SpecialEffect GameBlast Begins Today

SpecialEffect is an organisation determined to help those with physical disabilities engage with the world of video games through assistive technologies. Using eye-control and modified joypads, the Oxfordshire based charity has been running since 2007 and works to bring the virtual world to those who previously had no way of accessing it. Nowadays video games and their cultures make up for a lot of kids' experiences of growing up. From playground conversation to exercising abilities in problem solving, perseverance, and creativity, gaming contributes heavily to childhood development. It's not surprising, therefore, that a large number of SpecialEffect's clients are children who, through the organisation's work, have been able to experience the joys of technology alongside their peers; boosting integration and general self-esteem.

This weekend, SpecialEffect is hosting the GameBlast 15 live stream event - a fundraising venture that sees a 24 hour Runescape marathon Friday-Saturday and GameBlast Live (a Children in Need type livestream from the London headquarters with gaming figures, playthroughs of new game content, and giveaways) on Saturday. GAME has also got on board, running a series of fundraising events as well as hosting a 24 hour "gaming spectacular" that will take place Friday at 6 GMT.

Through something as simple and seemingly peripheral as video games, SpecialEffect is transforming the happiness of people living in the UK with physical difficulties. With dozens of testimonies highlighting the organisation's obvious determination and tenacity in their aims, it's hard to ignore this literally game-changing work.

So far they've raised £19141.53, so head over to the GameBlast site to donate.