Adaptive gaming has proven to be a powerful avenue to lower isolation and bring the joy of play! During this workshop, we will learn how to create simple and custom video games using the Makecode Arcade block based coding editor. Games developed on this platform can be customized to meet the novel gamers needs and adjusted for speed, complexity, and access method. We will be learning some of the basics of this platform and what is possible. Beginners and novice learners are highly encouraged to join.

The workshop will also talk about the hardware options where created games may be played. This includes a demo of the Rocket Switch Interface by Makers Making Change and 3D printed switches to manage game elements on a computer or mobile device without the need for expensive gaming consoles (although Makecode Arcade will run on xBox!).

Location

This will be a virtual event held over Google Meet with the join link provided after registration.

Presenters

Christopher Marotta OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist who provides services to students with physical disabilities at the Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, NY. He has worked as an OT for 20 years in a variety of settings, but his passion is assistive technology and enabling his students to be successful in and out of the classroom. Chris is an avid tinkerer, enjoying designing and fabricating adaptive devices. He shares his knowledge with others by lecturing occupational therapy students as an adjunct faculty member at Stony Brook University, Touro University and Hofstra University. He currently is co-leader of the NYC chapter of Makers Making Change, where his goal is to teach others the skills of adaptation along with increasing awareness of disabilities.

Loreto Dumitrescu is an occupational therapist working for the New York City Department of Education for over 20 years providing both direct service and AT evaluations and previously providing early intervention services. Loreto received an MA in Educational Technology from Adelphi University and teaches as an adjunct professor about Universal Design for Learning and assistive technology. As a co-founder of Zero Day Camp, a non-profit organization on a mission to bring digital literacy and computer science education to youth and educators, she has applied her skills in supporting access to affordable and customized assistive technology using fabrication techniques from the maker movement (physical computing, 3D print, and design, cardboard carpentry, etc.). Currently, she helps support programming and outreach for the NYC chapter of Makers Making Change as a volunteer co-chapter leader.

Equipment

For this workshop you will need a computer or laptop with internet access.

Questions?

Email us at nycmetrommc@gmail.com.