SpecialEffect

SpecialEffect is a charity based in the United Kingdom created in 2007.[1] It specialises in helping physically disabled people play video games. The organisation works with developers to create specialised game control devices as well as make their games more accessible.[2] The ability to play video games, now seen as an almost universal pastime, can help improve the mental health of disabled people who otherwise could not play them.[3]

This article is about the British charity. For the film technique, see Special effect.

History

SpecialEffect was founded by Mick Donegan, a former teacher, who remains its CEO.[4] It was created to focus on the people with the most complex physical disabilities, not only allowing them to play games but doing so effectively and with the greatest chance of winning.[1] The organisation uses a team of specialists including occupational therapists and a technical and software design team.[1]

SpecialEffect constructs bespoke controllers, using inputs from any part of the body that can move, such as small toe movements or the player's gaze.[4]

The charity created GameBlast, a 48-hour gaming marathon event that helps raise money to fund its operations.[5]

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gollark: They're extremely versatile technology.
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gollark: I mean, *technically* all existing bees were designed back in 2015 and put back in time as a joke.
gollark: Apioforms are just *that good*.

References
  1. "SpecialEffect at 10: "We've increased our work tenfold"". MCV. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  2. Beach, Jonathan (22 October 2015). "Meet the Charity That's Helping the Disabled Get Into Video Gaming". Vice. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  3. "Mark Saville on how SpecialEffect 'levels the playing field' for people with physical disabilities". www.rcpsych.ac.uk. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  4. "PC Gamer – August 2013: How charity SpecialEffect are working to make gaming accessible to all « Andrew Tsai Technical Support in North and Central London". andrewtsai.co.uk. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  5. Stuart, Keith (20 February 2015). "SpecialEffect: the charity making video games available for all". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
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