has the Unreal engine, he says. You have games on the Unreal engine that are going onto PlayStation, that are going on a Nintendo, that are going into Xbox, PC.

The Ultimate Guide to Adaptive Keyboards for People with Disabilities

Learn more about adaptive keyboards and popular models.

In an increasingly digital world, keyboards have become essential tools for communication, work, and leisure. However, for individuals with disabilities, using traditional keyboards can be a challenge. Adaptive keyboards are designed to address these challenges, providing customizable features and innovative technologies that cater to a wide range of needs. In this comprehensive guide, well explore the best adaptive keyboards available, comparing their features and benefits to help individuals with disabilities make informed choices.

The Importance of Adaptive Keyboards

Adaptive keyboards are not just convenience devices; they are gateways to empowerment and inclusivity. For people with physical impairments, fine motor skill difficulties, or other disabilities, using a standard keyboard can be frustrating or even impossible. Adaptive keyboards bridge this gap by offering unique designs and features that make typing and computer interaction accessible to everyone.

Popular Adaptive Keyboard Models

1. Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID:The Microsoft Modern Keyboard is an excellent option for individuals seeking a sleek and modern design combined with adaptive features. It includes a fingerprint sensor for added security and offers a Bluetooth connection for seamless wireless use. The keyboards low-profile keys are comfortable to type on, and its compact layout is suitable for users with limited reach.
2. Logitech Ergo K860:The Logitech Ergo K860 is designed with ergonomic comfort in mind. Its split keyboard layout and curved design promote a more natural hand and wrist position, reducing strain during extended typing sessions. The keys are slightly concave and offer a responsive typing experience. This keyboard is suitable for those with wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other ergonomic concerns.
3. Matias Ergo Pro:The Matias Ergo Pro takes ergonomics a step further with its unique split and tented design. It allows users to customize the angle and separation of the two keyboard halves, accommodating various hand sizes and preferences. The mechanical key switches provide tactile feedback, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a traditional typing experience.
4. Kinesis Advantage2:The Kinesis Advantage2 is renowned for its unconventional layout and innovative design. Its concave key wells and vertical key columns encourage a more neutral hand posture, reducing strain and promoting comfort. The keyboards key remapping and programmable keys offer personalized customization options, making it a top choice for users with motor skill impairments.
5. BigKeys LX:The BigKeys LX is specifically designed for individuals with limited dexterity and visual impairments. Its oversized keys have large, easy-to-read letters and can be customized to include a variety of layouts, including QWERTY, ABC, and more. The keyboards sturdy construction and color-coded keys aid in making typing accessible and enjoyable.

Comparing Features

Lets delve deeper into the features of these popular adaptive keyboards to better understand their strengths and benefits.

1. Ergonomics:Both the Logitech Ergo K860 and the Matias Ergo Pro prioritize ergonomic design. The split layout of the Logitech K860 and the customizable tenting angles of the Matias Ergo Pro help users maintain a more comfortable hand and wrist position, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
2. Customizability:The Kinesis Advantage2 and the Matias Ergo Pro stand out for their extensive customization options. The Kinesis Advantage2 allows users to remap keys and program macros, catering to specific needs and preferences. Similarly, the Matias Ergo Pros customizable split angle and tenting options make it adaptable to a wide range of users.
3. Accessibility:The BigKeys LX is a standout choice for accessibility. Its large keys and high contrast letters are ideal for individuals with visual impairments. Additionally, the keyboards color-coded options provide additional guidance for users with cognitive disabilities.
4. Connectivity:The Microsoft Modern Keyboard and the Logitech Ergo K860 offer wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, providing greater flexibility and reducing cable clutter. This is especially beneficial for users with mobility impairments who may have difficulty managing cables.
5. Tactile Feedback:The Kinesis Advantage2 and the Matias Ergo Pro feature mechanical key switches that provide tactile feedback when typing. This can be advantageous for individuals with motor impairments who may need the physical response to confirm key presses.
6. Special Features:The Microsoft Modern Keyboard includes a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security, making it a convenient choice for users who prioritize data protection. On the other hand, the Kinesis Advantage2s unique layout and customizable keys are particularly beneficial for users with specific motor control requirements.

