It's everyone's turn to play video games

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Nobody likes being left out. That’s why we’re helping everyone to play.

Watch our video

Sixty inspirational seconds show the impact of levelling the playing field.

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We don’t charge for any of our help, so your donation really does count.

SpecialEffect and the coronavirus - we're still here for you

We’ll be continuing to support the severely physically disabled and vulnerable people we serve with their gaming and technology access needs. Although face-to-face visits aren’t possible at the moment, our dedicated team is carrying on its life-transforming work through online assessments, remote support and equipment provision. We continue to welcome new referrals as well as supporting our existing service users, so please do get in touch if you think we can help.

More details about our coronavirus response

We put fun and inclusion back into the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them to play video games.

By using technology ranging from modified joypads to eye-control, we're finding a way for people to play to the very best of their abilities.

But we're not just doing it for fun. By levelling the playing field, we're bringing families and friends together and having a profoundly positive impact on therapy, confidence and rehabilitation.

Can We Help? Who we've helped

Who we've helped

About Ceyda

"Now I'm a gamer!" Ceyda's having a ball with her custom gaming setup learn more

About Aaron

“My life is back to the way it was. I can play games!” Aaron describes how a customised gaming setup from UK-based gamers’ charity SpecialEffect has transformed his life. learn more

About Ajay

Being able to game again has restored Ajay's work/life balance learn more

About Arlo

Arlo's taking on his mates again! learn more

About Ben

Ben's surprise trip to SpecialEffect! learn more

About Callum

Callum gaming despite his BMX accident. learn more

About Chloe & Ella

Chloe and Ella - playing games together! learn more

About Corey

Meet Corey, an amazing seven year-old with a magic laugh. learn more

About Elliott

After years of watching, Elliott's playing! learn more

About John

We've helped John overcome his muscular dystrophy and take on GTA and Forza again. learn more

About Steve

Steve explains how we provided him with hope and independence after his spinal injury. learn more

About Tiago

Tiago uses eye gaze tech for communication and playing games. learn more

Our Work

Video Game Access

Wheelchair laptop tray containing an adapted gaming set

Our work is transformational and unique. Our team of therapists and technologists are determined that everyone, whatever their physical disability, should be able to share the fun, laughter and inclusion that video games can bring.

From controller mods to voice and switch controls, all our customised gaming setups are designed to suit the very specific individual needs of each person we help.

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Stargaze

The impact of what we do extends beyond video games. Our StarGaze project brings the loan and support of eye control technology to people who suffer a sudden injury or illness that leaves them completely paralysed except for their eyes.

It’s technology that can initially provide emergency communication, but can also lead to independence in education, work and leisure.