Video games have come a long way from being just a source of entertainment—they’re now a powerful tool for inclusion, connection, and personal growth. Video games help offer unique opportunities to participate in social and community activities, develop new skills, and even find therapeutic benefits.
In this post, we’ll explore how video games help people with disabilities thrive, highlighting topics like accessible technology, the role of representation, and the growing world of esports.
We’ll also share how our community programs, including a gaming initiative in partnership with Joyrig, are helping make these benefits a reality.
The Benefits of Video Games for People Living with Disabilities
Gaming as a tool for social connection
At its core, gaming is about connection. Video games create virtual spaces where players can team up, communicate, and form lasting friendships—all without the physical barriers that might exist in the real world.
Organisations like AbleGamers emphasise how gaming enables people with disabilities to interact socially, whether by joining an online multiplayer session or participating in online gaming communities. With adaptive controllers and inclusive game design, more players can fully enjoy these experiences, finding belonging and building relationships in a welcoming space.
While AbleGamers focuses on online gaming to help develop social skills, Joyrig has developed a program to bring the appeal of playing online video games to an in-person LAN party event. Not only are the LAN parties fun (with pizza for dinner) but they give participants the opportunity to connect over an activity everyone has in common.
Cognitive and emotional benefits of gaming
Beyond social benefits, gaming offers cognitive and emotional advantages that can help people with disabilities overcome challenges and build confidence. Research has shown that video games can improve problem-solving skills, enhance focus, and even reduce stress.
For example, strategy games can strengthen cognitive function, while immersive storytelling games provide an outlet for self-expression and creativity. According to studies like those shared by SOE Online, these benefits are particularly impactful for people with learning disabilities, helping them develop skills that translate to other areas of life.
Breaking barriers through accessibility in gaming
The gaming industry has made significant strides in accessibility features, ensuring that players of all abilities can participate. Customisable settings, eye-tracking technology, and adaptive controllers like those developed by Xbox have broken down many barriers, making games more inclusive than ever before.
Companies are working to ensure that accessibility isn’t just an add-on—it’s a core part of game design. This means that more players can enjoy games independently, leveling the playing field and allowing everyone to engage meaningfully in the gaming world.
Representation Through Disabled Video Game Characters
Seeing disability represented in video games can be empowering for players. When characters with disabilities are featured in meaningful ways, it helps normalise disability and creates a more inclusive gaming landscape.
For instance, The Last of Us Part II includes a character with hearing aids, while Forza Horizon 5 allows players to create avatars with prosthetic limbs. Games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 even feature a deaf character who communicates via American Sign Language (ASL), adding depth and authenticity to storytelling.
This kind of representation ensures that players see themselves reflected in the games they love, reinforcing the message that gaming is for everyone.
Participating in Esports with a Disability
Esports—a fast-growing competitive gaming industry—is another space where people with disabilities are excelling. With adaptive technologies and inclusive gaming setups, players can compete at professional levels, showing the world that disability is no barrier to skill and strategy.
In fact, many players are redefining what it means to be a competitor. Organisations like Microsoft have even hosted gaming and esports tournaments specifically for players with disabilities, celebrating their achievements and inspiring others to pursue their passions.
Connecting Through Play with NDIS Gaming Groups
Across Australia, NDIS-supported gaming groups are creating welcoming spaces where people with disabilities can connect over a shared love of games. Whether it’s video games, tabletop role-playing, or board games, these groups provide inclusive environments where players can have fun, challenge themselves, and form meaningful relationships.
From Joyrig Gaming Nights in New South Wales to Ignition Gamers in the ACT, these programs are designed to foster social connections, boost confidence, and support individuals in exploring their passions. No matter your experience level or preferred style of play, there’s a gaming group ready to welcome you.
Here’s a look at some of the fantastic NDIS-supported gaming communities across the country.
Gaming Groups in New South Wales
Joyrig Gaming Nights
At The SIL Company, we believe in the power of participation to transform lives. That’s why we’ve partnered with Joyrig to offer a gaming program designed specifically for people living with disabilities.
Our program provides access to a wide variety of games and a welcoming space to connect with others. Our focus is on ensuring program participants not only have a great time but have the opportunity to build skills, friendships and confidence.
If you’re curious about how gaming can make a difference or want to learn more about our community programs, visit our community programs page and join the fun.
Gaming Groups in Victoria
GenU Gamer
Created by gamers, for gamers, genU GAMER is a great way to connect with like-minded people. Whether it’s playing video games, role playing games or board games, genU GAMER connects people living with disability in Geelong, Werribee, Colac and Northcote.
South West Gamers
Participate in weekly competitions, including races, tournaments, friendly rivalries and many more game-based activities, all in pursuit of having a good time with new friends at South West Gamers.
Gaming Groups in Queensland
GameSpec
GameSpec is a social space for neurodivergent individuals to escape isolation and misunderstanding while being supported to enjoy their specialised interests. With a tailor designed space in Greenslopes, GameSpec offers activities including PC gaming, Lego, Dungeons & Dragons.
Lucky Dice Disability Services
While not exactly video games, Lucky Dice still offers a space to connect with people living with disabilities – wither through Dungeons & Dragons, or miniature painting. Based in Wellington Point, Lucky Dice doesn’t just offer community & recreational activities, but capacity building programs as well.
Gaming Groups in Australian Capital Territory
Ignition Gamers
Ignition is an autism gaming group based in Canberra. Their focus is to use games to help people with autism work together as team mates. By working together and build connections, participants grow a support network of people who have similar interests, and faced similar experiences and challenges.
Gaming isn’t just play—it’s connection, growth, and empowerment. With advancements in accessibility, representation, and inclusive programs, video games are helping break down barriers and create new opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive.
Whether it’s forming friendships in a multiplayer game, seeing yourself represented on screen, or competing in esports, gaming has something to offer everyone.
