Despite a life-altering incident that left him blind, Minor has embraced video gaming as both a passion and a career. His mission centers around ensuring that blind individuals have the opportunity to enjoy any video game of their choice.
To some, the idea may seem far-fetched, given that video games are inherently visual. The term ‘video’ originates from the Latin word for ‘see’, raising questions about the accessibility of such a medium for those without sight. Yet, Minor is proving that it is indeed possible. He has managed to make a name for himself, consulting on notable titles like Rare’s Sea of Thieves and Xbox’s As Dusk Falls. Additionally, he narrated the audio description for Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender and is currently involved in several projects with major studios, though confidentiality agreements restrict him from disclosing specific names.
Minor dedicates significant time to advocating for blind gamers, an effort not everyone in his situation can commit to. Reflecting on his past, he acknowledges the privilege he holds compared to others. After being shot by his father—a traumatic event that occurred when society was still grappling with the implications of gun violence—he received support through local fundraising, which helped secure a college fund for him and provided some financial security.
Nonetheless, the challenges of being disabled are daunting. Despite his involvement in various jobs within the gaming industry, Minor depends on survivor benefits, Social Security, and food stamps to make ends meet. He recognizes the struggle but maintains an optimistic outlook about pursuing his passion.
While dining at a pizza place, Minor requests assistance reading the menu. Although he could use a phone app that scans and vocalizes text—something he has mastered with remarkable speed—his choice to ask for help might also reflect a desire to connect and engage those around him.
One striking feature of Minor is the large blue Gyarados tattoo on his right arm, symbolizing both his love for swimming and the impact of Pokémon on his life. Minor’s journey in swimming began in middle school, where his talent earned him a place on the US Paralympic team. His aspirations to compete in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 were dashed, however, after he chose to withdraw during a challenging period of depression.
Yet it was in the hospital, during his recovery, that his fascination with Pokémon ignited. “I still don’t remember the specific day,” he recalls while taking a bite of pizza. “It very much feels like a dream. But I remember one of my friends would visit me from school, and I just wanted to talk to him about Pokémon. So he would play his game for me next to the bed, and I would listen, and I realized that sometimes I could tell what was going on.”
Though not designed with accessibility in mind, the Pokémon games proved ‘accidentally accessible’ for him. Each Pokémon emits a unique cry that indicates its type and actions. Having invested countless hours into Pokémon Ruby, Minor became adept at recognizing these cries, allowing him to engage with the game in a way that resonated with his abilities and interests.