SpecialEffect is a new West Oxfordshire-based charity that is dedicated to helping all young people with disabilities to enjoy computer games and self-expression through technology.

For these children, the majority of computer games are simply too quick or too difficult for them to play, so volunteers help them and their parents to find out which games they can play, and how to adapt games that are too difficult.

Without the help of specially developed technology and specialist support, many people with severe disabilities are deprived of the social and leisure opportunities that the rest of us take for granted.

SpecialEffect can help people with disabilities communicate with friends through text messaging or emailing, surf the web, or even to create music.

The charity is the brainchild of Dr Mick Donegan, an acknowledged leader in technology for disabled people.

Matt Hampson, a promising England under-21 rugby player who was tragically paralysed while training, is one person who has been helped by this technology.

Nearly two years on from Dr Donegan's first visit to Matt at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Matt is settled back at home using this specialised technology. Now Matt is in a position where he is able to help others by becoming the patron of SpecialEffect.

The charity was only officially launched in January, in conjunction with the launch of the Matt Hampson-inspired StarGaze appeal.

The StarGaze project buys and supports the use of gaze-controlled technology to help people who suffer a sudden, traumatic injury or illness. If they cannot speak or move any part of their body other than their eyes, SpecialEffect will be able to help them to communicate and take control of their lives again through such adapted computers.

SpecialEffect specialises in games for young people with disabilities and is developing an online database of games that was initially established by the ACE Centre in Oxford before being taken over by SpecialEffect.

The charity was fortunate enough to receive a grant from Fox FM and the V Charity initiative to establish roadshow events for six months. These are aimed at groups within Oxfordshire. Young people with disabilities will be able to try out a range of technology, so they can try to play the same games as their able bodied peers.

SpecialEffect is interested in hearing from people who might be interested in volunteering for the charity, either in relation to computer gaming, or helping with fundraising.

To find out more about the work visit the www.specialeffect.org.uk website and contact Mick Donegan via info@specialeffect.org.uk. To learn more about Matt Hampson, visit: www.matthampson.co.uk