Contributor(s)

Wim De Backer, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Belgium

Description

Children with severe motor and communication impairments can use assistive technologies such as eye tracking, head control and other alternative access methods to enable independent use of a tablet, computer or AAC system. However most of these access methods require considerable training and practice to master.

To support these children in using their access method, www.comgames.be was developed. The website contains free and engaging online games. These games can be easily integrated into AAC software such as Grid 3 and Mind Express. This allows children to continue using their own AAC system without needing to switch to another device.

A growing number of accessible games is available on this website (18 at the moment of writing). These simple yet captivating, free games are designed for effortless online play, requiring no additional installations. Several games also include extra accessibility options and difficulty levels.

ComGames is unique because of the ability to embed the games into AAC software such as Mind Express and Grid 3, that have an integrated web browser. The child can easily and independently switch from communicating with the AAC-system to playing the games, without having to change between devices, software or access method. Other, similar games, can require an expensive personal license and often the child’s device is technically not capable of running the software (e.g., Windows vs Android vs iOS). Other free, mainstream, online games can be too hard to play, contain too many adds or integration in the AAC-software may be difficult or impossible.

Presenter(s)

Wim De Backer