Meet SpecialEffect

Gaming for good

This year, I have selected SpecialEffect - a gaming charity that changes lives through technological inclusion - to be our national charity of the year. So let me tell you a bit more about them, and why I believe their life changing work is perfectly aligned with Round Table.

I am a self-confessed tech head, I love technology and finding ways to work smarter with technology. As you know, I am also a big gamer, attending game nights whenever the diary allows. And I know I’m not alone in this. From my local Tables to all the people I’ve met on the road, gaming and technology runs deep in all of us, and let’s be honest, it’s a great way to stay connected.

My challenge and theme of this year is to Ignite Your Social Life, and for people with disabilities, this is a huge way in which they can connect, make friends, and build their own supportive communities. 

Technology that changes lives

SpecialEffect are the gamers' charity, and throughout the year, I will be sharing with you their work and impact. But for now, here’s a bit about what they do...

SpecialEffect uses innovative technology to transform the lives of people with physical disabilities not just in the UK, but around the world. They are a team of technical specialists and occupational therapists who together create bespoke control setups for hundreds of people every year. For as long as they are needed, SpecialEffect will adapt and build systems that bring inclusion, enjoyment, and an enhanced quality of life by helping people control video games to the best of their abilities.

Beyond gaming, SpecialEffect also uses eye-gaze technology to bring communication, independence, and hope to people in intensive care units, or who have severe injuries or illnesses. They build communication systems that give people their autonomy and voice back, in some cases, for the first time in years.

They also build telepresent robots to reconnect medically isolated children with their school education and friends, meaning that even whilst they are immunocompromised, they don’t have to be alone or behind in their education. Once they are no longer needed, the robots are sent back to SpecialEffect, reconditioned, and sent out to the next child in need.

How we can make a difference

I find their work so inspiring, and I think we all know people who could benefit from the work SpecialEffect does. So my challenge this year is to raise at least £75,000 for the charity. You will see various challenges throughout the year that you can take part in, but I also challenge you to create some of your own in your local area.

Please give SpecialEffect a follow on their social channels, and keep an eye out on ours for opportunities to get involved in the various fundraising challenges we have for this year. Together we can do great things to help more people ignite their social lives.

Let’s show SpecialEffect what Round Table is all about: connection, community, and making a real difference.

I can’t wait to see all the incredible things we’ll achieve together this year.

Yours in Table,

Jon Clark

National President Round Table Great Britain & Ireland