We at Games4Rehab just got wind of a very cool game called “Wheelchair Slalom”.  Designed specifically for people with cerebral palsy, “the aim of this game is [to provide] the rules, types of tests and circuits to people who wants to [practice] this sport.”

The game boasts multiple ways to control your chair, multiple courses and multiple types of play.  It hasn’t finished downloading here but as soon as it does, we will write about it.

Until then here is a link to their site and the full description of the game - http://www.accessablegames.com/projects/slalom.html

What do you think about the game play?

The Telegraph is reporting the opening of the UK's first "fully accessible Video Games Visitor Centre."  David Cameron (Prime Minister) presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Excerpt The Prime Minister said: "The work of SpecialEffect brings together three things that I am passionate about: helping those with disabilities, the innovative use of technology and corporate social responsibility. I began supporting SpecialEffect when I attended their launch in 2008 and I’ve been continually impressed with their commitment to helping disabled people.

Do any of you know of any other facilities like this one?  What do you think it would take to get a facility going in your region? 

Blue Marble Rehab Inc's Sheryl Flynn PT Ph.D., when asked about her impression said, "this is great news.  When the Prime Minister of a country takes the time to become involved it speaks volumes to the UK's commitment. . . We are starting to see the US government focus its attention on the potenital of video games in the rehabilitation space."

Indeed, as the full cost of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are being tallied, the Department of Defense is eager to stem the $3-6 Trillion costs*.  In recent years, the DoD has put up several SBIR/BAA's to investigate some of the issues associated with rehabing troops via "video gaming".

For the uninitiated, Blue Marble Game Co and Precision Rehabilitation have a much smaller video gaming programming in their Long Beach lab.  The current lab was funded in a big part by generous donations and software/equipment loans Best Buy, AFTER-MOUSE.COM  and the Microsoft Corporation.  The lab is open to physical therapists, researchers and video game programmers by appointment.  You should contact Blue Marble's Chris Ashford for availability.