Relief International has been supporting people with disabilities in Türkiye since 2017—many of them Syrian refugees who have been severely injured by conflict or the catastrophic 2023 earthquake. Last year, we supported more than 25,000 people through our extensive rehabilitation program which focuses on improving both the physical and mental health of participants.
Healing meets gaming: A new approach to rehab
A Relief International healthworker supports a child to use gaming for recovery.
Rehabilitation can be a long and often challenging journey for people living with disabilities. Regaining balance, mobility, and independence requires patience and persistence, yet traditional therapy can sometimes feel repetitive or overwhelming.
Introducing tools that make rehabilitation more engaging is not just helpful—it is transformative. Recognizing this need, Relief International is using Nintendo’s interactive gaming technology as a rehabilitation method.
By turning physical therapy into an immersive and stress-free experience, Nintendo Switch–based exercises are helping patients stay motivated, consistent, and confident in their recovery.
“The Nintendo sessions were enjoyable and easy to follow, and Relief International’s support was a key factor in my commitment. I saw a significant improvement not just in the sessions but also in my ability to continue the exercises at home,” said one participant.
Comprehensive support that empowers participants
A Relief International healthworker supports a child to use gaming for recovery.
Over a structured two-month program, participants use specifically selected Nintendo Switch games that target balance, mobility, coordination, and strength—turning essential exercises into interactive experiences.
“At first, I found using the Nintendo complex, but by the second session, I was eagerly anticipating the next one. It helped me understand the exercises better and motivated me to keep going,” said another participant.
Expansion of services
Determined to deepen our impact, we are partnering with Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality to provide more rehabilitation services, including this gaming initiative.
This innovative partnership is paving the way—both for integrating rehabilitation and assistive technology into the public health system, and for advancing digital support.
We are honored to be able to provide these specialized services for the thousands of people in desperate need in Turkiye.
Thank you to ECHO (European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations) for making this life-changing work possible.
