Introduction: Adaptive Game Controller for Cerebral Palsy

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

this controller requires the use of one foot.

to operate, users place one part of their foot in the center "ground" circle and tap on the outer circle controls, completing the circuit. For the upper controls, users tap "up" "down" or "space" with their toe while keeping their heel in the center circle. For the lower controls, users tap "left" "right" or "click" with their heel while keeping their toe in the center circle.


controller #2 (diplegia)

this controller requires the use of one arm.

to operate, users place the length of their arm vertically on the board with their fist closed. they can then switch between controls by sliding back and forth across the board, connecting the circuit between the lower "ground" strip and the individual controls.


I created both controllers with accessibility and simplicity in mind. I wanted them to be really easy to make and natural to use, for all physical abilities. I didn't want my controller to pose a disadvantage to gamers (especially since video games are often competitive) and tried to make the reaction time as fast as a generic game controller or computer keyboard.

Supplies

makey case

clip cover

Step 1: Gather Supplies

(listed above)

Step 2: Cut

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

  1. cut a rectangle out of thick foam board
  2. cut a slot from the center circle to the edge of the board
  3. cut indented circles into the board (7 total)
  4. cut 7 ovals out of tinfoil (folded over to be multiple layers)
  5. cut 7 small squares out of tinfoil


controller #2 (diplegia)

  1. cut a long rectangle out of foam board
  2. cut a long strip of tinfoil (folded over to be multiple layers)
  3. cut shapes out of tinfoil for controls: up/down/left/right arrow, square (space), and circle (click)

Step 3: Attach

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

  1. glue tinfoil ovals into indented surfaces


controller #2 (diplegia)

  1. use copper/conductive tape to secure tinfoil to board

Step 4: Wiring

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

  1. attach a strip of copper/conductive tape leading from each control to the edge of the board
  2. use hot glue to secure tinfoil squares to the copper tape


controller #2 (diplegia)

  1. attach a strip of copper/conductive tape leading from each control to the edge of the board

Step 5: Connect

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

  1. use alligator clips to connect the makey makey to each tinfoil square


controller #2 (diplegia)

  1. use alligator clips to connect the makey makey to each strip of copper tape

Step 6: Label

  1. label each control and corresponding wire using masking tape (up, down, left, right, space, click)


Step 7: Decorate (optional)

controller #1 (quadriplegia)

  1. paint the outline of each circle with a different color

Step 8: Test

  1. connect makey makey to computer
  2. go to scratch.com and test your controller!

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/735139462/