Assistive Technology for Recreation & Leisure

Your Hobbies, Your Joy, Your Relaxation

Our dedicated team at the Michigan Assistive Technology Program believes that recreation and leisure activities are essential components of a full and meaningful life. We're committed to helping you rediscover or maintain the activities that bring you joy, creativity, and connection through assistive technology that breaks down barriers to participation.

background of image features variety of gaming controllers then there is a purple box with a quote reading There is just something about seeing someone light up when they can paint again, crochet with less pain, or beat a level in their favorite game. I love helping people rediscover joy, creativity, and confidence through tools that meet them where they are. abby squires gaming and crafting AT specialist and an image of a white woman smiling at a table with a variety of gaming AT

What is Recreation & Leisure AT?

Assistive Technology isn't just high-tech items to help with things revolving around the more serious parts in life, like work, school, or day-to-day tasks. It also plays a very important role in:

  • Maintaining your favorite hobbies after experiencing a life change
  • Supporting creative outlets
  • Finding new passions
  • Crocheting holiday gifts for loved ones
  • Connecting with friends on online gaming platforms
  • Participating in family game nights
  • Painting art that soothes your soul
  • Keeping your mind busy
  • Decompressing after a busy day
  • Finding entertainment during down time
  • Exploring new ways to relax
  • Access to reading for relaxation and entertainment

Looking for outdoor recreation AT? Visit our Outdoor Recreation AT page for fishing, camping, hunting, and other outdoor activities.

How We Fill the Gap

There is a lack of access to accessible tools that help one engage in activities they enjoy or would like to try, that they previously had barriers to participate in. Many people assume that after an injury, illness, or disability diagnosis, they must give up cherished hobbies or recreational activities.

Our program helps bridge this gap by demonstrating, loaning, and providing information about assistive technology solutions that make leisure activities accessible again. We believe that recreation isn't just a luxury—it's an essential part of wellbeing, social connection, and quality of life.

Why Recreation & Leisure AT Matters

Participation in recreational activities and hobbies provides numerous benefits:

  • Improved mental health and reduced stress
  • Enhanced social connections and reduced isolation
  • Cognitive stimulation and skills maintenance
  • Opportunities for creative expression
  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • A sense of accomplishment and purpose
  • Maintenance of fine motor skills
  • Improved quality of life and overall wellbeing

Examples of Recreation & Leisure AT

Our inventory includes a wide range of solutions to support participation in recreational activities:

automatic card dealer black cube with cards stacked in it and a display on the front stating how many players and cards and then a card coming out of the front and surrounding the cube is piles of cards that were dealt out

Automatic Card Dealer

An automatic card dealer makes playing cards easier and more enjoyable for people with limited hand strength, dexterity challenges, or one-handed play needs. With the push of a button, it deals cards quickly and evenly, allowing everyone to participate in games with friends and family. It’s a simple way to reduce barriers, encourage social interaction, and keep game night fun and inclusive.

xbox adaptive controller white rectangle with two large black dots and to the left a black directional pad and menu buttons

Xbox Adaptive Controller

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is designed for gamers with limited mobility or fine motor control, featuring large programmable buttons and ports for external switches and joysticks. This flexibility allows players to customize their setup for comfort and accessibility, making it easier to connect, compete, and socialize through gaming. For many, it’s not just about playing, it’s about belonging to a community and sharing experiences with friends.

Pink handled crochet hook with display screen and two buttons one with the letter s one with the letter r to keep track of what number stitch and row you are on

Counting Crochet Hook

The counting crochet hook features built-in buttons labeled “S” and “R” for stitches and rows, allowing users to keep track of their work with a simple press. Its slightly larger, ergonomic handle makes it easier to grip for people with arthritis, limited hand strength, or fine motor challenges. This tool helps with memory and reducing frustration, making crocheting more accessible, relaxing, and enjoyable for everyone.

Success Stories

Jon's Gaming Journey
Jon had a motor vehicle accident, which resulted in a high-level Spinal Cord Injury. Jon discussed the importance of getting back to gaming. He said, "For me it would be keeping my mind off of the injury. It's now easy to game with friends online. It can be hard to meet up in person, so gaming allows me to still connect with those that I like to game with. I like to play Call of Duty or Escape from Tarkov with friends."

Mary Free Bed staff provided a demonstration of MATP devices including the Xbox adaptive controller and Logitech adaptive gaming buttons in Rec Therapy. After trying them out, he has ordered the "quad stick" which is a sip and puff controller that individuals can use on a PC or counsel. Jon is looking forward to getting his sip and puff controller as it will give him more adaptability to games he enjoys playing and will give him independence in returning to gaming.

Sewing Group Experience
 MATP by request came out to a sewing group's gathering and brought out a bunch of AT for everyone to try. Some of the group had low vision, some had various types of arthritis and more, and they tested out items with ergonomic grips, lighted and magnified items, as well as things to aid in cutting, threading needles, different types of gripped pins and more. The participants were delighted to discover tools that could help them continue their cherished hobby with less pain and frustration.

Invite Us To

We'd love to show you how AT can enhance recreational activities! Invite us to:

  • Your Game Night
  • Your Quilting Group
  • Your Crochet Club
  • Your Craft Night
  • Your Book Club
  • Your Classroom
  • Your OT/PT Appointments
  • Your Foster Care and Youth Clubs
  • Your Inclusive Gaming Events and Conventions
  • Your Sewing Group
  • Your Art Classes
  • Your Music Programs
  • Your Community Recreation Centers

Try Recreation & Leisure AT for Free

Our FREE demonstrations and device loans allow you to explore options in your own environment before making decisions. We come to YOU anywhere in Michigan, bringing examples of recreation and leisure AT solutions that might help you participate more fully in the activities you love.

Whether you're looking to return to a beloved hobby after an injury, find new accessible recreational outlets, or simply make your favorite activities more comfortable, we're here to help you discover the possibilities.

Your hobbies, your joy, your technology—let's explore the possibilities together.

Contact MATP:

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AAC   -   Daily Living   -   Employment   -   Environmental Controls   -   Makers   -   Older Adults   -   Outdoor Recreation   -   Recreation & Leisure   -   Social Isolation   -   Youth