Adult day programs are often seen as quiet, structured spaces, where activities focus on safety, therapy, and skill-building. While these clinical elements are essential, experiences that foster community and inspire social connection are just as important.
Finding the right setting where people can mingle and feel comfortable isn’t always easy, but bringing people together is exactly where Nex Playground shines.
For some, the idea of video games in this setting might seem out of place. Others might imagine complicated setups filled with tangled wires, tricky controllers, or games moving too fast to follow. But what if you could remove all those barriers and get right to the fun?
Based in Summit County, Ohio, Individual Outcomes is an adult day program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Here, members have access to vocational training, support with daily living skills, and social opportunities to help build meaningful relationships.
CEO Zach Grnach is always looking for fresh ways to empower the community he serves. That search took an unexpected turn last Christmas, when he bought a Nex Playground for his kids. At first, he thought he’d just watch from the sidelines. But it wasn’t long before he was slicing fruit, whacking moles, and dancing right alongside them.
Somewhere in the middle of it all, he realized he was having fun. And when he saw himself on screen smiling with his family, that joy became undeniable. That’s when the spark hit: If Playground could bring his own family closer through active play, maybe it could bring the same joy to the people in his care.
Since introducing Playground to Individual Outcomes, it has quickly become a daily highlight that everyone eagerly anticipates. Each game creates a uniquely immersive experience, as participants see their movements translate into immediate, tangible responses. The result is genuine excitement and wonder.
“I like to hit the moles on the head and change their hard hat colors.”
— Nancy, describing her favorite game, Whack A-Mole Deluxe, on the Nex Playground.
Playground takes active gaming and condenses it into a single, palm-sized cube with just two cords and a single remote. In minutes, it’s ready to play—no steep learning curve, no controllers, no frustration. The games are movement-based, intuitive, and easy to follow, making them ideal for players of all abilities.
Beyond the fun for participants, Playground also creates shared moments that strengthen bonds between staff and the community they support. It’s a way for them to work together, laugh together, and celebrate small victories.
“The Nex Playground offers a truly inclusive and interactive gaming experience for the individuals we serve. Many of them would not be able to navigate traditional video game controllers, but with this technology, they’re able to engage fully through movement, touch, and visual interaction. It opens up a world of play that many people take for granted.
“What’s equally transformative is how it fosters meaningful engagement between staff and individuals. We’re able to stretch, move, and explore new experiences together in a way that supports both physical and social development. It’s not just about fun—it’s about accessibility, dignity, and creating moments of connection. The Nex Playground has given our individuals the opportunity to participate in something many never imagined possible.”
— Mary Beth Siegfried, Chief Operating Officer, Individual Outcomes
Playground is especially effective for individuals who need staff assistance. Traditional activities can feel passive or limiting for those with significant support needs. These interactive games, however, provide a dynamic play session that puts participants at the center of the action.
“It helps me move in ways that aren’t easy for me.”
— Aidan (with staff support), on how the Nex Playground supports his physical movement
As the Individual Outcomes’ team continues to explore and expand their use of Nex Playground, they’re grateful for technology that not only meets their community where they are, but also celebrates their abilities and creates space for genuine joy and connection every day.
Seeing Nex Playground in action at Individual Outcomes is exactly what inspired us to create this device in the first place. Our goal has always been to bring people together—no matter their age or ability—through play that’s accessible, engaging, and fun. Watching participants and staff move, laugh, and connect in new ways reminds us why interactive play is such a powerful tool for community and well-being.
It’s not just about the games themselves. It’s about the moments they create. When someone who may normally sit on the sidelines finds themselves at the center of an experience, or when staff and participants share a laugh while playing side by side, that’s when the magic happens. This is why we built Playground: to spark curiosity, joy, and connection wherever it’s introduced.
Want to see more stories like this? Visit the Playground for Good section in our Community Hub to explore how individuals and communities are engaging with Playground and making a real difference.
You can also become a Playground Champion to get the inside scoop on new programs, special initiatives, and find ways to help bring Playground to more communities, all while connecting with fellow fans who love to play as much as you do.
