AbleGamers Founder Accused of Abuse by Ex-Staff

Founded in 2004, AbleGamers established itself as a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to advancing accessibility in gaming while amplifying disabled voices. Over nearly two decades, the organization became synonymous with accessibility advocacy through conference presentations, raising millions in charitable funding, and serving as a crucial resource for developers and players.

A Legacy of Industry Impact

Under Mark Barlet's leadership, AbleGamers collaborated with major industry players - co-developing Xbox's Adaptive Controller, PlayStation's Access Controller, and partnering with studios like Bungie. Beyond hardware, they consulted developers on implementing accessibility features in games. While initially providing adaptive equipment to disabled gamers, this program was discontinued as the organization's influence grew.

Trouble Behind Closed Doors

After years of industry prominence, troubling allegations surfaced regarding workplace culture and financial management:

• Multiple sources report abusive behavior from founder Mark Barlet, including sexist remarks and inappropriate comments
• Former employees describe financial mismanagement including questionable expenditures on luxury travel and Tesla chargers
• The independent board allegedly failed to respond adequately to multiple EEOC complaints

Continuing Accessibility Work

Following Barlet's departure, AbleGamers continues its accessibility mission while addressing past shortcomings:

• The organization maintains its consulting services and advocacy programs
• New leadership seeks to implement stronger financial controls and workplace protections
• The gaming accessibility community remains committed to inclusive design despite these challenges

AbleGamers' story highlights both the importance of accessibility advocacy and the need for nonprofit accountability as the movement continues growing.