As we head into the Christmas break, the feeling of sharing time and experiences with friends and family is spoken louder than ever. This short story provides reassurance that technology can play an essential part in mental health as well as physical health.
SpecialEffect are an organisation who are transforming lives of people with physical challenges right across the world through the innovative use of technology. At the core of this mission is our work to optimise inclusion, enjoyment and quality of life by helping people control video games to the best of their abilities for as long as they need us. Our team of occupational therapists and gaming specialists in the UK create bespoke control setups for hundreds of individuals each year, while our R&D team use what we learn in the field to develop freely available resources and solutions to help level the playing field for gamers with physical challenges all over the world.
This mission of inclusion extends beyond gaming, whether that’s by using eye-gaze technology to bring communication, independence and hope for people in intensive care units with a severe injury or illness, or by using telepresent robots to reconnect medically isolated children with their education and friends. Whatever we do, we’re committed to making life better for the people that need us, for as long as possible.
“One of our greatest joys as a charity is enabling human connection, and we were able to do this in a big way for Mark, helping him to take part in his best friend’s wedding.
His condition means that he’s restricted to his room for the vast majority of the time, but with the help of a telepresent wheeled robot he was able to move around, mingle and chat throughout the day – and deliver a fantastic speech at the wedding reception.
The Double Three robot that Mark used is just one way that we’re making lives better every day, but we simply wouldn’t exist without your amazing support in keeping our services and resources free of charge. Thank you – you’re truly making a game-changing difference!”
Video source: https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/news/thank-you-i-feel-alive-again
