Alex’s gaming setup gets a chin-inspired button boost
Tuesday, November 10th, 2026
Images above: (l) Alex using foot switches and two hand-controlled joysticks in 2025, and (r) using a chin controlled joystick/buttons in 2026.
Gaming is a huge part of Alex’s life, but cerebral palsy makes it challenging to use conventional controllers. Working alongside Alex, our GameAccess team identified several accurate, repeatable and comfortable movements that he could use to play games, and provided specialist equipment to suit, including a handheld joystick, foot-operated switches, and a wheelchair-mounted joystick.
As Alex’s needs changed over time, we continued to look for ways to make gaming easier and more enjoyable for him. We noticed he was still finding it tricky to get the most from the joystick in his right hand, so we suggested trying a chin-controlled joystick instead. It turned out to be a great fit, giving him more in-game control and making play much more fun.
Our support is ongoing, so when Alex got back in touch a few months later with an idea of his own, we were more than happy to help. He wanted to try a Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Joystick, which includes four buttons he estimated he could also press with his chin.
Alex got back in touch a few months later with an idea of his own – he wanted to try using his chin to control the stick and the four buttons on a Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Joystick. We were more than happy to help, and to improve the stability of the resulting setup, we mounted both joysticks onto a single mounting arm. Alex now has access to two joysticks and a total of 13 buttons, all positioned where he can use them to best effect. It’s a setup that lets him focus on what really matters: enjoying games including Forza Horizon, Indiana Jones, Atomfall and Star Wars on his Xbox.
“It’s great!” he said. “Using my chin for the buttons as well as the joystick makes everything quicker and easier. I can reach all the buttons and move things around depending on what I’m playing.”
Thanks for all your help!”