Ella and Chloe – doing it for themselves thanks to SpecialEffect and GamesAid

Ella and Chloe both have motor control problems that make it difficult for them to join in physical activities with their friends. Computer gaming is the one activity that can offer them equal and independent inclusion, but they find it too difficult to use standard handheld controllers without assistance. That is until now. Ella and Chloe visited SpecialEffect’s Games Room with their parents to see if we could help. Bill, their technical specialist and Gillian, their occupational therapist, helped the girls with their positioning and set up for the Xbox Kinect. Just as importantly, they introduced the girls to a selection of games that would be easy enough for them to use by themselves, as well as providing motivation and fun. Games like Fruit Ninja and Sesame Street: Once Upon A Monster were instant hits. Julie, Ella’s mum, was overwhelmed. “Thank you so much – it was brilliant,” she said, “Ella was chattering non-stop about it.” They’ve subsequently been able to support both girls and their families by setting up games and equipment in their own homes via their Loan Library. Ella and Chloe are already planning to visit each other’s houses for games parties where they’ll take on and beat their other friends – and their parents! You can wat a short video of Ella and Chole here. Thanks to the support from GamesAid SpeciaEffect can continue to help Ella and Chloe and others like them.