AbleGamers Founder Accused of Fostering Abuse, Say Former Employees and Community

AbleGamers, founded in 2004 by Mark Barlet, has been a pivotal nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing accessibility in the gaming industry and amplifying disabled voices. Over the past two decades, AbleGamers has not only raised millions through annual charity events but also collaborated with major studios like Xbox and PlayStation to develop innovative accessibility solutions such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller and the PlayStation Access Controller. Additionally, the organization has partnered with companies like Bungie for exclusive merchandise and has acted as a consultant to developers, helping integrate accessibility features into games. Despite scaling back on providing adaptive gaming equipment, AbleGamers has remained a key player in the accessibility movement, becoming synonymous with video game accessibility.

However, recent reports from former employees and members of the accessibility community have shed light on serious allegations against the organization's leadership, including accusations of abuse, financial mismanagement, and a lack of oversight from the board.

Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions

Mark Barlet's vision for AbleGamers was to create a charity that championed disabled inclusion in gaming. The organization's website highlights its efforts in providing peer counseling, fostering a sense of community for disabled individuals, and offering consulting services to developers. Yet, according to a former employee who wished to remain anonymous, the internal environment did not align with these mission goals. The employee, who worked at AbleGamers for approximately 10 years, described experiencing and witnessing sexist, emotionally abusive, and racially insensitive behavior from Barlet. The source recounted being inappropriately assigned HR duties due to her gender and enduring offensive comments and gestures, including during a time when she was postpartum. Barlet's alleged behavior extended to belittling new employees once they became more established within the organization, and his actions reportedly became more hostile when confronted.

Toxicity Outside the Charity

Barlet's alleged negative behavior was not confined to AbleGamers. Sources claim he would demean other accessibility advocates, attempting to position AbleGamers as the sole authority in the field. At events like The Game Accessibility Conference, Barlet reportedly made derogatory remarks about other speakers and advocates, suggesting they were unqualified or undeserving of their positions. Further allegations include Barlet's attempts to control and threaten other accessibility initiatives, asserting his dominance in the industry.

Financial Mismanagement

As the founder and former Executive Director, Barlet played a significant role in AbleGamers' initiatives, yet questions have arisen about the use of the organization's funds. Former employees allege that Barlet's spending was excessive and did not align with the charity's mission. Examples include first-class travel, unnecessary hotel stays, and lavish meals for office staff, many of whom worked remotely. A particularly criticized purchase was a van intended for mobile services, which was deemed impractical during the pandemic. Additionally, the installation of a Tesla charger at the headquarters, used solely by Barlet, was seen as a misuse of funds. Discrepancies in salaries, allegedly favoring certain employees, further fueled internal discontent.

Leadership Failures

Despite warnings from a Certified Public Accountant hired as CFO, the AbleGamers board reportedly failed to act on financial concerns, leading to the CFO's departure and subsequent return. Both former employees highlighted the board's lack of action and transparency, suggesting that Barlet intentionally kept the board at arm's length, limiting communication between staff and board members. An investigation by ADP in April 2024 recommended Barlet's immediate termination due to severe allegations, but the board allegedly ignored these findings. The situation escalated with EEOC complaints filed in May and June 2024, citing issues of racism, ableism, sexual harassment, and misogyny. The board's response was criticized for being slow and inadequate, with Barlet's eventual departure in September 2024 announced without proper communication to staff.

Following Barlet's exit, several employees who had spoken out against him were reportedly let go, and former leadership, including Steven Spohn, allegedly attempted to dissuade former employees from discussing the issues publicly. Barlet's new venture, AccessForge, aims to provide accessibility consulting across various industries, yet the allegations and their impact on AbleGamers remain a significant concern.

In response to the allegations, Barlet denied claims of workplace abuse and harassment, stating they were investigated and found to be untrue. He attributed the timing of the allegations to his decision to reduce the workforce. Barlet also provided explanations for the expenditures in question, asserting they were justified and aligned with the organization's policies. However, sources dispute these claims, pointing to a lack of transparency and accountability.

The impact of these allegations on AbleGamers and its mission to support disabled gamers is profound. For many, the organization represented hope and progress in the gaming industry, but the reported internal issues have led to disillusionment and a call for greater accountability and reform.