Sony has collaborated with accessibility experts to create a PlayStation 5 (PS5) controller specifically designed for disabled gamers. Called the Access Controller, it is a customizable kit that allows players to create a setup that suits their individual needs. While Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller has been available since 2018 for Xbox and PC, this is the first device of its kind developed by Sony for the PS5. The goal is to provide an all-inclusive kit that eliminates the need for additional third-party accessories and wiring.
Designing accessibility products for disabled gamers is a complex task due to the unique impairments of each individual and the ever-evolving nature of gaming technology. Sony’s approach to addressing this challenge is through customization, allowing each person to tailor the solution to their specific requirements. The company partnered with accessibility experts AbleGamers in the US to find solutions for issues related to thumbsticks, button pressing, and holding the controller. The Access Controller aims to assist individuals with challenges in these areas, regardless of their underlying condition.
The Access Controller has been designed with input from the disabled community, ensuring that all aspects, including packaging and setup, are accessible. Users can adapt the controller to their specific needs and create different profiles for different games or situations. While there are some design decisions that may be confusing, such as the absence of a standard right stick, this product represents a positive step forward for disabled gamers. It demonstrates that gaming accessibility is now a mainstream concern and encourages manufacturers to listen to feedback and continue to innovate.
The gaming industry has faced pressure to improve accessibility for disabled players. Recent developments include the introduction of sign language features in racing sim Forza Horizon 5, a mode for blind and deaf players in The Last of Us Part II, and wheelchair-friendly routines in Just Dance. However, hardware options for disabled individuals have been limited. Sony’s new controller aims to address this gap and ensure that disabled gamers can participate in the same experiences as their peers. By bringing joy to players who were previously unable to participate, Sony hopes to make gaming more inclusive and accessible for all.
Original news source: Sony debuts first PS5 controller for disabled gamers (BBC)
Listen:
Slow
Normal
Fast
Vocabulary:
| 1 | impairments | Physical or mental conditions that cause limitations or difficulties |
| 2 | eliminate | Remove or get rid of completely |
| 3 | underlying | Fundamental or basic |
| 4 | packaging | The materials used to wrap and protect a product |
| 5 | confusion | Lack of clarity or understanding |
| 6 | pressure | Influence or force to make changes or improvements |
| 7 | mainstream | Widely accepted or popular |
| 8 | feedback | Information or opinions about a product or service that is given by someone who has used it |
| 9 | innovative | Introduce new ideas, methods, or products |
| 10 | experiences | The things that happen to someone or the things that they do or see |
| 11 | participate | Take part in an activity or event with others |
| 12 | inclusive | Including everyone or everything |
| 13 | collaborate | Work together with others on a project or task |
| 14 | customizable | Able to be changed or modified to suit individual needs or preferences |
| 15 | third-party | Not directly involved in a particular situation or activity |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions:
1. Divide students into pairs or small groups.
2. Provide each group with a copy of the article.
3. Instruct students to read the article and summarize the key points in their own words.
4. After a designated time, have each group share their summary with the class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions:
1. Divide students into pairs or small groups.
2. Assign each group a specific question related to the article (e.g. “Do you think the Access Controller will improve accessibility for disabled gamers?”)
3. Instruct students to discuss their opinions and come up with reasons to support their position.
4. Have each group present their question, opinions, and reasons to the class, and facilitate a class discussion.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions:
1. Choose 10 vocabulary words from the article.
2. Write each word on a separate piece of paper and place them in a bag or hat.
3. Divide students into teams.
4. One student from each team will take turns choosing a word from the bag and drawing it on the board without using any letters or numbers.
5. The rest of the team must guess the word within a time limit.
6. The team that guesses the most words correctly wins.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions:
1. Ask students to think about a time when they encountered a product or technology that was not accessible to them.
2. Pair up students and have them share their experiences with each other.
3. After a few minutes, have each pair share their experiences with the whole class.
4. Facilitate a class discussion on the importance of accessibility and the impact it can have on individuals.
– Future Predictions
Instructions:
1. Divide students into pairs or small groups.
2. Instruct each group to discuss and make predictions about the future of gaming accessibility.
3. Encourage students to consider advancements in technology, potential challenges, and the impact on disabled gamers.
4. Have each group present their predictions to the class and facilitate a class discussion on the topic.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the name of the new controller developed by Sony for the PS5?
