Giving Back Through Gaming

Adam McCullough used to be an avid hunter in his home state of Minnesota. He also loved biking and playing team sports, including football and basketball. But after his accident in 2016, Adam realized that these activities would no longer look the same for him.

“And that’s why I turned to video gaming,” explains Adam, age 33. “I have played video games my entire life. After my accident, gaming provided a great escape from the harsh reality of my disability.”

Finding Independence

The day after Christmas in 2016, Adam was driving when he hit an icy patch in the road, causing his car to flip. During the crash, the car’s roof collapsed, crushing Adam’s spine and resulting in a C5-6 injury.

“Five days later, I woke up in a Minnesota hospital to find out I was a quadriplegic,” he recalls. “Two weeks after that, I transferred to Craig Hospital for several months of rehab.”

He adds, “Even though my injury was considered complete, I’ve had success using adaptive equipment to achieve independence. I have gross motor function of my arms and have had nerve transfers to regain minor function opening and closing my hands.”

In addition to using adaptive equipment to achieve independence, Adam has been able to return to gaming with custom adapted devices.

Thanks to a generous donation from the AbleGamers Foundation—a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through the power of video games—about 23 Craig patients within Craig’s donor-supported Adaptive Gaming program received more than 170 pieces of gaming equipment over the past year.

“Our partnership with AbleGamers helps patients obtain their own custom gaming controller without having to worry about the high cost of the system,” explains Caroline Craven, director of sponsorship and engagement at the Craig Hospital Foundation. “We are thrilled to be able to help our patients find enjoyment and relaxation through gaming.”

After receiving the equipment for Adam’s controller, Danielle Scroggs, Craig certified therapeutic recreation specialist, got to work custom-building a unique controller to meet Adam’s specific needs—made up of an Xbox adaptive controller, two FPS joysticks from Warfighter Engaged, 12 switches from the Logitech adaptive switch kit, and a custom gamer tray designed at Craig Hospital.

Numerous Benefits

While gaming has always been important to Adam, it plays an even bigger role now that his mobility is limited.

“On top of having fun, I’ve also realized that playing these games provides a form of physical therapy because I need to hold and move my arms in a specific way as I press the buttons,” he explains. “As a result, the dexterity in my hands and arms has improved. Over time, I’ve also been able to strengthen my arms, as well as improve my coordination and sitting balance. And I was able to directly carry over these improvements to driving my adaptive van with hand controls.”

When Adam is not gaming at home with friends and family, he is volunteering his time—and some of his own adaptive gaming equipment—at the Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL) to help others access the adaptive gaming community.

“Gamers can borrow equipment to try at home, or they can watch the equipment actually being used at SEMCIL, some of which has been donated by AbleGamers,” Adam says. “SEMCIL’s goal is to help individuals with disabilities increase, improve or maintain their ability to game, as well as allow them the opportunity to interact and enjoy gaming to their maximum potential. It’s also a great way to connect with others who are disabled.”

Today, Adam feels grateful to be able to enjoy adaptive gaming. “Gaming has allowed me to have online social interactions on cold, wintery Minnesota days, when I can’t get out of the house,” he says. “It also allows me to play with friends in person and get back to the activities I have always enjoyed before my accident.”

To learn more or donate to help patients like Adam, please visit craighopsital.org/donate.