In Episode 2 of The Rehab Arcade Student Takeover, Katie sits down with Erik to explore The Rehab Arcade: the story, the journey, and the future. Together, they unpack how the idea first took shape, the clinical and educational needs it was built to address, and how it has grown into a platform advancing adaptive and therapeutic gaming in occupational therapy. Through conversation and shared insight, they reflect on lessons learned and the exciting direction this work is heading next.
In this episode of OT Unleashed Student Takeover, Katie and Erik explore how built-in accessibility features are transforming modern gaming into a more inclusive space for players with motor, cognitive, visual, sensory, and hearing differences. Through an occupational therapy lens, they discuss how motor control impacts gameplay, highlight cognitive supports like navigation aids and adjustable difficulty in various titles. They also review sensory and visual accessibility tools available on major consoles, along with captioning innovations that enhance the experience for players with hearing impairments. Tune in to learn how thoughtful game design promotes meaningful participation, engagement, and empowerment for all gamers.
In this episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Katie and Erik explore the history and evolution of adaptive gaming controllers, tracing the journey from early DIY adaptations and therapist-built solutions to today’s inclusive, mainstream designs. They discuss how early gaming systems created significant barriers for individuals with physical disabilities, requiring creativity, technical skill, and extensive customization just to participate. The conversation highlights the cultural and advocacy shifts that reframed gaming as a meaningful leisure occupation rather than just a therapy tool, leading to a major turning point with the 2018 release of the Xbox Adaptive Controller. They also examine newer innovations such as the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, Access Controller for PlayStation 5, HORI Flex Controller, the Nhuad Controller, and the Byowave Proteus Controller, highlighting how collaboration between gamers with disabilities, occupational therapists, and industry leaders has transformed access to gaming. From increased independence and social participation to identity development and quality of life outcomes, this episode underscores how adaptive controllers are powerful tools that support autonomy, inclusion, and meaningful engagement in gaming.
Katie Peterson and Dr. Erik Johnson explore how buttons and switches form the foundation of adaptive gaming setups. They discuss how occupational therapists evaluate motor control, endurance, and positioning to match individuals with the right inputs, and how thoughtful button mapping can transform simple technology into powerful tools for accessibility, independence, and meaningful participation in gaming.