Our Philosophy
What Makes Play Possible Again
Most people can just pick up a controller and play.
But for someone with a physical disability, it’s not that easy.
ReSpawn Foundation exists to change that.
We believe gaming can do more than entertain, it can restore identity, joy, connection, and control. But that only happens when people have the tools, support, and access to actually play.
Player Experiences
Enablement: The Foundation of Play
For people with disabilities, it’s not just about making games accessible.
It’s about being empowered to participate. We call that enablement.
Enablement is the difference between watching others play and getting to play yourself, your way, on your terms.
It means removing barriers and creating personalized solutions: adaptive gear, supportive therapy, and trained professionals who understand the power of play.
Without enablement, players are left out.
With it, they reconnect with themselves, with others and with life.
Connection
Gaming brings people together friends, family, communities.
We make sure players with disabilities can be part of that world again.
Benefit
Gaming can support healing by motivating movement, building focus, and boosting mood. When used intentionally, it becomes part of recovery.
Escapism
Games create immersive worlds where players can explore, imagine, and feel joy. We make sure those experiences are still possible even after injury.
Artistry
From customizing characters to building digital worlds, games offer creative freedom. For many, it’s a way to reclaim identity and agency.
Diversion
Sometimes, gaming is just a chance to feel normal again. A simple moment of fun or distraction can change the tone of an entire day.
The ReSpawn Framework for Enablement and Player Experiences:
Our philosophy is grounded in lived experience and leading research in game accessibility and player autonomy:
Cairns, P., Power, C., Barlet, M., MacDonald, B., Beeston, J., et al. (2021). Enabled Players: The Value of Accessible Digital Games. Games and Culture, 16(2), 184–204. https://doi.org/10.1177/1555412020969394
Drew H. Redepenning, Sara A. Huss & Shivaali Maddali (2022) Influence of Adaptive Video Gaming on Quality of Life and Social Relationships, Assistive Technology, DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2022.2067913