Choosing the Right Adaptive Keyboard

Selecting the right adaptive keyboard depends on individual preferences, needs, and disabilities. Here are some considerations to help make an informed decision:

1. Ergonomics: If comfort and ergonomic design are a priority, keyboards like the Logitech Ergo K860 and the Matias Ergo Pro offer split layouts and curved designs that promote a more natural hand position.
2. Customization: Individuals who require extensive customization options should consider the Kinesis Advantage2 or the Matias Ergo Pro, both of which offer programmable keys and key remapping.
3. Accessibility: For users with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities, the BigKeys LXs large keys and high contrast letters provide a user-friendly solution.
4. Mobility and Connectivity: Those who prefer wireless connectivity and want to reduce cable clutter might appreciate the Microsoft Modern Keyboard or the Logitech Ergo K860.
5. Tactile Feedback: Users who benefit from tactile feedback should explore keyboards like the Kinesis Advantage2 and the Matias Ergo Pro, which offer mechanical key switches for a satisfying typing experience.

Adaptive keyboards have revolutionized computer accessibility for individuals with disabilities. These keyboards go beyond traditional designs, offering ergonomic features, customization options, and accessibility features that cater to a diverse range of needs. Whether its reducing strain through ergonomic layouts, providing tactile feedback, or facilitating typing for those with limited dexterity, adaptive keyboards are essential tools for fostering inclusivity and empowerment. By comparing popular models like the Microsoft Modern Keyboard, Logitech Ergo K860, Matias Ergo Pro, Kinesis Advantage2, and BigKeys LX, individuals can find the perfect adaptive keyboard that aligns with their specific requirements, enabling them to engage fully in the digital world.

How-To Geek

Most gaming controllers are built for people without disabilities. However, in the U.S., 26% of people have some sort of disability. This means that many gamers can't use standard controllers to play video games comfortably---or at all. Thankfully, there are some other options for them.

What Is the Xbox Adaptive Controller?

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a wide and flat device with proportions similar to a computer keyboard. The shape and design of this device are meant to help those with limited dexterity play video games more comfortably ---or even grant them the ability to play video games when they were previously unable to.

The top surface of the Xbox Adaptive Controller has two large buttons in addition to a few smaller ones and a D-pad. At the top, there are 19 3.5mm ports. There are also two USB 2.0 ports: one on the left side and another on the right. There are other ports and buttons, but the above-mentioned are what make up the bulk of this controller's features.

Why the Xbox Adaptive Controller Is Useful for Gamers with Disabilities

Imagine trying to hold something designed for two hands...but you don't have two hands. Or, picture yourself attempting to pull off a series of precise button combinations while you don't have feeling in most of your left side. Now you've got a sense of what gaming is like when you have a disability.

Capabilities and Functions

Larger buttons are always easier to press than small ones. That's why the "A" and "B" buttons are huge. However, besides the D-pad, you'll notice that there aren't any other true controller buttons. That's because the designers of the Xbox Adaptive Controller don't want to limit the possibilities.

As mentioned before, there are 19 3.5mm ports and two USB 2.0 ports through which you can connect other devices. These are what you'd pair with the other buttons. In this manner, you can create plenty of layouts for your preferred gaming style.

The flat shape also means that the Xbox Adaptive Controller can rest comfortably on a table or on your lap---whichever is more convenient. With both USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, you also have multiple options for connecting it to your console or PC. The Bluetooth method is particularly handy, as you can get your game on from pretty much anywhere in the room.

The High Degree of Customization

Not only can you plug in any compatible device for the other buttons, but you can also change which ports are assigned to them. For example, you can remap the "Y" button input at the top-right of the controller to become the "LT" button (the left trigger).

For those who need the controller to be set at a particular angle, there are also multiple screw holes of different sizes on the back that allow you to mount it onto a tripod or other standing object.

Compatibility With Third-Party Devices

On top of all the customization options, peripherals that connect via 3.5mm and USB 2.0 cords are widely available online. This includes buttons of all sizes, joysticks, foot pedals, and more. You can even connect a computer mouse to this controller if you wanted.Sadly, a lot of these peripherals can be quite expensive.

Thankfully, there are no brand restrictions. Any device that's meant to work with a console or PC for gaming should work.

