Our project begins with a simple goal: create a more accessible bowling experience that gives users a way to participate more independently through adaptive switch input.
Our client needs access to bowling through an adaptive switch that allows them to independently initiate the bowling action.
The family we are working with bowls together, and their daughter participates in Special Olympics through her school. Bowling is already a meaningful shared activity, but existing accessibility tools have not worked effectively for her.
She already has experience using a one-way switch, which creates an opportunity to adapt that familiar input into a bowling device that can significantly increase participation, independence, and social engagement.
Based on this need, we expanded our client base to include a broader audience of individuals for whom existing bowling accessibility devices are ineffective or inaccessible.
People with physical disabilities need to participate in bowling with friends, family, and peers, including at Special Olympics events because bowling supports social participation, reinforces cause and effect, and increases the user’s sense of agency and independence.
Limited affordable and adaptable accessibility devices are available.
Current options require intense setup, lack portability, and are difficult for families to use.
Users have fewer opportunities for full participation with peers.
There are few accessible technologies that are easy for others to recreate and adapt.
This challenge is about more than equipment. It is about helping users participate more directly, more confidently, and more socially in an activity shared with others.
A better solution allows users to initiate action themselves instead of depending completely on someone else.
Bowling becomes a more active shared experience with family, peers, and teams.
More accessible recreation supports confidence, engagement, and stronger social connection.
Bowl4All is built around accessibility, independence, and the goal of making shared recreation more inclusive.
View Bowl4All Prototypes