As we all know, being disabled requires a certain amount of ingenuity. Every day we must take devices or apparatus that was intended for one purpose and turn it into something that makes being disabled just a little bit easier. That is the exact case with this freeware.  The original author intended to make game pads work with the computer, taking away the need for a keyboard and mouse.

It sounds pretty crazy but it's actually pretty simple.  You simply download the file, which you can get right here from AbleGamers, unzip the program, set up a few configurations and you're ready to go.  However, before I get into the specifics on how to make this program work for you, check out this video of Joy To Key being used to play Aion without ever touching the keyboard or mouse.

Now, I know what you're thinking, if you can't use a keyboard how do we expect you to use a PlayStation 3 controller.  Quite simply we don't. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Everyone's disability is different so some people may be able to use regular or modified platform controllers, whereas they could not use a keyboard. In addition, this technology recognizes adaptable switches that can be purchased or made at home.

Technology has come an amazing way. In fact, you can now get joysticks and switches that can be pressed with as little as 2g of force. Imagine a joystick the size of the pad of your thumb. Something that small can allow you to control a joystick for even the most popular FPS/MMO games.

Setting up JoyToKey

Setup is easy and can be done with the traditional keyboard or an on-screen keyboard. Simply unzip the file from where ever you saved the file to, and double-click on the exe. You should immediately notice that a user manual comes with the program for easy reference.

First, click create, then name your custom profile something easy to remember. Personally, I name each one to whatever videogame I'm using with the program. I also have a default custom profile that has the traditional WASD - since this is the standard configuration for most videogames.

After you save your new custom profile, double-click on the word "left."  That should bring up the configuration menu, which you can set your key binding to whichever keyboard command you would like to use.  If you are on this section for the left arrow, simply press the left arrow on your keyboard or your on-screen keyboard.

In most cases, you'll simply use the left arrow for left, the right arrow for right, and so on.  Once you have all of the directions set up, your joystick will now emulate the same functions as if you were using the keyboard to control your movement.

Make sure to remember not to close the program until you are finished gaming. The program must remain open, just as voice activation programs need to remain active, while using the software to play games.

Using JoyToKey to play games for disabled gamers

There are numerous combinations one could use with JoyToKey to make gaming a reality for just about any disabled gamer.  If you have the ability to move a joystick with your thumb, mouth, fingers, or foot - you can play complicated games that require directional movement.

You can either set up to joystick to use WASD under the keyboard shortcuts tab or you may choose the mouse tab, which would allow you to control the mouse with your joystick.  In addition, you can set any button to "auto shoot" in order to repeatedly press the key of your choice. This makes for first-person shooters that have unlimited ammo extremely easy.

For example, after finding a joystick or lightweight switch setup that feels comfortable for you, you could then use a voice activation program such as Say2Play to control the button movement.  Another example would be to use the mouse settings with the joystick in combination with any keys you might be able to push on the keyboard.

As you can see, JoyToKey can open up many more doors for disabled gamers with very limited mobility. If you cannot afford some of the more pricey assistive technology switches, you can always make your own following the instruction on how to start building your own 2g switch for a few dollars.

We know this is a lot of overwhelming information, and since pictures are worth 1000 words. Video must be worth quite a lot more. So, please check out the following video for step-by-step instructions on how to set up your JoyToKey software.

Comments (3)

jason

November 05, 2009

Votes: +0

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Hi,

Loved this article. are there joysticks the size of the pad of your thumb almost like mini cup switch on enablemart.com I can buy to velcro to my thumb.

shadow24243

February 17, 2010

Votes: +1

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i have a off brand usb ps3 game stop controller that works on my pc normally but i want to use it on games without a controller capability but i can only set up one joy stick how do i get both to work one for the mouse the other for the arrows

markanthony

April 08, 2010

Votes: +2

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how can i use this in the game of doom3?ty

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