Dream-Racer goes live ...

A month ago we had a request for a switch adapted PlayStation controller that was different to the Dream-Gamer with cap, pistol or mini-joystick adaptions.

The new design adds a second switch input box - the one with the yellow circles in the picture.

It connects to the left side of the PS2 controller and sets up the option of pressing switches to control direction in the game.

Four switches are connected to the extension box and pressed to control up, down, left and right in the game. But, for instance, in a driving game it's likely that only two switches, used to steer the car left and right, will be needed.

In the same game, acceleration and braking would be controlled by two more switches connected to the action button extension box on the right hand side of the Dream-Gamer controller. Or, even a single switch in some games.

The unit is now being tested by Scott and we are looking forward to hearing how he gets on with it.

Mike

Richard at 483media has done a fantastic job of filming and editing all of our products and the interviews with we did with users, parents and teachers. We even got an interview with Mark!

This time I've hosted the videos directly on the Dream-Racer web site under the Dream-Toys product section.

If you want to take a look all you need to do is click on the picture of each toy or on the button below the description. Clicking either opens a new window where the Vzaar video player lives. Turn up your speakers and click play!!!

Richard also gave us a montage from the filming we did to use at the Nation Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries' exhibition (NATLL) last week. If you're interested in taking a peek press the play button in the video window at the top of the blog.

Have fun and prepare to sing along.

Mike

All Dream-Products including switch adapted Dream-Toys, Dream-Gamer and Dream-Racer are now available for purchase from the AbilityNet web site.

Co-operation between AbilityNet and Excitim has been growing since early 2008 when, during a discussion with David Banes, Director of Development, he outlined the need for a large button remote to control the on-screen programme menu used on most new TVs, Freeview and satellite receivers.

Out of that discussion we launched Domino-EPG and Domino Universal I-R remotes.

AbilityNet is a registered national charity (charity no. 1067673) with over 20 years experience helping people with computer access and switch use. Anyone looking for an impartial source of information should get in touch with them.

Mike

We have been awarded an INDEX voucher - take a look at the INDEX web site to learn more about the scheme. Essentially, it allows us to work with a local university on a project of our choice.

We have decided to "spend" our voucher with Professor Ray Johnson from the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design at Staffordshire University.

What we want to produce is a multimedia presentation that shows:

• How assistive technology products, such as switch adapted toys and gaming consoles can help special needs children and young adults play more independently or, together, with family and friends.
• How parents, carers and teachers can make more informed assessments of the suitability of adapted technology products for their children and students.

Filming will be completed this week. Editing will start shortly afterwards and we expect to get the completed work in early November.

Mike

Children love bubbles. So, why not make a switch adapted bubble machine? That's what we did on Thursday night. We went along to the local Early Learning Centre and bought one of their bubble machines.

Later that evening, modifications complete, we had a bubble machine working in both regular and switch adapted modes. Look closely and you'll see the switch socket we added - the black lead. Any standard 3.5mm switch can be connected and, when pressed, the toy blows bubble galore.

We are planning to use it to flood the Reebok Stadium with bubbles when we visit the "Kidz Up North" exhibition in November. If you've got the chance visit the QED and Liberator stands to see this and all the other switch adapted toys and special Christmas toys we produce.

See you there.

Mike