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A fascinating technology allows this disabled man to play video games by using his mouth

jouse-technology-ken
YouTube/NoHandsKen

On his official Twitch profile, Canadian streamer Ken Worrall describes the "windy day" twenty years ago when a pair of 2x4 wooden planks fell five stories and crashed onto the back of his head, shattering his helmet and paralyzing him from the neck down. Worrall woke up in the hospital to a lifelong diagnosis of quadriplegia; he'd never use his arms or legs independently again.

As Worrall recounts in a touching personal video, he initially could only communicate by blinking his eyes, eventually re-gaining speech and the ability to breathe unassisted and sit up on his own. 

Years of physical therapy sessions followed, and it was there that Worrall was introduced to Jouse, a breakthrough in assistive technology that works both as a keyboard replacement and a joystick, allowing him to play popular video games using a multi-functional mouthpiece.

"This lady came in from [rehabilitation center] G.F. Strong and said, 'Ken, I got something you might like. This new game called Diablo.' And I said 'This is kinda cool. I'm kinda into like magic and swords and all that stuff. How can I play it?'"

The joystick extension controls the mouse and swivels and pivots similar to a stylus. Jouse users "sip" and "puff" on the Jouse's mouthpiece, using their teeth and tongue to control the device. A brief intake of air, a "sip," will left-click, while a sharp exhale, a "puff," will right-click. 

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Since then, Worrall has become a staple of the online gaming circuit under the name: NoHandsKen.  

"That day when the woman came and introduced me to those games really opened up my life and I think gave me the confidence to get through my injury and be who I am today," Worrall said. 

Tech Insider recently spoke with Paul Mitten, Vice President of Compusult, the Canadian company that redesigned and re-released the Jouse joystick in 2002. 

"We've been surprised to discover the many applications and ways in which individuals are effectively using the Jouse for everything from running a business to art work to online gaming," Mitten told us. 

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Invented in 1995 by the accessibility non-profit, The Neil Square Society, Compusult relaunched the Jouse joystick in 2002. Debuting as "Jouse 2," the new version added a host of updated including an on-screen keyboard, a USB interface, and a lower price tag. The updated version, Jouse 3, allows further accessibility by using external switches in case the user can't sip or puff (i.e., the rely on a respirator) and more mobile device capability. It retails for roughly $1,600. 

This video demonstrates how its used: 

"Our goals when we created the Jouse2 and Jouse3 ... was to provide a system that is plug-and-play with many different devices," Mitten told us. "Easy to learn, use, and maintain; constructed of high-quality components to ensure reliability and durability; and available worldwide for a reasonable cost."

jouse3_2
Here's a look at Jouse 3. Jouse/Compusult Ltd.

Mitten told us that Jouse was initially designed for quadriplegics, like Worrall, and people with a variety of neurological disabilities like muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. There are multiple versions of Jouse: Jouse 2 and Jouse 3 are on the market now and Mitten confirmed plans for a Jouse 4. Mitten told us that although Jouse 2 was initially designed as a keyboard and mouse replacement, they were very surprised to see it become a staple for disabled gamers. 

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"We were very surprised and pleased to learn that there is a growing number of users who are expertly playing challenging, action-oriented games using a Jouse2 or Jouse3," Mitten said. "And their ability to do so has made the Jouse become a staple for physically disabled gamers."

jouse-tech-diablo
YouTube/NoHandsKen

Worrall is part of an emerging community of disabled gamers supported by charities like Special Effects and Able Gamers, becoming a more visible part of the online gaming sphere. 

Mitten says further updates to Jouse will take into account mobile devices, which he says is a key area in improving the lives of disabled users. 

"New technologies such as mobile devices can significantly enhance the lifestyles, independence, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities," he told us. 

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Mitten sees Jouse at the forefront of this series of improvements. 

"We see that continuing in future, but only if accessibility is incorporated into products, directly or via proven solutions such as the Jouse," Mitten said.

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