Using the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model for selecting assistive technology for adaptive gaming

Adaptive gaming is one important way to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in leisure activities and its benefits. In fact, researchers have found that video games may improve quality of life and social relationships for people with disabilities (Kartal, 2023; Redepenning et al., 2022). For example, people with spinal cord injury who participated in adaptive e-sports reported feeling more socially connected and less isolated (Tabacof, et al. 2021). Like other types of assistive technology, adaptive video game equipment is at risk for abandonment. Users of assistive technology become frustrated and abandon accessible gaming devices when features that are supposed to provide accessibility negatively impact game play, when set up and use is too confusing, and when equipment fails (Duval, 2022; Threapleton, et al., 2016; Van Ommen et al., 2022).