This Sunday 6th April, a few of our FuturLab team are running the Brighton & Hove 10k to raise money for Special Effect. Special Effect are a wonderful charity that work to enable people with 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, knee or head control; they’ll find a way.
If you’d like to support our FuturLab runners, you can donate to support their efforts here. Big shoutout to Barni Makkay (Programmer), Chris Mehers (COO), Tom Barclay (Head of Finance), Eden Schunmann (Associate Producer) and Will Dyball (Multiplayer Programmer) for taking on this challenge!
If you're able to, please donate here.
More on Special Effect:
Tom, a young gamer, wrote simply: ‘Thank you for giving me my life back.’
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 play to the best of their abilities. Being included hugely benefits mental wellbeing and quality of life – bringing much needed independence, fun 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 a progressive condition 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 and fundraising events.
Best of luck to our FuturLab runners, we’ll be cheering you on!