Introduction: Adaptive Game Controllers for Cerebral Palsy
Controller #1:
The diplegia add-on is made to rest your hand on and push, back, forward, left, and right. It was created to allow for shaking. It is also relatively simple to make!
Controller #2:
The quadriplegia add is made for people who have mobility in their neck or head. It is intended to be attached to the back of a chair or wheel chair. It also is adjustable so the head placement can be changed. It is used mostly the same as the diplegia add on except it is by your head. It is super easy to press down on the sides.
I created both of these controllers to allow gaming to be accessible for all physical abilities. I made them adjustable and customizable for your exact needs. Hopefully it will allow you to use your strengths to play games to the best of your abilities!
Supplies
For both controllers:
Step 1: Cut
Controller #1:
- Using a circle outline (could be painters tape), cut a circle out of foam core
- Cut a small square in the center of the circle
- Trace your cut circle on another foam core and cut, to create the bottom
Controller #2:
- Using a circle outline (could be painters tape), cut a circle out of foam core
- Equally spaced out, cut 4 thin rectangles going into the the circle. Then cut one small rectangle in the middle.
- Cut a square to fit underneath the circle
Step 2: Springs
Controller #1:
- Using the metal wire create 4 springs
- Wrap the wire around something the width of a whiteboard maker 4 to 5 times and hold tightly
- Now hot glue to spring to the bottom circle and then hot glue them to the top
Controller #2:
- Using the metal wire create 4 springs
- Wrap the wire around something the width of a whiteboard maker 4 to 5 times and hold tightly
- Now hot glue to spring to the bottom square and then hot glue them to the top
Step 3: Cuts for Wires
Controller #1:
- Gather two larger pieces of foam core and cut them into equal size rectangles
- Trace the bottom circle onto one of the foam core rectangles and cut it out
- Now in that rectangle cut 4 small spaces equally spaced out on the circle for the alligator clip heads to stay
Controller #2:
- Cut two large rectangles of equal size
- Cut out a slot for one rectangle to go in at the top of the other one
- Glue the rectangles together as shown in the photo
- Now create a hook using foam core to slide on and off the rectangle
Step 4: Tin Foil
Controller #1:
- Create a cross with tin foil over the top. (This will be the ground) Wrap the tin foil underneath the circle
- Make a small rectangle tin foil cut out to put over the rectangle in the circle
- Now place a square tin foil rectangle under each place the cross comes out to
Controller #2:
- Place tin foil under each rectangle cut out. (This will be the ground)
Step 5: Connect
Controller #1:
- Connect an alligator clip to the center circle, making sure it is touching the tinfoil
- Connect 4 different alligator clips to the bottom circle on the tin foil.
- Use the unused rectangle and cut out paths for wires
- Place rectangle (with circle cut out) on top of the controller with wires attached and laid in the paths
- Attach the ground wire to the center tin foil square
Controller #2:
- Place the wires in the four rectangles
- Attach the ground wire to the tin foil underneath
Step 6: 3D Printed Components
*Optional
Controller #1:
- Use the clips to hold together the two large rectangles
Controller #2:
- Place the printed circle to cover the 4 wires on the top of the controller