A GLEN Hills resident is on a mission to make gaming technology more accessible for people living with disabilities with an organisation he started last year.

David Williams, who was born without legs below his knees, began Konke Gamers, which is dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for people with disabilities through the power of video games.

The 38-year-old, a multiple KZN para surfing champion, said he knows all too well the feeling of isolation and exclusion from the physical world which led him to begin this mission.

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“Gaming has always been a special part of my life, particularly on the Nintendo. As a child I experienced bullying because of my disability and gaming was always my escape. Gaming literally saved my life. I used it as an escape from the world around me and I was able to do things I can’t physically do in real life, in that sense transcending the boundaries of the physical world.

“The isolation and lack of inclusion led me to start doing some research on a new mission. I wanted to do something outside of sports and I wanted it to be in line with gaming and that’s when I came across an international organisation called AbleGamers. It shocked me to know what I went through in school with physical sports and activities was actually happening in the gaming world. There were multiple barriers to limit physically disabled people from entering the gaming world, it was like a lightbulb moment, I just knew this was something I wanted to get behind,” he said.

After reaching out to the Brazilian branch of the organisation, Williams began working on adapters and prototypes by creating custom, specialised equipment for disabled gamers, tailored to their needs through his organisation, Konke Gamers.

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“I chose Konke because in isiZulu the word means ‘everything’. I felt it was all inclusive and represented best what I’m hoping to achieve,” he said.

He also has the support of his fiancé Karen Veldsman, as well as Bruce and Lee Cardoso who are part of the Konke Gamers team.

Using his own money, Williams also bought a 3-D printer and began working on the custom builds.

“So far I’ve worked with three people, one of whom my prosthetist identified. A huge part of this journey is peer counseling, providing personalised support to help players find the right equipment. It is the best way to find out what they want from their gaming experience. Being able to help in the gaming world that saved my life is something I can’t fully express with words. Creating connections for people with disabilities, helping them build friendships and participate in a world I love is just an incredible feeling,” he said.

If you would like to support Williams, email david@konkegamers.co.za or follow Konke Gamers on Instagram under the handle @konkegamersza.

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