2. How does Sony’s Access Controller differ from Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller?
3. What is the goal of Sony’s Access Controller?
4. How did Sony address the challenge of designing accessibility products for disabled gamers?
5. Who did Sony partner with to find solutions for issues related to thumbsticks, button pressing, and holding the controller?
6. How can users adapt the Access Controller to their specific needs?
7. What are some design decisions that may be confusing about the Access Controller?
8. What is the overall goal of Sony’s new controller in terms of gaming accessibility for disabled players?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Sony has collaborated with accessibility experts to create a PlayStation 5 (PS5) (1)______ specifically (2)______ for (3)______ gamers. Called the Access Controller, it is a customizable kit that (4)______ players to create a setup that suits their individual needs. While Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller has been available since 2018 for Xbox and PC, this is the first device of its kind developed by Sony for the PS5. The goal is to provide an all-inclusive kit that eliminates the need for additional third-party accessories and wiring.
Designing accessibility products for disabled gamers is a complex task due to the unique impairments of each individual and the ever-evolving nature of gaming (5)______. Sony’s approach to (6)______ this challenge is through customization, allowing each person to tailor the solution to their (7)______ requirements. The company partnered with accessibility experts AbleGamers in the US to find solutions for issues related to (8)______, button pressing, and holding the controller. The Access Controller aims to assist individuals with challenges in these areas, regardless of their underlying condition.
The Access Controller has been designed with input from the disabled community, ensuring that all aspects, including packaging and setup, are accessible. Users can (9)______ the controller to their specific needs and create different profiles for different games or situations. While there are some design decisions that may be (10)______, such as the absence of a standard right stick, this product represents a positive step forward for disabled gamers. It (11)______ that gaming accessibility is now a mainstream concern and encourages manufacturers to listen to feedback and continue to innovate.
The gaming (12)______ has faced pressure to improve accessibility for disabled (13)______. Recent developments include the introduction of sign language features in racing sim Forza Horizon 5, a mode for blind and deaf players in The Last of Us Part II, and wheelchair-friendly (14)______ in Just Dance. However, hardware options for disabled individuals have been limited. Sony’s new controller aims to address this gap and ensure that disabled gamers can participate in the same experiences as their (15)______. By bringing joy to players who were previously (16)______ to participate, Sony hopes to make gaming more inclusive and accessible for all.
Go to answers ⇩
Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is the significance of Sony collaborating with accessibility experts to create a controller for disabled gamers?
2. How would you feel if you were a disabled gamer and had access to a customizable controller like the Access Controller?
3. Do you think it’s important for gaming companies to prioritize accessibility for disabled players? Why or why not?
4. What are some potential challenges that disabled gamers might face when playing video games?
5. How do you think the Access Controller can benefit disabled gamers in terms of gameplay experience?
6. Do you like the idea of being able to customize a gaming controller to suit your specific needs? Why or why not?
7. What other features or improvements do you think could be added to gaming consoles to make them more accessible for disabled players?
8. How do you think the gaming industry has evolved in terms of accessibility for disabled gamers over the years?
9. What impact do you think the Access Controller will have on the gaming community as a whole?
10. Have you ever encountered any accessibility barriers when playing video games? If so, what were they?
11. How do you think the Access Controller can contribute to making gaming a more inclusive and diverse activity?
12. What are some potential limitations or drawbacks of the Access Controller?
13. Do you think other gaming companies will follow Sony’s example and develop similar accessibility products? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the Access Controller will change the perception of disabled gamers in the gaming community?
