u/Adventurous_Tie_9031

Image 1 — Rebuilding my one-handed gaming prototype fundraiser after being scammed
Image 2 — Rebuilding my one-handed gaming prototype fundraiser after being scammed
Image 3 — Rebuilding my one-handed gaming prototype fundraiser after being scammed
Image 4 — Rebuilding my one-handed gaming prototype fundraiser after being scammed
Image 5 — Rebuilding my one-handed gaming prototype fundraiser after being scammed
Image 6 — Rebuilding my one-handed gaming prototype fundraiser after being scammed
Image 7 — Rebuilding my one-handed gaming prototype fundraiser after being scammed

Rebuilding my one-handed gaming prototype fundraiser after being scammed

sup guys joe again

after losing my right arm in a motorcycle accident i started building a custom one handed gaming controller so i could game and use a computer independently again

what started as a homemade setup slowly turned into a real working concept that combines keypad controls and mouse movement into one device for one handed use

i originally launched a gofundme to help build a professional prototype but unfortunately i got scammed during the process and had to restart everything from scratch. honestly it sucked but im still pushing forward because this project means a lot to me personally. beware of scammers inboxing you!

this project is about regaining accessibility and independence for myself. but after sharing the idea online ive also heard from amputees disabled gamers and people with mobility limitations who said theyd love to see something like this exist too

even sharing the fundraiser helps more than you know so thank you for reading and supporting me

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-joe-build-onehanded-accessibility-device

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 8 days ago

A few years ago I lost my right arm in a motorcycle accident. After struggling with traditional keyboard and mouse setups, I started building a one-handed adaptive controller prototype so I could continue using my PC comfortably.

What started as a personal project has grown into something aimed at helping amputees, veterans, kids with physical limitations, people with nerve injuries, RSI, disabled users, and others who struggle with traditional input devices.

The project has since been covered by outlets like Tom’s Hardware, TechSpot, Dexerto, and Yanko Design, which made me start thinking more about the future of adaptive hardware in general.

As computers become more central to everyday life, do you think accessibility-focused input devices will eventually become more mainstream instead of remaining niche products?

reddit.com
u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 17 days ago

Hey everyone,

A few years ago I lost my right arm in a motorcycle accident. After struggling with everyday computer use, I started building my own one-handed adaptive input device called ERCHAM.

The goal is to help kids with disabilities, amputees, people with nerve injuries, mobility limitations, RSI, and others who have difficulty using traditional keyboard and mouse setups.

I already built a working prototype and I’m currently trying to raise money to continue development and build a proper production-ready version.

I’m not asking for electronics or equipment. Honestly, even just sharing the GoFundMe anywhere you can would help a lot and could get more eyes on the project.

I'll link it in the comments! if allowed.

Thank you for reading and for any support or shares. It really means a lot to me.

- Joe

reddit.com
u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 17 days ago

quick context if you didnt see my last posts

im building something called ERCHAM, its basically a one handed gaming setup where the keypad + mouse are combined into one device so you can move aim and hit keys all with one hand

it started as a janky prototype i made using a razer tartarus after i lost my right arm, because honestly nothing out there actually lets you properly game one handed

this is mainly for

  • one handed gamers
  • amputees
  • people with mobility issues
  • or anyone dealing with pain / fatigue from long sessions

update:

so yeah the first manufacturer i went with is looking like a total scam
tons of red flags, bad communication, stuff not lining up
so i pulled out
not gonna risk this project on that

what now

switching to plan B
raise a bit of money and go with an actual legit manufacturer that knows what theyre doing
basically do it the right way this time

where things are at

actually pretty close still

  • prototype works
  • patent is filed
  • demand is real (you guys proved that big time)

now its just about getting real production going

not quitting or anything, just taking the smarter path now

really appreciate all of you

also i just cleaned up the project page and made it look way better if you wanna check it out

https://www.ercham.com

always looking for more disabled gamers supporters!

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 19 days ago

Hey everyone, I just wanted to share a quick update and say thank you.

I didn’t expect to get this close this fast.

A few years ago, I lost my right arm in a motorcycle accident. One of the hardest things to lose wasn’t just mobility, it was gaming. It was how I relaxed, connected with people, and felt normal.

So I built something for myself, a one-handed gaming setup that actually works. Not a workaround. Not a compromise. Something real.

