Pioneers: Ken Yankelevitz
Quadriplegic Accessible Gaming for 30+ years
WORK IN PROGRESS (26-6-2026): "KYE was started in 1981 when Atari referred Ken Yankelevitz to a teenage quadriplegic in Pennsylvania who wanted to play video games. His family and church were searching for something to spark his interest in living after his accident. Ken has had technical help and referrals from many of the game manufacturers over the years. Several KYE customers play video games most of their waking hours, and one is ranked in the top 100 in the world in the internet version of Navy Seals. KYE customers are children up to middle-aged. These game controllers put them on an equal playing field with their friends."
Latest News: Blog posts on BBC Micro Accessibility
Introduction
Ken Yankelevitz Gallery
Adverts
Articles
Spirit 1982
Vital Flight Sim
YouTube Playlist
Go Back
Ken Yankelevitz Gallery Adverts
Articles
Spirit 1982
Vital Flight Sim
YouTube Playlist Go BackWork in progress
To do:
Slideshow.
Articles (fix above thumb-nail link)
Adverts (fix above thumb-nail link)
Credits.
Go through Markus resources
Sony referrals- Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative - DATI Newsletter
Fred Davison saw 2011 NBC news piece.
"May his memory always be a blessing."
Slideshow.
Articles (fix above thumb-nail link)
Adverts (fix above thumb-nail link)
Credits.
Go through Markus resources
Sony referrals- Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative - DATI Newsletter
Fred Davison saw 2011 NBC news piece.
"May his memory always be a blessing."
• AbleData (1993-2007)
• A.N.A.L.O.G. Computing (Jul 1983)
• Electronic Games (Oct 1982 p83)
ARTICLES by Diane Yankelevitz
• Electronic Games (Dec 1984)
• Electronic Games (Feb 1983)
ARTICLES
• Ken Yankelevitz (Markus Spöhrer) (2026)
• (9-2016)
• Evolution of Equality (New Mobility) (2014)
• Mirror
• Quadstick.com
• Quadstick Kickstarter (Fred Davison) (2014)
• Ken's call for help (2014)
• OneSwitch e-mail interview with Ken (2012)
• 30 Years of Quadriplegic Gaming (NBC) (2011)
• Video Gaming for Quadripegics (ABC) (2011)
• Truly Innovative Controllers (TGR) (2009)
• Accessible Gaming Pioneers (OneSwitch) (2005)
• Quadcontrol.com (archive 1999-2016)
• The LA Times (12 Jun 1983)
• Joystik (Apr 1983 p62)
• Video Games magazine (Mar 1983)
• The Video Game Update (Dec 1982)
• Spirit (McDonnell Douglas) (Oct 1982)
• Atari referrals (1981)
• OneSwitch blog posts on KYE
• Spotify Music
PRIOR SIP-PUFF SYSTEMS
• MAVIS (1975-1981)
• VAPC Magnavox Odyssey (1972)
• POSM (1960)
Credits: Ken Yankelevitz and family. Markus Spöhrer (for extra resources and GAconf video). thecellartroll (Spirit A3 scans).
Below: The 1973 Vital II flight simulator system, which I believe Ken built controls for later on in its development. Not 100% sure on that.
Below: The 1973 Vital II flight simulator system, which I believe Ken built controls for later on in its development. Not 100% sure on that.