15. Have you ever played video games with someone who had a disability? If so, what was the experience like?
Individual Activities
Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. impairments
2. eliminate
3. underlying
4. packaging
5. confusion
6. pressure
7. mainstream
8. feedback
9. innovative
10. experiences
11. participate
12. inclusive
13. collaborate
14. customizable
15. third-party
Meanings:
(A) Widely accepted or popular
(B) Take part in an activity or event with others
(C) Physical or mental conditions that cause limitations or difficulties
(D) Fundamental or basic
(E) Introduce new ideas, methods, or products
(F) Influence or force to make changes or improvements
(G) Information or opinions about a product or service that is given by someone who has used it
(H) Including everyone or everything
(I) Not directly involved in a particular situation or activity
(J) Lack of clarity or understanding
(K) The materials used to wrap and protect a product
(L) Able to be changed or modified to suit individual needs or preferences
(M) Remove or get rid of completely
(N) Work together with others on a project or task
(O) The things that happen to someone or the things that they do or see
Go to answers ⇩
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the name of the new controller developed by Sony for the PS5?
(a) Adaptive Controller
(b) Customizable Kit
(c) Access Controller
(d) All-inclusive Controller
2. What is the goal of Sony’s Access Controller?
(a) To eliminate the need for third-party accessories and wiring
(b) To customize the controller to individual needs
(c) To provide an all-inclusive kit for disabled gamers
(d) All of the above
3. Who did Sony collaborate with to develop the Access Controller?
(a) Microsoft
(b) Xbox
(c) PC
(d) AbleGamers
4. What are some of the challenges in designing accessibility products for disabled gamers?
(a) Unique impairments of each individual
(b) Ever-evolving nature of gaming technology
(c) Thumbsticks, button pressing, and holding the controller
(d) All of the above
5. How can users adapt the Access Controller to their specific needs?
(a) Create different profiles for different games or situations
(b) Customize the controller to their specific requirements
(c) Tailor the solution to their individual needs
(d) All of the above
6. What recent developments have been made to improve accessibility in the gaming industry?
(a) Mode for blind and deaf players in The Last of Us Part II
(b) Sign language features in Forza Horizon 5
(c) Wheelchair-friendly routines in Just Dance
(d) All of the above
7. What is one design decision that may be confusing about the Access Controller?
(a) Packaging and setup
(b) Absence of a standard right stick
(c) Customization options
(d) All of the above
8. What is Sony’s hope for the Access Controller?
(a) To bring joy to players who were previously unable to participate
(b) To encourage manufacturers to listen to feedback and continue to innovate
(c) All of the above
(d) To make gaming more inclusive and accessible for all
Go to answers ⇩
True or False Questions:
1. The goal of the Access Controller is to provide an all-inclusive kit that eliminates the need for additional third-party accessories and wiring.
2. The Access Controller is a rigid kit that prohibits players from creating a setup that suits their individual needs.
3. The Access Controller has been designed with input from the disabled community to ensure accessibility in all aspects, including packaging and setup.
4. Sony partnered with accessibility experts AbleGamers in the US to create more issues related to thumbsticks, button pressing, and holding the controller.
5. Sony has collaborated with accessibility experts to create a PlayStation 5 (PS5) controller for disabled gamers.
6. Sony’s new controller aims to address the limited hardware options for disabled individuals and make gaming more inclusive and accessible for all.
7. This is just another device of its kind developed by Sony for the PS5.
8. The Access Controller aims to hinder individuals with challenges in these areas, regardless of their underlying condition.
Go to answers ⇩
Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. What is the purpose of the Access Controller developed by Sony for the PS5?
2. How does Sony address the challenge of designing accessibility products for disabled gamers?
3. How was the Access Controller designed to be accessible to the disabled community?
4. What are some of the recent developments in the gaming industry to improve accessibility for disabled players?
5. What is Sony’s goal in creating the Access Controller?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What is the name of the new controller developed by Sony for the PS5?
The new controller is called the Access Controller.
2. How does Sony’s Access Controller differ from Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller?
Sony’s Access Controller is the first device of its kind developed by Sony for the PS5, while Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller has been available since 2018 for Xbox and PC.
3. What is the goal of Sony’s Access Controller?
The goal is to provide an all-inclusive kit that eliminates the need for additional third-party accessories and wiring.
