Video Games for Everyone!

Erin Hawley started playing video games as a girl. Since then, they have been a huge part of her life.

Hawley is 35 years old now. She works for the Easterseals charity group. When she finishes work, she gets on her computer or Xbox player. She often stays there until it is time for bed.

Hawley plays all kinds of video games. It is how she relaxes and spends time with friends.

She also speaks out for people who are disabled. Hawley has muscular dystrophy. It is a condition that makes people's muscles weak.

Special Game Controller, Other Features

Hawley uses a special game controller. The controller can sit on the floor to allow players to use it with their feet. It can also be put on wheelchairs or tables.

Bryce Johnson led the making of the controller. It was created at Microsoft, a computer company. He said Microsoft wants to make sure that they are helping people with disabilities to play.

Chandana Ekanayake helped to start Outerloop Games. He listened to players about how he could make his company's games more accessible. Then he made changes to the game, called "Falcon Age." Shapes and colors in the game were changed. The changes make it accessible for people who are colorblind. Large letters in the game also help people who have trouble hearing.

Courting New Customers

Some say that game companies need to do more. Many companies want to include people and do the right thing. It also is a way for them to make more money.

Mark Barlet started AbleGamers in 2004. He is a veteran who is disabled. Barlet says that people with disabilities have money to buy things. The companies will lose out if they do not sell to them.

Karen Stevens works at EA Sports. They make sports video games. She said, "It's up to developers to create games that everyone can enjoy."

Bring It On!

Hawley plays against friends who have disabilities. She also plays against others who do not.

She tells strangers that she is disabled. Hawley wants people to know that she has a disability. She wants them to think of it as normal. Still, some players choose to keep it private.