"Ex-Staff, Community Accuse AbleGamers Founder of Hidden Abuse"

Since its inception in 2004, AbleGamers has been a beacon of hope for the gaming community, championing the cause of accessibility and inclusivity for disabled gamers. Over the past two decades, the organization has not only raised millions through its annual charity events but has also become a pivotal resource for both developers and players seeking to enhance gaming accessibility. AbleGamers has worked tirelessly to ensure that gaming is an inclusive experience, collaborating with industry giants like Xbox to develop the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation for the Access Controller, and even partnering with Bungie for exclusive merchandise. Their role as consultants has been instrumental in guiding developers to implement accessibility options in games, making AbleGamers synonymous with video game accessibility.

However, recent reports from former employees and members of the accessibility community have cast a shadow over the organization's reputation. Allegations of abuse, financial mismanagement, and a lack of oversight from leadership have surfaced, challenging the integrity of AbleGamers' mission.

Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions

Founded by Mark Barlet, AbleGamers aimed to create a welcoming environment for disabled gamers, offering peer counseling, a sense of community, and consulting services. Yet, according to a former employee who preferred anonymity, Barlet's leadership was marred by concerning behavior. Over a decade of employment, the source experienced and witnessed sexist and emotionally abusive comments, including being assigned HR duties without proper credentials solely because she was a woman. The source also recounted Barlet making racist remarks, engaging in aggressive behavior, and making inappropriate comments about disabilities and sexual harassment, which included lewd remarks and gestures.

Barlet's conduct extended beyond the charity, with reports of him belittling and threatening other accessibility advocates. At industry events like The Game Accessibility Conference, he allegedly insulted speakers and claimed superiority over others in the field, asserting that AbleGamers should be the sole authority on accessibility.

Financial Mismanagement

As the founder and former Executive Director, Barlet's financial decisions have come under scrutiny. Despite raising significant funds, there are concerns about how these resources were utilized. Former employees have reported lavish spending on first-class travel, unnecessary hotel stays, and extravagant meals, which did not align with the charity's mission. The purchase of a van during the pandemic, which saw little use, and the installation of a Tesla charger at the headquarters for Barlet's personal use, have been highlighted as examples of wasteful expenditure. Additionally, there were allegations of salary discrepancies, with some employees receiving higher pay despite less responsibility, suggesting favoritism and mismanagement.

Leadership Failures

The AbleGamers board's response to these issues has been criticized for its lack of urgency and transparency. Despite warnings from a Certified Public Accountant hired as CFO, the board failed to act promptly. An investigation conducted by ADP recommended Barlet's immediate termination, but the board did not follow through swiftly. Instead, the board conducted its own internal investigation, which was questioned for its impartiality due to the law firm's ties to AbleGamers. The lack of direct communication between employees and the board, coupled with Barlet's control over organizational resources, further complicated the situation.

In June 2024, following EEOC complaints filed by employees citing racism, ableism, sexual harassment, and misogyny, the board finally announced Barlet's departure. However, the transition was marred by further controversy, including alleged retaliation against those who had spoken out against Barlet, and a lack of clear guidance for the remaining staff.

Barlet's Comments

In response to the allegations, Barlet denied claims of workplace abuse and harassment, stating that an independent third-party investigation found no merit to these accusations. He attributed the investigation to his decision to cut back on the workforce. Barlet also defended his financial decisions, explaining that meals and travel were within policy and necessary for business development. However, he failed to provide documentation to support his claims and did not offer other sources to corroborate his statements.

The impact of these allegations on AbleGamers and the broader accessibility community cannot be understated. For many, the organization represented a dream of inclusive gaming, but the reported actions of its leadership have left a lasting scar on those who dedicated their careers to its mission.