Abstract

Neurological Vision Impairment (NVI) detrimentally
impacts upon quality of life, as daily activities such as
reading and crossing the road often become significantly
impaired. Therapy strategies for NVI based on visual
scanning of on-screen stimuli have recently been
demonstrated as effective at improving functional vision.
However, these strategies are repetitive, monotonous and
unsuitable for use with children and young adults. This
project explores the design of a game-based therapy
programme that aims to support participant engagement and
adherence. We first outline requirements for this software,
before reporting on the iterative design process undertaken
in collaboration with young people, therapists and teachers
at a centre for vision impairment. Our work provides
insights into the participatory design of games in
collaboration with young people with special needs, and
reflects upon the tension of balancing game challenge,
therapy goals, and accessibility. Furthermore, it highlights
the potential of games to empower special populations by
providing a medium through which to communicate the
subjective experience of specific impairments.