Most people know that my life centers around video games. My son is quadriplegic with very limited use of his left hand — so for the most part, escaping into video games has allowed him to use all of his limbs virtually, unlock his imagination and it had additionally excelled him in problem solving and quick thinking. 4 years ago he was locked inside his own mind and through technology he’s become an unleashed force to contend with. It’s amazing to watch his progress and the shock and pleasant surprise I got when he went from merely stating his daily needs “Hungry.” “Water.” he now has the confidence to carry on a conversation and express his feelings.
To carry on this progression, I was thinking of upscaling our gaming platforms, but then it hit me, “Shouldn’t I be looking at new computers?” I mean seriously– all the software programs out there in addition to games that we can’t really access on the pieces of crap we currently have can really further unlock more worlds for him.
Next to a standard LT keyboard
Example: Here is a keyboard that I searched high and low for- Childsize Keyboard that is ideal for people who type with one hand. I was a little annoyed that it took me an hour just to find that one, not to mention similar equipment that could help him cost over $1,000.
Now the PS3 and Xbox 360 are awesome consoles, but the more I searched– I discovered that most games these days cross on all platforms including the PC. Buy a decent desktop PC to hook up to our Bravia and presto- the perfect set up for Jonathon.
I’m going to do a little bit of more research to fully convince him to go the PC route [when able] since right now he’s still starry eyed for the latest generation of consoles, especially after 3 weeks of playing on the newest version of PS3.
Touchpad- must have one.
Our PC experience has left him soured on the idea of getting a new one, but mainly because he hasn’t been able to fully utilize it. Aside from lacking the power to properly install software for programs he could benefit from, it’s nearly impossible finding adaptive equipment, let alone equipment geared for his particular special needs. He tried head pointers- but his can barely control his head movement and he really does like to connect via his hand through a keyboard/mouse and/or controller.
Now the more I think about it– our Xbox and PS2 days may be over with and a full devotion to the computer may be under way. Maybe.
