Improving access to adaptive video gaming: insights on community resources from gamers with physical disabilities

Identify which community-based and clinical support resources individuals with physical disabilities perceive as most beneficial for improving access to adaptive gaming and to examine factors associated with receiving professional assistance during setup or configuration of adaptive gaming equipment.

A survey was distributed to adults with physical disabilities who currently participate in adaptive gaming and collected demographic data, gaming practices, and experiences with community and clinical resources. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilised to examine factors associated with receiving professional assistance during setup or configuration of adaptive gaming equipment. Thematic analysis was performed on responses to an open-ended question regarding suggestions to improve adaptive gaming access.

A total of 256 participants completed the survey. Participants commonly discovered their gaming setups on their own (53.9%). Logistic regression showed that participants with higher income (OR = 1.96, p = .03) were more likely to receive professional support identifying their adaptive gaming setup, while those gaming ≥4 years were less likely (OR = .32, p < .01). Resources identified as most useful to improve access to adaptive gaming included YouTube instructional videos (57.0%), funding resources (42.2%), and an adaptive gaming informational website (41.0%). Thematic analysis revealed four needs: centralised online resources, financial assistance, professional support, and access to equipment trials or rentals.

Improving access to adaptive gaming requires expanding digital information, offering financial support, providing more professional services, and developing equipment rental or trial programs. These findings inform future interventions and service models to reduce barriers for gamers with physical disabilities.