Now I’m trying to take that prototype and turn it into something others can use too, people like me, or anyone who struggles with traditional setups.

This fundraiser is helping cover the costs to push that forward, prototyping, development, and getting it into something real and usable.

Being this close to the goal is kind of surreal.

If you’ve already donated, shared, or even just taken the time to read, seriously, thank you. It means more than you know.

If we can push through this last stretch, it would make a huge difference.

Link here if you want to check it out or share:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-make-onehanded-gaming-real

Let’s finish this.

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 19 days ago

Hey everyone, quick update and thank you.

I’m honestly blown away by the support so far.

A few years ago I lost my right arm in a motorcycle accident, and with it, gaming, something that was a huge part of my life. So I built my own one-handed setup just to be able to play again.

Now I’m trying to turn that into something real that can help others too.

This fundraiser is helping me push that forward, and being this close to the goal is incredible.

If you’ve donated or shared, thank you, seriously.
If you can help push it over the finish line, it would mean everything.

Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-make-onehanded-gaming-real

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 19 days ago

Hi all, I’m a solo founder working on an early-stage hardware product in the gaming/accessibility space and looking for feedback and potentially a small check to unlock the next stage.

What I’m building:
A one-handed gaming input device that combines a programmable keypad and a full mouse into a single unit. It enables complete PC control (movement, aiming, actions) with one hand.

Why it exists:
I lost my right arm and couldn’t find a real solution for one-handed PC gaming. Everything on the market is either incomplete, overpriced, or requires multiple devices. So I built my own working prototype using existing hardware.

Current status:

  • Functional DIY prototype (proves concept works)
  • Provisional patent filed (core interaction + integration)
  • Strong early validation (tens of thousands of views + high engagement in gaming/accessibility communities)
  • Clear manufacturing path identified

Immediate need:
I’m raising a small $5K–$10K bridge to fund a fully engineered prototype (housing + PCB + firmware + integrated sensor).

This prototype will be used for:

  • Kickstarter campaign (target ~$100K+)
  • Demo + partner conversations
  • Transition into small-batch production

Why this is interesting (at this stage):

  • Solves a real, underserved problem (accessibility + gaming overlap)
  • Hardware margins are strong at scale
  • Clear path: prototype → crowdfunding → production
  • Potential licensing angle with larger peripheral companies

What I’m looking for:

  • Feedback from people who’ve funded early hardware
  • Advice on structuring small checks at this stage
  • Open to a small investment ($5K–$10K) or split across multiple contributors

If anyone has experience in early-stage hardware, accessibility tech, or wants to get involved at the ground level, I’d be happy to connect.

Thanks in advance.

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 20 days ago

Hey everyone,

I don’t usually ask for help like this, but I’m in a contest right now and it ends in about an hour and a half. I’m currently sitting in 3rd place, and it’s really close.

This means a lot to me, I’ve been working hard on this project, and even a small push could make the difference between placing or missing it entirely.

If you have a minute, I’d really appreciate a vote. It’s quick and just requires a facebook account login! it would genuinely help me out a lot.

https://entrepreneurofimpact.org/2026/joe-tomasulo

Thank you to anyone who takes the time,seriously, it means more than you know.

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 22 days ago
🔥 Hot ▲ 10.0k r/gaming

(*EDIT: added the landing page to the project idea at the bottom of the post, since a lot of people were asking to find it)

I lost my right arm in a severe accident.

one of the hardest things to lose was gaming. Standard PC Gaming assume two hands keyboard in one hand, mouse in the other so i was screwed basically.

I tried different setups, but nothing gave me the control and speed I wanted.

so I started experimenting.

I bought a Razer Tartarus as a proof of concept, modified the controls, literally hot glued a mouse to the side, remapped inputs, added a strap and built a rough one handed setup to see if full keyboard + mouse gaming with one hand was even possible.

It worked.

that first prototype let me move, aim, click, shoot, and use abilities again. It was pretty ugly, but it proved the concept worked. i can play basically anygame now. fast paced FPS, mmo, rpg, etc...

once I knew that, I started designing a proper version from scratch.

