14 DAY TRIAL // Although most of you just want to hear about the latest game trailers, screens, demos etc., some will find it interesting to know that Robert Florio, a quadriplegic and an advocate for accessible video gaming has teamed up with David Perry, Acclaim's Chief Creative Officer, to help create games for individuals with physical impairments. Florio won the first ever Dean's Merit Award which honors a student who has demonstrated an extraordinary accomplishment and who promotes academic integrity.
For those interested in the ceremony, it will take place at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, 4141 Fifth Avenue, from 5:30-7:30. For those interested in knowing more about video games addressed to physically impaired individuals, read on.
According to a recent report, shockingly the mainstream video games that are accessible to individuals with disabilities do not currently exist within the $11 billion video game industry. That's probably going to change though, since Acclaim's David Perry has been working with video games for 20 years (and counting).
"It's been a long road, but today is part one of a dream come true," said Florio. "I now look forward to continuing my work and ongoing efforts to make video games available and accessible for people like me."
Cynthia Liefeld, Vice President, Academic Affairs had this to say about Robert and his achievements: "Since arriving at The Art Institute last year, I have wanted to create a student award that recognizes academic effort, integrity, perseverance and that embodies the goals of the institution. I am especially delighted to be able to present the first Dean's Merit Award to Robert. All of our students are unique and add dimensionally to our programs. And Robert personifies what this award means."
After a diving accident left Florio paralyzed at age 14, Robert Florio learned to express himself through art, using his mouth to draw and paint. He later combined his talent and his love for video games into a life goal to earn a degree in Game Art & Design and create accessible video games for people with disabilities..