Many games are written to be controlled with a games Joystick or a GamePad. The special joysticks used as computer access devices (mouse/pointer control) by people with disabilities are often very different from the games Joysticks we refer to in this section, although both can be used to control certain PC games.
Even though these GamePads and Joysticks are not always designed specifically with accessibility in mind, there is such a wide variety that it is worth looking around to find one that may be suitable. Some examples include:
G-Pad Pro Gyroscopic GamePad
This game controller uses motion sensing technology to allow control over the gaming environment. The controller is rotated on four planes in 3 dimensional space to gain four modes of control. For example, when playing a flight simulator game, if the player tilts this controller to the left, the aeroplane in the game would tilt to the left too. It can be used in conjunction with other access devices and works with most PC/PS2 games. For more information on the Gyroscopic GamePad click here.
Switch Adapted Playstation Controller
This adapted control pad works with both the Playstation and Playstation 2. It can be used by one or two players, using the large, highly sensitive, yellow direction-disks. The controller can have up to 9 switches plugged into it, giving the player a range of different control functions. More information on the Switch Adapted Playstation controller can be found here.
GamePad
This is the usual style of GamePad that can be used to control most PC games, as long as it has a USB connection cable. There are up to 12 different buttons on these controllers, plus two directional joysticks, making control rather complicated, but many of the simpler games would not require use of all of the buttons. There are many different styles and shapes of GamePads available and it is worth searching for one that most suits the needs of the player.
Switch Adapted PC/USB GamePad
This USB, plug-and-play adapted GamePad by OneSwitch.org.uk connects up to three switches to your PC, through the GamePad, so that the functions of the pad are performed by your switches. Any key or mouse function can be assigned to the switches, and it comes with a CD of switch utilities and games. More information on the Switch Adapted GamePad can be found here.
Games Joystick
This type of Joystick is often used for playing flight simulator games, although they can also be used for other game types. Not designed with accesibility in mind, like many others, the controls aren't always simple. This type of Joystick has very different functions to the sort of joystick designed specifically as a 'pointer/mouse' control alternative. As with other Joysticks and GamePads mentioned here, there are a wide range available and it is worth investigating which would best suit the needs of the player.
Games Steering Wheel
This type of Games Steering wheel is often used to control driving games, although other games where directional control (skiing, skating etc.) could also be controlled using a device like this. Some steering wheels do not require control of the foot brakes either - there may be buttons on the steering wheel to perform these functions.