I took the Tartarus-style layout, cut it in half, mirrored it into a universal housing, added a built-in mouse sensor, hand strap, support system, and extra inputs to create a true one handed gaming device.

the goal was simple:

  • integrated mouse control
  • full keybind access
  • ergonomic comfort for long sessions
  • ambidextrous use
  • reduced hand travel
  • built for actual gaming

what started as a necessity turned into something I think could help a lot of people:

  • one handed gamers
  • amputees
  • players wanting a compact setup
  • disabled gamers
  • kids with physical limitations who still deserve to play games too

I just wanted to game again.

now Id love to get this made for kids with physical limitations and disabled gamers who need better options.

Happy to answer questions or show gameplay if anyone wants.

check out my 1st ever landing page here! (1st time web developing go easy on me lol):
https://www.ercham.com

thanks gamers

- Joe

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 24 days ago
▲ 1.9k r/gamingpc

(EDIT* added landing page at bottom of post because so many people asked for it in dm's)

Five years ago I lost my right arm in a severe accident.

One of the hardest things to lose was PC gaming. Standard setups assume two hands keyboard in one hand, mouse in the other and suddenly i was screwed lol

I tried different setups, but nothing gave me the control and speed I wanted.

So I started experimenting.

I used a Razer Tartarus as a proof of concept, modified the controls, literally hot glued a mouse to the side, remapped inputs, and built a rough one-handed setup to see if full keyboard + mouse gaming with one hand was even possible.

It was.

That first prototype let me move, aim, click, loot, and use abilities again. It wasn’t pretty, but it proved the concept worked.

Once I knew that, I started designing a proper version from scratch.

I took the Tartarus-style layout, mirrored it into a universal housing, added a built-in mouse sensor, hand strap, support system, and extra inputs to create a true one-handed gaming device.

the goal was simple:

  • integrated mouse control
  • full keybind access
  • ergonomic comfort for long sessions
  • ambidextrous use
  • reduced hand travel
  • built for actual PC gaming

What started as a necessity turned into something I think could help:

  • one-handed gamers
  • amputees
  • RSI / nerve injury users
  • players wanting a compact setup
  • anyone interested in new ways to play

For me though, it was simpler than that.

I just wanted to game again.

1st ever website go easy on me:
https://www.ercham.com

Happy to answer questions or show gameplay if anyone wants.

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 24 days ago

EDIT: (Please appreciate the absurd amount of time it took me to Photoshop my face onto The Two Towers cover.)

Greetings Mellons,

A little while back I shared my story with another Tolkien community, and the kindness I received meant more than I can say. So now I come here, asking once more for the aid of Middle-earth.

Five years ago, I lost the use of my right arm. One of the losses I never expected to feel so deeply was gaming. Nearly every controller and setup assumes two hands.

So I decided to forge my own solution.

That idea became ERCHAM, a one-handed gaming device whose name comes from Elvish roots meaning “one-handed.” Tolkien’s stories always carried a message I needed: losing something does not mean your journey is over.

Since then, the project has grown, and I’ve been selected for the Entrepreneur of Impact 2026 contest.

So I humbly ask for aid once more.

Only 3 days remain in the contest
Votes are currently worth 2x right now

If you’d like to support me, voting is free and only takes a Facebook login:

https://entrepreneurofimpact.org/2026/joe-tomasulo

Learn more here:
www.ercham.com

This is bigger than me. It’s about making gaming possible again for amputees, disabled players, and anyone who thought that door had closed forever.

If you vote, share, or even just upvote, you have my sincere thanks.

The beacons are lit. Gondor calls for aid.

And I hope this fellowship answers.

Thank you all. The road goes ever on.

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 25 days ago
▲ 3 r/IndustrialDesign+1 crossposts

Hey everyone, I’m looking to hire someone experienced with SolidWorks to help modify an existing STEP file for a hardware project I’m developing.

I already have a base model and need help refining a key control area, improving ergonomics, and getting the design closer to a polished prototype.

What I need help with:

  • Editing / cleaning up imported STEP geometry
  • Redesigning part of the control layout
  • Refining shape and comfort of key interaction areas
  • Splitting the model into usable parts/components if needed
  • Preparing the design for prototyping / manufacturing
  • General CAD / mechanical design input

Paid project. If interested, please DM me with:

  1. Experience / portfolio
  2. Rates
  3. Availability

Happy to share more details privately.

Thanks!

u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 — 25 days ago