Yes you read that right, a few of FuturLab’s most daring devs are taking on the challenge of skydiving in the name of SpecialEffect.
This will be the third time our team at FuturLab are supporting this important charity, and this is our biggest endeavour yet! Earlier this year some of our team ran the Brighton 10km in partnership with them, and last year we had a fun-filled stream for SpecialEffect’s One Special Day event where we raised £1000.
More on Special Effect:
SpecialEffect enable people with severe physical disabilities to use technology for communication and leisure - playing video games when they otherwise wouldn't be able to - using whichever part(s)of their body that work best - chin, foot, finger, toe, eyes, mouth, head...; they’ll find a way. It’s so important that everyone can join in with family & friends, to be included and not left out. All too often disability leaves a person isolated.
SpecialEffect assess a person's needs and adapt technology to harness whatever controlled movement they have, and create bespoke gaming setups to enable them to join in & play to the best of their abilities. Being included hugely benefits mental wellbeing and quality of life – bringing much needed independence, fun, connection and escapism. Their support is completely free of charge and is for life, particularly important for when things change and need to be adapted (such as progressive conditions like muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy where muscles/abilities weaken over time. Or when a new game or console comes out!).
They specialise in Eye Control Technology. Imagine: You wake up after an accident. You are paralysed and can’t move anything except your eyes. And you can’t speak. Through eye-movement alone, they help people operate a computer for vital communication and to regain a little independence - giving them a voice when they don’t have one of their own. Because they don’t charge a penny for their services, they rely on & are indebted to wonderful supporters, fundraisers and fundraising events.
Tom, a young gamer, wrote simply: ‘Thank you for giving me my life back.’
If you’re able to donate to this important charity and support our skydiving gnomes, you can donate via our Just Giving page here. Every penny goes straight to SpecialEffect so 100% of your donation will help level the playing field for gamers with disabilities. Thank you in advance for your support, it means the world!