4. How did Sony address the challenge of designing accessibility products for disabled gamers?
Sony addressed the challenge by allowing customization, so each person can tailor the solution to their specific requirements. They also partnered with accessibility experts AbleGamers to find solutions for issues related to thumbsticks, button pressing, and holding the controller.
5. Who did Sony partner with to find solutions for issues related to thumbsticks, button pressing, and holding the controller?
Sony partnered with accessibility experts AbleGamers in the US.
6. How can users adapt the Access Controller to their specific needs?
Users can adapt the controller to their specific needs and create different profiles for different games or situations.
7. What are some design decisions that may be confusing about the Access Controller?
One design decision that may be confusing is the absence of a standard right stick.
8. What is the overall goal of Sony’s new controller in terms of gaming accessibility for disabled players?
The overall goal is to make gaming more inclusive and accessible for all, allowing disabled gamers to participate in the same experiences as their peers and bringing joy to players who were previously unable to participate.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) controller
(2) designed
(3) disabled
(4) allows
(5) technology
(6) addressing
(7) specific
(8) thumbsticks
(9) adapt
(10) confusing
(11) demonstrates
(12) industry
(13) players
(14) routines
(15) peers
(16) unable
Go back to questions ⇧
Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. impairments
Answer: (C) Physical or mental conditions that cause limitations or difficulties
2. eliminate
Answer: (M) Remove or get rid of completely
3. underlying
Answer: (D) Fundamental or basic
4. packaging
Answer: (K) The materials used to wrap and protect a product
5. confusion
Answer: (J) Lack of clarity or understanding
6. pressure
Answer: (F) Influence or force to make changes or improvements
7. mainstream
Answer: (A) Widely accepted or popular
8. feedback
Answer: (G) Information or opinions about a product or service that is given by someone who has used it
9. innovative
Answer: (E) Introduce new ideas, methods, or products
10. experiences
Answer: (O) The things that happen to someone or the things that they do or see
11. participate
Answer: (B) Take part in an activity or event with others
12. inclusive
Answer: (H) Including everyone or everything
13. collaborate
Answer: (N) Work together with others on a project or task
14. customizable
Answer: (L) Able to be changed or modified to suit individual needs or preferences
15. third-party
Answer: (I) Not directly involved in a particular situation or activity
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is the name of the new controller developed by Sony for the PS5?
Answer: (c) Access Controller
2. What is the goal of Sony’s Access Controller?
Answer: (c) To provide an all-inclusive kit for disabled gamers
3. Who did Sony collaborate with to develop the Access Controller?
Answer: (d) AbleGamers
4. What are some of the challenges in designing accessibility products for disabled gamers?
Answer: (a) Unique impairments of each individual
5. How can users adapt the Access Controller to their specific needs?
Answer: (a) Create different profiles for different games or situations
6. What recent developments have been made to improve accessibility in the gaming industry?
Answer: (b) Sign language features in Forza Horizon 5
7. What is one design decision that may be confusing about the Access Controller?
Answer: (b) Absence of a standard right stick
8. What is Sony’s hope for the Access Controller?
Answer: (d) To make gaming more inclusive and accessible for all
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. The goal of the Access Controller is to provide an all-inclusive kit that eliminates the need for additional third-party accessories and wiring. (Answer: True)
2. The Access Controller is a rigid kit that prohibits players from creating a setup that suits their individual needs. (Answer: False)
3. The Access Controller has been designed with input from the disabled community to ensure accessibility in all aspects, including packaging and setup. (Answer: True)
4. Sony partnered with accessibility experts AbleGamers in the US to create more issues related to thumbsticks, button pressing, and holding the controller. (Answer: False)
5. Sony has collaborated with accessibility experts to create a PlayStation 5 (PS5) controller for disabled gamers. (Answer: True)
6. Sony’s new controller aims to address the limited hardware options for disabled individuals and make gaming more inclusive and accessible for all. (Answer: True)
7. This is just another device of its kind developed by Sony for the PS5. (Answer: False)
8. The Access Controller aims to hinder individuals with challenges in these areas, regardless of their underlying condition. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
