Access Elevator, Inc. was proud to attend and sponsor the 2026 Adaptive Gaming Expo, held on Saturday, August 22, at the MYArts Building in Madison, Wisconsin.
Organized by Access to Independence, this free community event celebrated diversity, accessibility and disability inclusion in gaming. Gamers of all ages and abilities had the opportunity to explore adaptive equipment, experience assistive gaming technology and connect with others who believe everyone deserves the opportunity to play.
Making Gaming More Accessible
Adaptive gaming uses specialized controllers, customizable settings and other assistive technology to help people with disabilities enjoy video games. These solutions can accommodate a wide range of physical abilities and allow players to control games in ways that work best for them.
The expo featured 15 adaptive gaming setups across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2 and virtual reality. Attendees played popular games, explored new technology and experienced firsthand how thoughtful design can remove barriers.
The event also featured a free workshop led by Chris Hege and Professor Michael Biehler’s Lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Participants learned how to build and customize a low-cost gaming controller and received practical ideas for creating accessible gaming stations at home, in classrooms or in community spaces.
Professional Gamers Shared Their Experiences
The Wistech Starlight Theater welcomed professional and competitive gamers with disabilities for live discussions, demonstrations and gameplay.
Randy “N0M4D” Fitzgerald and Dayton “Wheels” Jones participated in a discussion about the road to competitive gaming. They shared their experiences as professional gamers with disabilities and offered advice to those interested in entering competitive gaming.
Dayton Jones, a five-time major finalist and competitive gamer, also discussed livestreaming and demonstrated his skills through a live game of Street Fighter 6.
Randy Fitzgerald presented a preview of a new Team N0M4D game concept and explained the process behind creating a more accessible gaming experience. Recognized as the world’s first quadriplegic professional gamer, Fitzgerald has spent more than 25 years advocating for accessibility in gaming. His work also helped lead to the creation of the N0M4D controller layout in the Call of Duty franchise.
Fitzgerald’s story and his involvement with the Adaptive Gaming Expo were previously featured by ABILITY Magazine. In the interview, he discussed how he learned to play video games using his chin and lips, his professional gaming career and his efforts to improve accessibility within the gaming industry.
He also spoke about the social and emotional value of accessible gaming. For individuals who may face barriers to leaving their homes or participating in traditional recreational activities, gaming can provide an important source of enjoyment, friendship and connection.
The Access Elevator Sensory Room
With so many exciting activities taking place throughout the day, Access Elevator hosted the dedicated Access Elevator Sensory Room.
The room provided attendees with a quiet and relaxing place to step away from the noise and excitement of the expo. It was designed for anyone who needed a break, including individuals with sensory sensitivities, migraines or neurodivergence.
Visitors were encouraged to keep conversations to a minimum, silence electronic devices and help maintain a calm, scent-free environment. These simple guidelines helped ensure that the room remained a peaceful and respectful space throughout the event.
Creating an inclusive event means considering the different ways people experience their surroundings. We were honored to provide a welcoming space where attendees could rest, recharge and return to the activities when they felt ready.
Creativity, Community and Inclusive Play
The Molina Board Game Room gave attendees another way to participate. Visitors could design their own board games using cards, dice, game pieces, spinners, art supplies and adaptive materials. This hands-on activity combined creativity with inclusive play and gave people the freedom to develop games that reflected their own ideas.
Artists, businesses, disability advocates and community organizations also filled the expo’s vendor and resource area. Attendees could shop for artwork, merchandise and gaming-related products while learning about services and resources available throughout the community.
Participating vendors and organizations included Access to Independence, Molina Healthcare, Access Elevator, Git Gud Lounge, Isthmian Gaming, Table Tray Studios, Snuggly Seamstress, QuickSave Games, Guildpact, Luka Motel Art, Arts for All Wisconsin, Disability Pride Madison and Limbitless Wisconsin.
We were also pleased that State Representative Andrew Hysell stopped by the expo. His visit helped bring additional attention to the importance of accessible recreation, assistive technology and inclusive community events.
Continuing to Grow an Important Midwest Event
The Adaptive Gaming Expo has continued to grow since its inaugural event in Middleton, Wisconsin. That first expo attracted regional media attention, including coverage from WMTV 15, and introduced more people to the possibilities of adaptive gaming.
In its feature about Randy Fitzgerald and the inaugural expo, ABILITY Magazine noted that disability-centered gaming expos remain relatively uncommon in the Midwest. That made this year’s return especially meaningful for gamers, families and advocates who might otherwise need to travel much farther to experience adaptive gaming equipment and meet others in the community.
The expo did more than demonstrate technology. It created a place where people could discover new possibilities, share their experiences and feel welcomed as part of the gaming community.
Gaming for Everyone
Access Elevator was grateful to be part of an event that brought people together through gaming while promoting accessibility and inclusion.
Thank you to Access to Independence, the sponsors, vendors, presenters, volunteers and everyone who attended and helped make the 2026 Adaptive Gaming Expo such a meaningful experience.
At Access Elevator, we believe accessibility creates greater independence and makes homes, businesses and community experiences more welcoming for everyone. We look forward to continuing to support organizations and events that share that mission.