Xbox’s Celebration of the Gaming & Disability Community Continues to Flourish with Special Olympics Partnership

Xbox is a place where we think that gamers are for everybody. You hear it a lot, but it’s absolutely true. Xbox is the driving force behind everything we do and every decision that we take. This month we’re recognizing the 400+ million players who make up the gaming and disability community. In their own words, we’re inviting Elle Vance, Software Engineer II for Xbox Player Services, to share their story on how being part of the gaming and disability community has impacted their life:

“I understand the world through a different perspective. I approach the world in a different way than most neurotypicals, as opposed to them, they tend to view the world top-down. Instead, I focus on details first. My perspective can be advantageous to me in both my job as a Software Engineer 2, and other aspects of my life. I’m able to analyze problems on a more granular scale before attempting to resolve them from a larger framework that could create bias.

I’ve worked with Xbox for 4 years and was recruited through a program for neurodiverse individuals, like myself. My candor about my diagnosis of autism has helped others understand autism and sometimes even recognize that they or someone close to them may also be neurodiverse. My body has also been affected by Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that requires me to use mobility devices and undergo multiple surgeries. An advocate for myself helped me in the workplace, even though I sometimes felt the need mask my disabilities. I’m able to do most of my work at home, where I feel comfortable.

As a hobby, video games are something I love to do. Recent favorites I’ve found on Xbox Game Pass include Pentiment This RPG involves illustrated manuscripts. Hi-Fi RushThe game is based on rhythm and action. Animals PartyA multiplayer brawler. When I play games, I like to have subtitles enabled. This helps me understand the audio when I get caught up in the excitement. I do wish more video game developers would include  autistic protagonists.  Representation is important, not only so I can feel included, but so neurotypical people have more opportunities to develop empathy for people in the neurodiversity community and appreciate the strengths our unique perspectives provide.”

For this community moment, we’re excited to announce a new phase of our ongoing partnership with Special Olympics and their Gaming for Inclusion tournament! Below you can find out more information about Xbox’s efforts to empower players with disabilities.

Xbox Partners With Special Olympics for Esports Tournament Gaming for Inclusion

Microsoft has teamed up with Special Olympics since 2014 in order to empower Special Olympics athletes using technology. Over the years, this partnership has developed and includes a Gaming for Inclusion event presented by Special Olympics and Xbox.  This year’s Gaming for Inclusion will take place in November, with a mix of virtual and in-person events – all streamed for players and supporters to watch and join in on the fun.

Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners and Special Olympics competitors will virtually compete on November 11, 2023. Rocket LeagueYou can play in Los Angeles with NFL Superstars and WWE Superstars at a special event that will be livestreamed on the 18th of November 2023.  

“Xbox is honored to further our commitment to create inclusive gaming experiences for everyone by partnering with Special Olympics as they bring the Gaming for Inclusion esports tournament to life again this year,” says Jenn Panattoni, Head of Xbox Social Impact. “Xbox works year-round to bring intentional, inclusive practices and accessible features to everything we do—but the Gaming for Inclusion tournament provides a moment for us, along with the Special Olympics communities, to remember what gaming is all about: play.”  

Microsoft Experience Center in Seattle hosted three Special Olympics Athletes for shoutcasters training. This was done to prepare them for the tournament. In the workshop, the athletes developed their esports commentating skills through improv sessions, guest speakers, and more—and will be putting their training to the test by shoutcasting for the November Gaming for Inclusion tournament.  

“We are thrilled that for the third year in a row Xbox and Microsoft are bringing our athletes and Unified partners together for Gaming for Inclusion. We want to digitalize the movement of our athletes, removing obstacles and increasing our reach with technology. It is clear that Gaming for Inclusion shows how organisations can work together and leverage their individual strengths to help meet a pressing need. This provides critical platforms for those with intellectual disability. While oftentimes esports and gaming is a faceless activity, events like Gaming for Inclusion is innovative by showing the world that people with intellectual disabilities are leading the way when given the opportunity,” reflects Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics Inc.

Xbox fans can livestream the event on Xbox Twitch. You can learn more about the Special Olympics programs at specialolympics.org and discover ways to help them.  Microsoft Rewards members can donate their points in some markets to Special Olympics.

Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards

Microsoft Rewards members can donate and earn points for organizations in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom that support people who are in the gaming community and have disabilities. The following organizations will be highlighted on console during October:

• Special Effect – Special Effect transforms the lives of physically disabled people across the world through the innovative use of technology. Their mission is to help people to control video games as best they can. (UK)
• Warfighter Engaged – Warfighter Engaged’s mission is to improve the lives of severely wounded and disabled warfighters through custom adapted devices. Modifying video game controls, making prosthetic improvements, creating recreational devices and more novel gadgets to increase independence is their mission. Warfighters receive all adapted equipment at no additional cost. (US)
• AbleGamers – AbleGamers creates opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. (US)

Xbox players can earn Rewards in many ways. They can play games and complete Game Pass Quests. Completing offers on the Microsoft Rewards App for Xbox and selecting purchases from the Microsoft Store are also options. Redeem points for rewards. We invite you to join our cause today by donating through Xbox.. 

