UCF Team Creates Accessible Video Game

Some children ask for video games for Christmas. There is a video game for children without hands. Students from the University of Central Florida's School of Visual Arts & Design worked with Limbitless Solutions to create an accessible video game called Smash Bro. Smash Bro and other games in the Limbitless Training Games series use electromyography (EMG) board technology. An EMG board is attached to one's forearm with conductive pads for the measurement of electric impulses while flexing muscles. In early August, UCF's game design students and their professors went to the Smithsonian American Art Museum where they had a demonstration of Smash Bro and talked with White House staff about accessibility technology. Children who received bionic arms from Limbitless Solutions tried out the video games and gave positive reviews in September. On December 1, Limbitless Training Games won the Best Serious Game Innovation Award during the Serious Games Showcase & Challenge at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando. For more details on this story, go to https://today.ucf.edu/ucf-game-wins-innovation-award/.

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Spotlight: Accomable

Many people travel for the holidays. One resource for travelers with disabilities is Accomable, a London-based company that provides information about handicap accessible lodging in several countries. Srin Madipalli and Martyn Sibley, childhood friends with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, founded Accomable in 2015. Last month, the online hospitality service Airbnb bought the company. Accomable will assist users during the transitional period. For more information, go to https://accomable.com/.

Image from accomable.com

Mowat-Wilson Syndrome

Chef Adam Greenberg of Washington, D.C., beat three other chefs to win $10,000 during the "Grand Holiday" episode of Chopped last Tuesday, December 5. A three-time Chopped winner, Greenberg donated his winnings to the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome (MWS) Foundation of which his sister Katie Fineberg is a director (Katie's daughter Zoe has the disorder). MWS is a genetic condition with several characteristics, including distinctive facial features, moderate or severe intellectual disability, delayed development of motor skills, and Hirschsprung disease (an intestinal disorder). Other issues associated with this disorder are speech problems, seizures, and heart defects. People with MWS in general have a smiling, open-mouthed expression on their faces along with cheerful personalities. For more information, go to https://mowat-wilson.org/.

Image from gofundme.com

Spotlight: Queen of Hearts Foundation for Disabled Children

Founded by Michele Knott in 2005, the Queen of Hearts Foundation for Disabled Children serves those with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus by raising money for therapy, treatment, and equipment in an effort to help them live a better life and gain independence. Two days ago, Queen of Hearts (based in Palm Bay) hosted the Freedom Wheels Festival 2017 at the Sarno Plaza in Melbourne. There were food trucks, vendors, a silent auction, and live entertainment from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. The proceeds are going to the purchase of handicap accessible vans for families of wheelchair users. Country Bingo, Bicsi Cares, and the Florida Bankers Association are sponsors of Queen of Hearts. For more information, go to http://www.giveachildafightingchance.com/.

 

Image obtained from giveachildafightingchance.com