Adaptive gaming can transform how people living with paralysis engage with technology, entertainment and the community. By removing physical barriers through customized controllers and an accessible design, gaming becomes more than play; it becomes a gateway to connection, growth and well-being.
“Everything we do is designed to help people live and thrive in a community setting of their choice,” says Eric Riskus, MILC's independent living program director. “This project seeks to harness those possibilities by creating an inclusive gaming space where participants can build meaningful social connections, sharpen cognitive skills and support their mental health in a fun and empowering environment.”
Established in 2000, MILC serves 11 counties throughout central and northern Wisconsin. The organization receives 1,000 calls a year and works directly with about 350 people a year to achieve their independence goals. Core services include information and referral, advocacy services, independent living skills training, peer support and transition services. MILC also maintains a loan program with over 700 pieces of equipment, ranging from ramps and walkers to high-tech hygiene devices and switches.
“The program gives people the opportunity to try a piece of equipment for 45 days to discover for themselves what equipment they think is the best fit,” says Riskus. “We go to their home to set up and demonstrate how it works. If they decide to purchase it, we help with finding a vendor and navigating insurance or finding funding if needed.”
Through the Reeve Foundation grant, two Xbox and two PlayStation consoles and two adaptive controllers per system were purchased as well as eye blink and movement sensor switches and media carts. The adaptive gaming equipment was added to MILC's lending library.
Last year, MILC hosted two adaptive gaming events, each attended by eight people, to introduce the gaming equipment to the community. Events run for two hours, with 90 minutes of gaming followed by a 30-minute facilitator-led peer discussion for participants to reflect on their experience, share ideas and develop social skills.
“We primarily use social media and share flyers with local schools and other disability organizations to get the word out about the gaming equipment,” says Riskus. “In addition to group gaming activities, MILC offers individual assessments and skills training to help participants build confidence with adaptive controllers or improve their gaming skills.”
In March, MILC hosted an accessibility booth at the Evercon Gaming Convention in Rothschild, WI, attended by more than 1,500 people. The organization is also working with a local arcade to offer access to the equipment. To date, more than 300 people have tried the controllers, but Riskus has struggled to find a way to connect directly with people living with a spinal cord injury.
“Most of our service region is rural, and we have not found a lot of opportunity for how people in this area with a spinal cord injury can connect,” says Riskus. “There aren't any organizations that we know of in central and northern Wisconsin connecting this community.”
To address this disconnect, Riskus created a survey on social media to learn more about people with spinal cord injuries in our region — where they live, what opportunities are available to them and what groups they are connected with.
“Our goal is to become a hub for individuals with mobility challenges to experience the achievement, camaraderie and joy of gaming,” says Riskus. “Adaptive gaming offers more than just entertainment; it provides a critical opportunity to empower individuals to interact with others, develop friendships, and participate actively in their communities.”
You can learn more about our Quality of Life program by visiting here.