Video Games - A Life Line For Those With Disabilities

For video gamers, whether they be casual or hardcore, video games provide a escape mechanism of fantasy and enjoyment. For those that are disabled, video games are more than just fun, it's a life line, a social connection.

U.S. Census states that roughly 40 million Americans have some degree of impairment, which is little over 10% of the population. Yet the market for disabled gamers is pretty much completely non existent. Now, there are a few companies that have made their games more accessible for those with disabilities, but it's a small minority. I'm not sure if the video game industry deems it as not a big enough market to target or not. Whatever the view is, the market for disabled gamers is huge. Not every who has a handicap is grandma or grandpas age, or for that matter even born with a disability.

Some of the biggest gamers are in Iraq and Afghanistan right now. These brave men and women unfortunately lose limbs during war, but they don't lose their passion for video games, as a matter of fact it may be the only outlet to bring some normality back into their lives. Being confined to a wheelchair, bed or a room is hard enough, being able to still socialize through video games can ease the pain or depression one might feel, even if only for a few hours, they deserve at the very least that and much more.

Video games gives someone with a disability a chance to interact with others, join a community, create purposeful relationships, leave reality behind for a moment and be able to run, throw, sing or whatever it is that they can't do anymore. Believe it or not, these gamers will be your most dedicated and loyal of all gamers.

With any company I understand that time is money, it will take a little more time and money to make some of these games accessible for those with disabilities. But financially the video game industry can do it, it's a very strong industry no matter what the economy is doing at the time. And in the long run the extra time invested will without a doubt pay off, and what's even better is that you will be changing and saving someones life. Who would of thought video games carried so much value and meaning, it's a beautiful thing. Peace, Prosperity & Video Games!

Denard King is a video game enthusiast who is intrigued by the video game industry. His website http://www.consoles-accessories.com is all about video game accessories, downloads and modchips that help bring out the true value of your gaming console.