[games_access] MacArthur Chapter (was: Robert's Biography)

[d. michelle hinn]

whoops. just overrode the bounce so this will come out twice. i just 
wrote a reply to the overridden post. :)

>[first post was too large.. so I'm reposting]
>
>
>
>Lets back up a bit : )
>
>  > Actually you aren't the only academic working on accessibility 
>issues and digital media
>
>Oh dear, I suppose you are referring to my writing this:
>
>'I was surprised to find out that I'm the only one who is directly 
>referring to Accessibility issues, so I'd like to make the best of 
>it.'
>
>So let me rephrase: I was surprised to find out that I'm the only 
>one *within the Macarthur book* who is directly referring to 
>Accessibility issues.
>
>My entire premise for contacting you is that I'm *not* the only 
>academic working on these issues!
>
>
>  > So I'm wondering how widely the MacArthur foundation went in their search.
>
>Exactly my point. Which is why I extended my reach to this group. I 
>was hoping that my chapter could serve as a gateway towards 
>prominent work in the field - namely yours.
>
>I understand your concerns about ownership - and I should have 
>checked into this up-front. I will now. Please believe me that my 
>goal is not to restrict anyone, but do the little that I can to 
>point the readers to the right direction (your direction). In my 
>mind, this little chapter could even help publicize your upcoming 
>book and create connections with the foundation for further funding 
>and collaborations.
>
>Before we continue, I'll forward your email to my editor and ask for 
>a response in writing in regards to everything you raise here.
>
>  > So maybe the idea of another group building more forums in yet 
>another place is causing some confusion amongst members of the list.
>
>Re. the MacArthur forum - it was not my intention to fragment your 
>efforts (although I see your point!). Macarthur has gone through 
>great length to invite experts from the fields of education, new 
>media and other sciences into one forum. When they asked me to 
>suggest experts - I sent them your emails. I think you could have 
>contributed a lot to the discussions, and hoped you'd enjoy the 
>multidisciplinary interaction with other experts.
>
>The IP issues didn't even cross my mind. Perhaps it should have! Sorry.
>Before my next email - I'll be sure to get all of this in writing 
>from my editor.
>
>  > help us see what specifically you would like to focus on in your 
>chapter to avoid the chapter overlapping work we're already doing 
>professionally
>
>More on this once the rest clears up! but very quickly -
>
>I'm actually not sure what your book is about either. My chapter is 
>part of a series that concentrates on New Media, Learning and Youth. 
>The book that I'm part of deals with digital games and attempts to 
>complexify (is that a word?) the current discussions on how they 
>affect our youth. My particular chapter looks at games from the 
>special-needs perspective - considering all of the above.
>
>When most politicians are concerned with over-exposure of kids to 
>digital-games, I look at lack-of-play due to accessibility issues, 
>and also empowerment that games provide to many children with 
>special needs. I examine how various therapists utilize 
>digital-games to identify problems and hash them out in therapy. I 
>follow kids in wheelchairs that win international game 
>championships. I ask - do digital games provide us with new 
>opportunities in regards to therapy and normalcy? How are they 
>different from traditional games in that respect?
>
>My argument is that they indeed hold potential for unique benefits, 
>but unfortunately this potential is rarely reached due to 
>accessibility issues. Not all games are born the same, and not all 
>could be made accessible. But there's much that could be done to 
>improve the situation. So I describe what the 'fixable' issues are, 
>and provide a game-plan for designers, legislators and gamers 
>towards improving upon this. I advocate to some legislation and 
>corporate-education on the matter. I end the chapter with suggestion 
>for more research (which I could have used), and resources for 
>further reading.
>
>Lastly, I hope to include an appendix for designers - showing a 
>step-by-step adaptation of some games, and by doing so hashing out 
>some of the things I've learned in the past two years.
>
>So are we working on the same thing? there are probably great 
>similarities, but I think that our works can feed of each other and 
>create a larger buzz. I'm so sorry to hear that your work has been 
>used without permission! I promise that this will never happen here. 
>I will get it in writing before we continue.
>
>Amit
>
>
>
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