Design and evaluation of a networked game to supportsocial connection of youth with cerebral palsy

Youth with cerebral palsy (CP) can experience social isolation, in part due to mobility limitations associated with CP. We show that networked video games can provide a venue for social interaction from the home. We address the question of how to design networked games that enhance social play among people with motor disabilities. We present Liberi, a networked game custom-designed for youth with CP. Liberi is designed to allow frictionless group formation, to balance for differences in player abilities, and to support a variety of play styles. A ten-week home-based study with ten participants showed the game to be effective in fostering social interaction among youth with CP.