It is not a lie that the internet is a great equalizer. No matter the background of a person, they can connect to the internet and have access to the same things everyone else does. Unless you live in a country with censorship, a person has access to the same research, communities, news, and entertainment. This also thankfully applies to a majority of disabled people as well with me included.

Of course I have to use the computer slightly differently compared to other people. I use a one handed keyboard with programmable keys for one. I have compiled a full keyboard to less than half the size so I can reach easier. Amazon link at the bottom for those interested (not a sponsor). And I have a Tobii Eye Tracker as an alternative mouse or keyboard though I prefer to not use it. It’s not as accurate as using an actual mouse for me and typing with it is slow enough to make me want to pull my hair out. I most likely will have to make concessions eventually but I’m not there yet.

The reason I enjoy video games so much is mainly for the reason listed above. Like the internet as a whole, it acts as an equalizer. Behind a gamer tag I lose the identifier as disabled to other people. I’m not immediately judged and not as scary to approach for other people. Of course, my speech impediment causes issues sometimes but otherwise I’m free to be judged off of character only. I get to forget the challenges in my life and join a community based on what I love to do. As someone who cannot drive to meet friends often, these online communities are my life blood. People like me get a chance to make friends and do things together. This freedom in spite of limitations is so important.

It is great entertainment and welcome escape from reality. Instead of being bound where I am, I get to define my role. I can be a detective, a warrior, wizard, archer or space alien depending on my wants. I look forward to the adventure every time. There is not nearly as much stress and I am giving a level of control that I don’t own over my own body. Just like everyone else, I can choose what I want and use it on an even playing field.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K585-One-Handed-Mechanical-Professional/dp/B07NBJVH4G/ref=asc_df_B07NBJVH4G/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343897639602&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12386524939294292024&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013950&hvtargid=pla-749592312419&psc=1&mcid=f3a32548a45c3e1ea301159b612ab718&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=70918316562&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343897639602&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12386524939294292024&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013950&hvtargid=pla-749592312419&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745DG5jQr0gzWn1Gnj6ZYivrLHF_Fh71rMZN49VzBUQuIc9vJRXrrPDgaAnFSEALw_wcB