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AbleGamers, established in 2004 by Mark Barlet, has been a pivotal nonprofit dedicated to enhancing accessibility in the gaming industry and amplifying the voices of disabled gamers. Over the past two decades, AbleGamers has made significant strides, presenting at industry events, raising millions through annual charity events, and serving as a crucial resource for both developers and players. Their efforts have been instrumental in promoting video game accessibility, collaborating with major studios like Xbox to develop the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation for the Access Controller, and partnering with Bungie for exclusive merchandise. AbleGamers also provided consultancy services to developers, helping to integrate accessibility options into games. Although they once distributed adaptive gaming equipment to disabled individuals, this initiative has been discontinued as the broader accessibility movement has expanded.
However, recent reports from former employees and members of the accessibility community have shed light on troubling issues within the organization. Allegations of abuse, financial mismanagement, and leadership failures have surfaced, casting a shadow over AbleGamers' mission and operations.
Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions
Mark Barlet's vision for AbleGamers was to foster a charity that championed disabled inclusion in gaming. The organization's website highlights services such as peer counseling, community building for disabled individuals, and consulting services. Yet, according to a former employee who wished to remain anonymous, the internal environment starkly contrasted with these mission goals. The source, who worked at AbleGamers for approximately 10 years, recounted experiencing sexist and emotionally abusive behavior from Barlet. They were inappropriately assigned HR duties due to their gender, despite lacking the necessary credentials. The source also described overhearing racist remarks, witnessing aggressive conflicts, and enduring inappropriate comments and gestures from Barlet, particularly towards disabled individuals and in staff meetings.
Barlet's alleged misconduct extended beyond AbleGamers, affecting the broader accessibility community. The source reported that Barlet demeaned other accessibility advocates, aiming to monopolize the field. This behavior was corroborated by other anonymous sources who described Barlet's disruptive actions at industry events and his attempts to control collaborations and projects.
Financial Mismanagement
As the founder and former Executive Director, Barlet's financial decisions have come under scrutiny. Despite raising millions for the organization, concerns about financial mismanagement have emerged. A former employee noted that Barlet's spending, including first-class flights, unnecessary hotel stays, and lavish office meals, did not align with the charity's mission. A particularly contentious purchase was a van intended for mobile services, which remained unused due to the timing of the purchase during the pandemic. Additionally, the installation of a Tesla charger at the headquarters, used solely by Barlet, raised further questions about the allocation of funds. Discrepancies in salary distribution also fueled internal tensions, with allegations of favoritism and inconsistent pay scales.
Leadership Failures
The board of AbleGamers has been criticized for failing to address these issues effectively. Despite hiring a Certified Public Accountant as CFO, who reportedly raised alarms about the organization's finances, the board did not act on these warnings. The original source highlighted Barlet's control over communication with the board, which limited transparency and accountability. In April 2024, following an investigation by ADP, the board was advised to terminate Barlet immediately due to the severity of the allegations, but reportedly ignored this recommendation. Subsequent EEOC complaints filed by employees in May and June 2024 cited racism, ableism, sexual harassment, and misogyny, along with failures by leadership and the board to protect employees. The board's internal investigation, conducted by a law firm with ties to AbleGamers, was questioned for its impartiality. Barlet's eventual departure in September 2024 was surrounded by controversy, with allegations of severance payments and retaliation against whistleblowers.
Post-departure, former leadership, including Steven Spohn, allegedly attempted to silence former employees from speaking out, fearing damage to the charity's reputation. Barlet, along with Cheryl Mitchell, founded AccessForge, a new accessibility consulting group targeting various industries beyond gaming.
In response to these allegations, Barlet denied claims of workplace abuse and harassment, stating that an independent third-party investigation found no evidence to support these accusations. He attributed the investigation to his decision to reduce the workforce. Regarding financial decisions, Barlet justified expenses such as office meals and extended hotel stays as necessary for business development, though he did not provide documentation to support these claims. He also denied the purchase of a Tesla charger, claiming it was merely a plug.
For many in the disabled gaming community, AbleGamers represented a beacon of hope and advocacy. However, these recent revelations have highlighted significant internal challenges that have undermined the organization's mission. The impact of these issues has been deeply felt by those who worked tirelessly to advance accessibility, with one former employee expressing profound disappointment and loss over what was once their dream job.
