Game On For Inclusion: Launch of the Overjoyed Accessible Controller
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Millis, Mass. April 2, 2024
Our Odyssey, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services and connections for young adults living with rare diseases, is thrilled to announce the release of the Overjoyed Accessible Controller. This imaginative idea features a gaming controller to enable inclusion for individuals facing physical challenges, particularly those with rare or chronic conditions.
Click here to purchase Overjoyed through the Microsoft Store with proceeds benefiting Our Odyssey.
One of the primary leaders behind the launch of the controller is Anthony DeVergillo, a 31-year-old accessibility advocate living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. “I have often struggled with severe social isolation, especially now that I can barely leave home, so I made it my mission to raise awareness for social inclusion for young adults living with a rare or chronic condition,” says Anthony. The Overjoyed controller is designed to enable individuals like Anthony to play games on various platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation, using only their mouse or eye movement. This innovative solution addresses the digital accessibility gap and empowers individuals with limited dexterity or mobility to engage in gaming and other digital activities.
“The goal of Our Odyssey’s partnership with Overjoyed is to utilize their software and knowledge about digital accessibility to expand Our Odyssey’s ability to provide more varied inclusive and accessible virtual social activities,” said Jean Campbell, Board Chair of Our Odyssey. “Video games are an exceptional and growing way that people connect and enjoy themselves, which has made Our Odyssey’s top priority to be making the activity as accessible as possible for those with disabilities.”
Nintendo Switch support for Overjoyed was made possible through a partnership with the controller company 8BitDo and their Micro controller. According to 8BitDo, “We believe everyone deserves to enjoy gaming. That's why accessibility is a core focus in our designs. We want gamers with limited mobility to experience the full joy of gaming. By collaborating with Our Odyssey, we aim to make playing games easier for all gamers!"
Over the years, feedback from Our Odyssey community members has shed light on the challenges caused from inadequate physical and digital accessibility, significantly affecting their quality of life. While Our Odyssey has actively supported initiatives aimed at improving physical accessibility, the realization of existing technology gaps in digital accessibility has prompted the organization to take action. Overjoyed aims to bridge the digital accessibility gap, empowering individuals with limited mobility to navigate and engage with digital platforms more inclusively and effectively.
Together, individuals from around the world are invited to join in shaping a future where everyone can be overjoyed about accessibility and social inclusion.