Inclusive Gaming at Cerebral Palsy Midlands
Meet the CPM Racers
At Cerebral Palsy Midlands (CPM), we are always looking for ways to make our services more engaging, inclusive, and fun for the adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities who attend. Thanks to one of our dedicated ex-employees, John Landruff, we’ve been able to introduce an exciting activity that has brought our community closer together: accessible gaming.
John, who previously worked at CPM, now gives up two days a week to volunteer and run inclusive gaming sessions. He brings in his PlayStation 5, along with specially adapted equipment designed to meet the needs of our citizens. His dedication and innovation have made gaming an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
Every Tuesday and Friday morning, John sets up his PlayStation 5 at our centre, bringing along a variety of gaming gear, including customized steering wheels, controllers, and even a virtual reality headset. He has also developed adaptations to the equipment to make it easier for those with physical challenges to participate. Whether it's a flight simulator or a racing game, John ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical needs, can join in.
Our citizens love the sessions. Gary Ironmonger, one of our regulars, shared his enthusiasm: “It's nice to play interactive games with different people, and I really enjoy it.”
Adapting to Individual Needs
Cerebral palsy can affect an individual’s movements, muscle control, and coordination. John has carefully thought through the needs of each person, creating custom adaptations that allow even those with more significant physical challenges to take part. Thanks to his modifications, citizens like Gary, Heather, Vicky, and Clifford have been able to join in and enjoy gaming.
The sessions are fully volunteer-led, with additional support from Katrina, another committed volunteer at CPM. The dynamic duo of John and Katrina ensures that everyone gets the support they need to participate, have fun, and develop their skills.
More Than Just Games: Building Skills and Community
For John, it’s about more than just having fun (although that’s certainly part of it!). Gaming offers a chance to improve hand-eye coordination, focus, and physical movement—skills that are invaluable for people with cerebral palsy. It also encourages teamwork and social interaction.
John shares why he’s so passionate about these sessions: “This activity is something that most of our citizens wouldn’t be able to do at home. They wouldn’t have the equipment, time, support, or knowledge. I love creating opportunities for everyone to participate, and it’s rewarding to see how much they enjoy it.”
Our citizens are so enthusiastic about their gaming sessions that they’ve even given themselves a team name—the “CPM Racers”. It’s a fantastic example of how gaming can be both a fun and empowering activity, giving our citizens the chance to do something different and exciting.
We are incredibly grateful to John and our volunteers for their dedication in making these sessions possible. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of inclusion and the impact that small adaptations can make in people’s lives.For more information about the classes email rach at raineycommunitycreations@gmail.com.
Get Involved
We’re always looking for more volunteers to help support our inclusive activities at CPM. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact us at info@cpmids.org.uk. Together, we can make sure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.