About us
WARFIGHTER ENGAGED is a 501(C)3, volunteer charitable non-profit with a mission to improve the lives of severely wounded and disabled warfighters through custom adapted devices. We modify video game controllers, make prosthetic enhancements, recreational and other novel devices for greater independence. With no two injuries or disabilities being alike and no readily available solutions to address these specific needs, the vast majority of modifications to these devices can only be determined by one on one interaction with the individual. This service is performed for wounded and disabled veterans at Walter Reed NMMC, Brooke Army Medical Center, individual's homes and other locations as needed. All adapted items are provided at no cost to the warfighter.
Game controller modification work ranges from relocated buttons for those with upper limb mobility issues or single hand amputees to table top rigs for multiple upper limb amputees where every input is re‐mapped to more convenient interface methods such as paddles, levers, bumpers or large buttons. Beyond the recreational items are devices to help the disabled veterans cope with the basic daily living functions we all take for granted. The therapeutic potential of video games is an emerging field, and we aim to support our Veterans through custom adapted video gaming controllers and more complex rigs. We also develop prosthetic adapters to help users get the most out of the prosthesis some must wear. Warfighter Engaged exists because it is the least we can do to help our wounded and disabled service members after the sacrifices they have made.
For more information, contact info@warfighterengaged.org
Our Core Team
Ken Jones
FOUNDER
Ken Jones is the founder of Warfighter Engaged. He is a mechanical engineer by trade as well as an avid video gamer. Ken is also the primary designer and builder of the adapted devices for the org. He started WFE in 2012 after numerous visits to Walter Reed NMMC in Bethesda, Md. During one visit, he was requested to make a few game controller adaptations for some severely injured combat veterans. Seeing the immediate physical and emotional benefits of these adapted controllers, it was obvious that there was a need for this type of dedicated service.
Dr. Erik Johnson
Chief Medical Officer
Twitter and Instagram: @OTUnleashed
As an army occupational therapist for more than ten years, Major Erik Johnson was instrumental in the care for service members who had sustained devastating physical, cognitive and mental health injuries during combat operations. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his work with brain injuries while deployed to Afghanistan. Erik serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Warfighter Engaged and has been instrumental in the reintroduction of independence for Warfighters who have suffered devastating injuries resulting in a compromised ability to engage in gaming as they once did. In that role, Erik also consults with individuals and organizations on accessibility and adaptive gaming as well as hosts gaming clinics for different organizations around the world. Erik graduated with his Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a focus on accessible technology and inclusive design.
Dr. Kaitlyn Jones (OTR/L, OTD)
Director of Clinical Outreach
Twitter: @KaitlynJones_
Dr. Jones is a Program Manager on the XBOX Gaming Accessibility Team, an opportunity that allows her to leverage her background in occupational therapy to inform inclusive product design across Xbox platform experiences, game titles, and hardware development processes. She graduated from Boston University with her OTD degree in May of 2022. As a passionate advocate of the ways in which accessible technology can enhance the quality of life of all people, Dr. Jones has done extensive research exploring the benefits of video game play that extend beyond fun and leisure to functional performance, mental health and social participation. As the Director of Clinical Outreach for Warfighter Engaged, Dr. Jones consults with clinicians, private practices, hospitals and other clinical organizations regarding the importance of inclusive design, adapted technology, and the benefits of video game integration into therapeutic settings.