Challenges and Limitations of the Xbox Adaptive Controller

While this controller is a huge leap forward for gaming accessibility, it's not perfect. There are some concerns surrounding it from multiple angles.

Availability and Affordability

Depending on where you live, you may have a hard time finding the Xbox Adaptive Controller in-store. We looked it up at nearby Walmart, The Source, and Best Buy locations only to find that they either do not carry this controller or that it's only available online. As such, if your desired store does carry the Xbox Adaptive Controller, you'll likely have to pay a shipping cost on top of its base price.

Speaking of which, this device is not cheap. It costs $99.99 USD---more than twice the price of most standard wireless controllers. We get that it may have more production costs due to being uniquely shaped, but ergonomic keyboards...oh, wait, Microsoft is charging the same price for some of their keyboards as well. Let's chalk this one up to commercialism-based greed.

Compatibility and Technical Issues

For starters, it's only truly usable with the Xbox One and Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. The Xbox website states that it has limited functionality with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1---which, long story short, means you might as well not bother using this controller with older PCs.

Next up are the battery and charging issues. Strangely, the Xbox Adaptive Controller does not come with a power adapter. You can charge it with the nine-inch USB-C cable that it does come with, which is arguably better than a standard power adapter. However, you only get the cable, so you either need to plug it into a device with such a port (the Xbox One does not have a USB-C port) or separately buy a USB-C wall charger.

Moreover, this seems to defeat the purpose of having a port for a power adapter; wouldn't another USB 2.0 port (or another type of port) be a better use of space? We're talking about a controller that's partially selling itself on its ability to connect with tons of peripherals.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which, in itself, isn't an issue in most cases. However, they do contain toxic substances and can catch fire if they get damaged. The risk of such problems is relatively low in many scenarios, but airlines are very serious about them. This, in turn, means that you may need to rethink bringing an Xbox Adaptive Controller with you when you travel.

Possible Improvements

Bring down the price until it's somewhat close to that of a standard wireless Xbox One controller. If we're talking about accessibility, Microsoft should consider people's financial accessibility as well. Bringing down the price would make the controller accessible to more people.

Next, make it compatible with the Xbox Series X/S. If standard Xbox One controllers (and even headsets) can be used with the Xbox Series X/S, there's no good reason why the same shouldn't be true for the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

A lot of the battery and charging issues we brought up are rather minor, however, Microsoft should be giving gamers a more convenient way to charge this device. We would prefer if the company included a USB-C wall charger or something along those lines.

The Importance of Accessibility in Gaming

When we're talking about gamers with disabilities, we're talking about a wide group of people with varying capabilities. There are those with limb and finger-related issues, those with nervous system impairments, as well as others that have trouble seeing, hearing, and more.

Such disabilities cause challenges in many aspects of an individual's life---including the enjoyment of their favorite hobbies. Playing video games requires using three senses: vision, hearing, and touch. If you have impairments in any of those areas, you won't be able to enjoy a video game properly.

Unfortunately, there is a severe lack of gaming accessibility in these regards. The creation of disability-friendly controllers has only happened somewhat recently in mainstream gaming. Prior to the invention of the Xbox Adaptive Controller (and similar devices), people with disabilities simply could not play video games as non-disabled people do.

Most video games and controllers are built for people without disabilities. Thankfully, things are changing for the better. More and more accessibility options are becoming available---and not just new types of controllers. Increasingly, color-blind modes, larger font options, and more changeable features are showing up in the settings menus of modern video games.

The Impact of the Xbox Adaptive Controller

Prior to its release in 2018, the Xbox Adaptive Controller was developed by Microsoft with the aid of a few disability awareness groups, such asThe AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, SpecialEffect, and Warfighter Engaged. Furthermore, there was apparently a lot of community involvement that impacted the design, functionality, and packaging of this controller.

Now, five years later, Sony has begun to design its own type of disability-friendly controller. Called "Project Leonardo," Sony's upcoming PS5 controller aims to climb onto the accessibility bandwagon in the best of ways. There's no doubt that Sony is trying to compete with Microsoft---however, the effects of this competition benefit gamers with disabilities.

The increased awareness of disabilities is overall a good thing. It sets a positive trend focused on inclusivity for all. As we move forward, more and more options will appear to aid gamers with disabilities to delve into their desired digital worlds.