National Rehabilitation Center Signs Public-Private Agreement to Enhance Game Accessibility for People with Disabilities

The National Rehabilitation Center announced on the 17th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for mutual cooperation with the Beautiful Foundation, Kakao Games, and the Gyeonggi-do Rehabilitation Engineering Service Research Support Center to improve game accessibility for people with disabilities. The purpose is to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy games conveniently without discrimination alongside their family and friends. Overseas, including the United States, there are cases where people with disabilities actively participate as YouTube streamers while playing games.

According to this agreement, the four organizations will support assistive gaming devices to improve the quality of life through gaming without physical or environmental isolation caused by disabilities. ▲ Assistive input devices such as keyboards and mice ▲ Assistive support devices such as armrests and mounts ▲ Posture maintenance devices such as desks and chairs are included in the supported equipment. To provide high-quality customized assistive devices, education by assistive technology experts on device usage and management, as well as post-management such as assistive device effectiveness testing, will also be conducted.

The Beautiful Foundation will take charge of overall project management and strive to identify blind spots in support. Kakao Games donated 100 million KRW to help create an environment where game accessibility for people with disabilities is guaranteed. The Gyeonggi-do Rehabilitation Engineering Service Research Support Center will carry out project implementation, case management, and research, while the National Rehabilitation Center will provide project consultation and assistive device open sources based on its expertise.

In 2021, the National Rehabilitation Center developed gaming assistive devices and user manuals together with families of people with brain lesions and experts. People with brain lesions expressed satisfaction, saying, "Through gaming, the quality of life has improved, relationships with others have gotten better, and I have developed dreams of engaging in economic activities."

The participating organizations plan to continue cooperating to secure diversity in cultural and leisure activities for people with disabilities and improve their quality of life in the future.