In this episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Katie Peterson and Dr. Erik Johnson explore how occupational therapists approach the evaluation process in adaptive gaming using the Gaming Assessment and Measurement for Enabled User Performance (GAME-UP) framework. They walk through how clinicians begin with the occupational profile, assess motor, cognitive, and sensory performance skills, analyze environmental and game demands,to determine the best adaptive setup for each individual.

This episode highlights how thoughtful evaluation helps therapists match the right technology, accessibility features, and gaming strategies to each client’s unique abilities and goals, ultimately supporting meaningful participation in gaming and social connection. Listeners will also learn common evaluation pitfalls and why adaptive gaming assessment is about more than equipment and more about enabling engagement, autonomy, and inclusive play

Access the Game-Up and The Game tool here: General 2 — The Rehab Arcade

In this episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Katie Peterson and Dr. Erik Johnson explore how buttons and switches form the foundation of adaptive gaming setups. They discuss how occupational therapists evaluate motor control, endurance, and positioning to match individuals with the right inputs, and how thoughtful button mapping can transform simple technology into powerful tools for accessibility, independence, and meaningful participation in gaming.

Check out more information about buttons and switches here: Accessibility Solutions for Motor: Buttons and Switches — The Rehab Arcade

⏱️ Featured Button & Switch Demonstrations

• 9:27 – AbleNet Jelly Bean Switch

• 11:08 – Duo Switch

• 12:11 – Wider Scale 4-Button Switch

• 13:27 – Foot Switch

• 14:45 – LipSync Sip-and-Puff Control System

In this episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Katie and Dr. Erik Johnson explore the history and evolution of adaptive gaming controllers, tracing the journey from early adaptations and therapist-built solutions to today’s inclusive, mainstream designs. They discuss how early gaming systems created significant barriers for individuals with physical disabilities, requiring creativity, technical skill, and extensive customization just to participate. The conversation highlights the cultural and advocacy shifts that reframed gaming as a meaningful leisure occupation rather than just a therapy tool, leading to a major turning point with the 2018 release of the Xbox Adaptive Controller. They also examine newer innovations such as the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, Access Controller for PlayStation 5, HORI Flex Controller, the Nhuad Controller, and the Proteus Controller, highlighting how collaboration between gamers with disabilities, occupational therapists, and industry leaders has transformed access to gaming. From increased independence and social participation to identity development and quality of life outcomes, this episode underscores how adaptive controllers are no longer niche assistive devices but powerful tools that support autonomy, inclusion, and meaningful engagement in gaming.

Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC)

• Setup Tutorial: https://youtu.be/-dHsgPQr89Y?si=dF2EgJZFYJwUU-II

• Purchase: Buy Xbox Adaptive Controller – Buy Xbox Adaptive Controller - Microsoft Store

• Xbox Design Lab 3D Printing Guide– Adaptive thumbstick toppers | Xbox

PlayStation Access Controller

• Setup Guide: PlayStation Access Controller – PlayStation Access Controller: Setup

• Purchase: Access Controller– Access controller | A customizable, adaptive controller kit for PS5 | PlayStation (US)

Hori Flex Controller (Nintendo Switch)

• Overview & Setup: Hori Flex Controller – Hori Flex Controller: Overview

• Purchase: Hori Flex Controller – Hori Flex Controller – The AbleGamers Charity Shop

Additional Adaptive Controller Options

• Nhuad Controller (Single-Arm Video Game Controllers): Nhuad Controllers | Single Arm Video Game Controllers

• ByoWave Proteus Controller: ByoWave

Additional Resources:
For more information about adaptive gaming technology and inclusive design, visit each manufacturer’s official website for the most up-to-date specifications and Adaptive Controllers — The Rehab Arcade

In this episode of OT Unleashed Student Takeover, Katie and Erik explore how built-in accessibility features are transforming modern gaming into a more inclusive space for players with motor, cognitive, visual, sensory, and hearing differences. Through an occupational therapy lens, they discuss how motor control impacts gameplay, highlight cognitive supports like navigation aids and adjustable difficulty in various titles. They also review sensory and visual accessibility tools available on major consoles, along with captioning innovations that enhance the experience for players with hearing impairments. Tune in to learn how thoughtful game design promotes meaningful participation, engagement, and empowerment for all gamers.

In Episode 2 of The Rehab Arcade Student Takeover, Katie sits down with Erik to explore The Rehab Arcade: the story, the journey, and the future. Together, they unpack how the idea first took shape, the clinical and educational needs it was built to address, and how it has grown into a platform advancing adaptive and therapeutic gaming in occupational therapy. Through conversation and shared insight, they reflect on lessons learned and the exciting direction this work is heading next.

The OT Unleashed Podcast is launching an exciting new weekly series all about adaptive and therapeutic gaming. This innovative series will be hosted by Occupational Therapy Doctorate capstone student Katie Peterson from Old Dominion University. She is stepping into the hosting role to spotlight how gaming can be used as a powerful, accessible, and evidence-informed therapeutic tool. Each week, Katie will explore practical strategies, creative interventions, and real-world applications that bring the world of gaming and occupational therapy together in dynamic new ways.Episode 1 kicks off the series by introducing the series and getting to know our guest host, Katie Peterson!

Episode 15 of the #OTunleashed podcast is with the SSG Travis Mills. This legendary conversation covers everything! Life after losing four limbs from a blast in Afghanistan. Raising kids as a quad amputee. Poop, sex, and everything in between!! #OccupationalTherapy #Amputee

Incredibly excited to invite my good friend and former patient Retired army sergeant Joshua Wetzel! We’re gonna talk about all things recovery from his injuries sustained in Afghanistan (double amputee), how he’s achieved occupational balance over the past decade, and what he’s up to now! You don’t wanna miss the story about that one time that we were wined and dined at Fenway Park and he took a fall. It’s going to be epic!