As a musician, Stevie Wonder has made quite an impact on the music industry. As a person with a physical disability, he has been an advocate for those who are physically challenged.
His fame and talent help bring disability awareness to the main stage and his influence can be felt everywhere.
Even in the world of video games.
During the Seventh Annual Spike TV Video Game Awards, Wonder challenged creators and developers to make video games more accessible to people with disabilities. The music icon was at the award show to present the “Best Music Game of 2009.”
“Throughout the world, an estimated 650 million people, or 10% of the population, have a disability,” said Wonder. “As one of the 10%, I want to see the companies that make these video games, make them accessible, so people like me can enjoy them too.”
After his challenge, Wonder was met with a wave of cheers from the crowd; and I joined in as I watched him from my living room.
As a self-proclaimed "gamer," I appreciate Wonder’s challenge to video game companies & developers. Because of my disability, I turn to video games to participate in activities that I might not otherwise have the opportunity to do.
Whether I’m playing football on Madden NFL 10, or racing down the mountainside in Forza Motorsport 3, playing video games is more than just a pastime, it gives me the ability to experience things I never thought I could.
There is nothing worse than opening a brand-new videogame, and realizing that you're unable to push the right trigger. Or even testing out a game that you have been waiting months for, only to realize that you cannot change the button configuration.
This is why I hope video game developers answer Mr. Wonder’s challenge. Because experiencing the fun and euphoria of beating that final level of a video game should be experienced by all fans, including those with disabilities.
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