Digital Drift 3: Special Effect

 

This episode we’ll start with a word or two about this year’s community meet up, formerly the Gonzo Planetary Expo, or GPLEX, now rechristened as the first Digital Drift Convention, or ‘Drift-Con’. This will take place at The Doubletree Hilton in Lincoln on Saturday 3rd and Sunday the 4th of May. Lots more details in the show.

Following this we’re joined by Mark Saville and Gavin Tan from the video-gaming-related charity Special Effect. Longtime listeners may remember that this was the charity we sponsored last year at GPLEX, when we managed to raise £2,285 including Gift-Aid contributions. Today, we discuss what that money went towards and what this charity really is about.

In their own words, Special Effect use technology to enhance the quality of life of people with all kinds of needs, including stroke and road traffic accident patients, individuals with life-limiting conditions and injured soldiers returning from overseas. Their mission is to enable anyone, whatever their disability, to enjoy video games and leisure technology. But they’re not just doing it for the sake of fun. By giving disabled people the means to participate, they are kick-starting rehabilitation, self-esteem and, most importantly, inclusion.

Aside from the fact that it’s fascinating hearing the lengths they go to and the solutions they come up with there’s a very good reason why you need to listen to this one; These guys mitigate the knee-jerk public reaction and reveal the participating sectors of the gaming industry and extended community to be compassionate, progressive, inclusive and caring. This is thus the antithesis of Twitter-bullying and petulant rage over technical launch issues.

This is something very worthwhile. You can find them here: www.specialeffect.org.uk

And for everyone coming to Drift-Con, see you in May.