Non Profit Stories | From desminopathy to an inclusive video game: the story of Silvio and The handYcapped. An association born out of a rare disease that has become a project combining creativity, humor, and social commitment. From coloring books and school programs to purpose-driven t-shirts and a video game in development, The handYcapped aims to reshape how people see disability. Because, as Silvio says: “If a handYcapp can do it…”

Morning of May 28, 2025.

Silvio Binca greets us with energy, though he doesn’t hide that “the morning was shit.” He says it without drama or embarrassment, with that mix of honesty and positivity that defines him.

We’ll admit it: the person writing this wondered whether that kind of language was appropriate for this article. But we decided to go with it. Because normalizing, without sugar-coating, is exactly what Silvio does every day.

Calling things by their name, without glossing over them, is part of his genuine and direct approach. It’s a way to show that life with a rare disease isn’t just smiles and Hollywood-style bravery. It’s also real hardship, exhaustion, and moments that are, quite frankly, shitty. And that’s okay. Because just like in any game, you don’t always win on your first try. There are obstacles to overcome, strategies to rethink, and above all, the strength to keep playing, to keep trying.

Silvio tells us he’s doing better now. And honestly, speaking with him, we feel better too.

Non Profit Stories: Sharing Stories That Make a Difference

Every nonprofit begins with an urgency, a dream, or a real need. And it often grows thanks to passionate people who turn vision into action.

With Non Profit Stories, we want to give voice to those efforts: stories of daily commitment, of projects that improve lives, of ideas that become real change.

In this first edition of the series, we meet Silvio Binca, founder of the association “The handYcapped”.

Silvio Binca and ‘The handYcapped‘

Silvio is 26 years old and lives with desminopathy, a rare genetic disease that impairs muscle function. Those with this condition experience skeletal muscle weakness, are typically wheelchair users, and often face breathing and eating difficulties.

In 2013, Silvio received a heart transplant he calls “a gift.” The disease, however, continued to progress and remains without a cure. Today, he relies on a ventilator and is fed through a gastric tube. And yet, none of this defines him. On the contrary, he transforms his experience into strength, becoming a source of inspiration for others living with disabilities.

The Interview

Tell us about The handYcapped. How did the association start?

“The handYcapped came about naturally from my personal experience with desminopathy. The starting point was clear from the beginning: one of the biggest challenges for people with rare diseases is the lack of funding for research and for practical tools that could improve quality of life. In 2022, I put all my energy into collecting donations, but the results were modest. That didn’t stop me, though. It pushed me to think bigger, to work on raising awareness.

I wanted to create a space for support, information, and connection for people in situations like mine, for families, and for anyone wanting to understand what it means to live with a rare condition like desminopathy. That vision became reality in summer 2023, when the association The handYcapped was officially founded.”

What does The handYcapped do in practical terms?

“Today, we run projects in schools and hospitals that talk about disability in a new way, direct, engaging, and accessible. We’re not focused on direct care, but on changing the way people think. We want to normalize disability and break down prejudices.

For example, we created ‘The handYcapped Colourbook,’ an inclusive coloring book featuring characters in wheelchairs, aimed at teaching kids that diversity is a strength. The response from families and teachers has been amazing and motivates us to keep going. We’re now working on a video game featuring wheelchair users, a fun arcade-style game inspired by Subway Surfers and Mario Kart, to show that disability is not a limitation, but a reality that society needs to understand, embrace, and include.

The goal now is to build a sustainable ecosystem that uses cultural and entertainment projects to spread a message of inclusion, while also raising funds to support medical research on desminopathy.”

How did you decide to use a video game for awareness and fundraising?

“We wanted to tell our story without asking for pity or sympathy, by using something fresh, engaging, and different. A video game allows people to connect emotionally, to symbolically experience the challenges of a rare disease, and to understand the importance of supporting research and care. Plus, it’s a great tool for raising money for real-world projects.

The game we’re building is dynamic and fun. You get to race, face challenges, and enjoy yourself, while also getting a feel, lightheartedly and intuitively, of what it’s like to live with desminopathy. The characters have real abilities because diversity is our superpower.

Disability doesn’t mean you can’t have exciting experiences. I want every player, disabled or not, to see the wheelchair not as a barrier, but as a way forward.”

Is there a moment or project you’re especially proud of?

“One of the proudest moments was seeing kids open our book, relate to the characters, and start coloring them with excitement. Hearing them shout the name of their favorite or getting messages from moms of disabled children thanking us for creating something their kids could finally see themselves in… well, that’s exactly why we did it. To bring representation, inclusion, and a little joy.”

What’s the financial goal of the project, and how will the funds be used?

“Our goal is to raise 100,000 euros. That’s what we need to develop a quality video game that’s accessible and engaging, something that’s not just a game but also a powerful tool for awareness and fundraising for desminopathy research.

Building a video game is exciting, but it’s expensive. The funds will help us create a playable demo for everyone to test, improve the graphics, sound, and gameplay—we want it to be seriously cool, not some second-rate project—and also support the amazing team working on it. These people bring passion and skill, but they need to eat too!”

Have you ever collaborated with companies? Do you think the nonprofit and business worlds can work together?

“We’ve had a few experiences, mostly with local businesses helping with fundraising or practical support. But we believe that collaboration between nonprofits and companies can, and should, go much further. That’s why we’re now looking for companies that believe in the project and can join us as partners or sponsors, contributing not just money, but also skills, visibility, and tools. There’s so much potential to build something meaningful and innovative together.”

For those who want to support you, where should they start?

“The first way to help is simple and free: talk about us. Every share could reach developers, 3D artists, or potential backers willing to put time and energy into this project.

Another concrete way to support ‘The handYcapped’ is by buying our t-shirts. They’re not just cool, they make a statement. Wearing one says: ‘I’m here, and I believe in this.’ It’s fashion with a message, stronger than any hashtag.

And most importantly, we’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the development of the video game. Every contribution, even a small one, can help turn this idea into something real and impactful.

Is there a message you’d like to leave for our readers?

I hope we manage to launch the video game. Good ideas move faster than legs, and everyone, with a small gesture, can help bridge the distance. Help me prove that limits are just a matter of perspective, just like the brake on my wheelchair. It all depends on who’s pushing it.

Time to wrap up. Now we know that behind this project is a guy who sleeps little (thanks to desminopathy), but dreams a lot. We had noted down to ask Silvio if he had a motto or phrase that summed him up—something to share with our readers. But he beat us to it, closing with: “If a ‘handycapp’ can do it…”

And that’s it right there: self-irony, determination, and vision. Silvio isn’t looking for heroes. He’s looking for allies. And with The handYcapped, he reminds us that every limit can become momentum … if we face it together. That’s why we’re doing our part, and we’re asking you to join us.

Support the GoFundMe campaign