Microsoft offers a wide range of games curated by the gaming and disability communities.

Play is a powerful way to celebrate the gaming and disability community. We can include gaming in immersive experiences to help us understand and connect.

We will be featuring games that are created and reflect the neurodiversity of people and those with disabilities throughout October, and even beyond. Available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows, check out the Stores collection that exists year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities. For Xbox Game Pass members, check out the Xbox Game Pass Gaming & Disability community collection and the PC Game Pass Gaming & Disability community collection. 

The collections feature titles such as:

• Halo Infinite (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) — Halo Infinite’s character customization features provide many prosthetic options, such as the Mjolnir Power Armor that was used in a design of a prosthetic sleeves for Limbitless Solutions. 343 is a long-time partner with Limbitless Solutions, an organization that creates 3D printed prosthetics and trains children to use them.
• Hi-Fi Rush (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) — Chai is an aspiring rockstar who has a right-arm disability. Chai is given a robotic limb to replace his right arm. However, the story gets interrupted when an iPod falls on Chai’s chest. Chai then becomes labeled a defect. The story is filled with themes of disability and robot upgrades.
• Sea of Solitude (Available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on Console and PC) — Cornelia Geppert is the CEO of Jo-Mei Games and its lead writer. She also serves as creative director. Sea of SolitudeThe idea was to immerse players in traumatizing relationships while they were safe within the digital boundaries of a game. Monsters represent depression, anxiety and narcissistic personalities disorder. This game gives players the chance to feel empowered through the gameplay.

Artist Danielle Taphanel Inspired by a Blooming Desert for the Xbox Logo Redesign

Xbox commissioned Danielle Taphanel, who is a disabled, non-binary, Filipino-Latino self-taught artist, to redesign this year’s Xbox logo in honor of celebrating the gaming and disability community. Danielle hopes through her beautiful redesign of Xbox’s logo in a desert theme, she can give a view from the community of people with disabilities who embrace games and art for their joy and connection. This design was created to reflect the diversity, vitality, and positive forces within the disabled community.

Danielle believes that just like the conditions in the desert, which allow plants to survive and flourish, the disabled embody the strength and importance of shared life. In their words, “We adapt, we are part of the ecology of our communities; like those desert plants that operate with such specialized and poetic grace, we are essential beings, full of the simple and vibrant commonality of life.”

This image speaks of how gaming is a central, accessible force for exploration, imagination, and play that connects disabled people across a wide spectrum. Check out more of Danielle Taphanel’s work here.

Xbox Ambassadors feature stories about gaming and disability

Xbox Ambassadors Program celebrates the Gaming and Disability Community in this year’s program by featuring individual Ambassadors through our Xbox Ambassadors Blog and Xbox Wire. We’re excited to share stories from our community about how gaming has impacted the lives of those with disabilities. Learn more about the featured ambassador by reading below. Grumpy0lLadyTheir gaming experience.

Spotlight on Grumpy0lLady, Xbox Ambassador

What impact does video gaming have on your life?

About 5 years ago I got badly injured (back and neck) at work, and have been very limited on how long I can do things – such as housework. Every 10 minutes I need to take a break and play games to keep me entertained while I wait. Since I was about 45, gaming now takes up 90% of my time.

Do you have a favorite gaming memory you’d like to share with the community?

The last goal to achieve Forza Horizon 4 – I felt invincible! This was quite a difficult task, but it was very rewarding.

Which games or franchises are your favorites, and why do you love them?

Mass Effect and Dragon Age really transport me to a different place. The great storylines and characters make it easy to get lost in them. Oblivion: The Elder ScrollsYou can also find out more about the following: Skyrim Both kept me entertained for thousands of years. When I’m in the mood to race, the Forza Horizon series really takes the cake. It’s a great game with a lot of gameplay! Finally, Diablo II – my first PC game and first that I didn’t pump quarters into. This was my only PC game for years. All of my old discs and saved files are still in the same condition! This will always hold a special spot in my heart.

New Gamerpics, Profile Theme, and Avatar Items for Gaming & Disability

In partnership with disability communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile theme, avatar items, and wallpaper! In partnership with Special Olympics we also created Champions Rise gear so your avatar looks like Special Olympics competitors competing in the Gaming for Inclusion tourney this November. Here you can get your avatars and items. Here is your wallpaper. Content may not be available in all countries.