A standing location detector enabling people with developmental disabilities to control environmental stimulation through simple physical activities with Nintendo Wii Balance Boards.

The team plugged two Nintendo Wii Balance Boards into a laptop.

When a person stood on a board and shifted weight, the computer turned on lights, music, or a fan.

Two adults with developmental disabilities tried the game in an ABAB reversal design.

Baseline had no toys. Intervention let the boards turn on the fun stuff.

Baseline came back, then the fun stuff returned.

Both people quickly learned to rock or step to turn on the lights and music.

Their movement almost stopped when the toys were unplugged.

The effect reversed each time the researchers switched the phases.

Chang et al. (2016) did the same trick with a $10 air-mouse taped to a calf.

Kids walked more when the air-mouse triggered videos.

Both studies show cheap motion sensors can replace fancy switches.

Fine et al. (2005) used walker buttons to deliver favorite stimuli for each step.

Shih (2011) extends that idea to standing still and shifting weight.

Together they form a toolkit: step sensor, calf sensor, or balance board—pick the motion you want to see.

You can buy used Wii Boards for pocket change.

Plug them in, load free software, and clients can produce their own reinforcement with simple weight shifts.

No staff need to hover and deliver tokens.

The setup works for people who can stand but won’t walk, or who need to build leg strength.

Try it during break time, therapy, or while waiting for the bus.