Making Gaming Accessible for All
17 Mar 2026
Haddon, who is supported in the London and South supported living services provided by Accomplish, has been making waves in the gaming community with his campaign for accessible gaming. Supported by dedicated staff through regular 1:1 sessions, Haddon has grown in confidence, independence, and wellbeing, turning a personal passion into a mission that is inspiring gamers and developers alike.
Haddon co founded the campaign, “Make Gaming More Accessible for All,” with his long time friend Simon, a friendship that stretches back nearly 23 years to their days at school. Although Haddon now lives in Thatcham and Simon in Compton, their bond has remained strong, and together they share a vision of making gaming welcoming for everyone.
Haddon has always loved racing games that use a steering wheel, but by 2020 he began to notice a troubling trend, some developers were replacing wheel based controls with standard controllers, making games inaccessible for him and many others. The barriers for people with disabilities often come from not having the hand movements or dexterity needed to handle a conventional controller, as the buttons can be too small. Using a conventional controller can even cause aches in the hands and fingers, making gameplay uncomfortable or impossible for some players.
Another challenge is that some game companies pre set the button configurations, which isn’t helpful for players with different needs. Allowing players to customise the buttons themselves would greatly improve accessibility and the overall gaming experience.
Determined to act, Haddon initially reached out to developers, and when he received no responses, he teamed up with Simon to launch a campaign advocating for inclusive gaming. They set up a Facebook page, an email address, and shared their message through radio interviews, including Simon’s online show Simon Ball – Honestly Me Man on Radio Charlotte, as well as local stations like Kennet Radio. Their goal is to educate game developers and encourage changes that ensure everyone can enjoy gaming, regardless of ability.
Haddon’s hard work was celebrated in the Newbury News, marking a major milestone for his campaign, this recognition is a testament to his dedication to inclusion and the impact he is making for disabled gamers across the UK. For Haddon, seeing his efforts acknowledged publicly has been a source of pride, joy, and motivation, giving him confidence to continue advocating for real change.
The campaign has had a meaningful impact on Haddon personally, with the encouragement and support of Accomplish staff, he has grown more confident sharing his story, connecting with others, and celebrating each achievement. The recognition of his work has brought him immense joy, inspiring him to talk more with staff and other people supported at Accomplish.
Haddon reflects on the journey with his signature optimism:
“Possible when passion meets the right support, together, we turn challenges into change.”
His story is one of friendship, determination, and the power of support, showing how one person’s passion can make a real difference, spark change, and bring joy to a wider community.
