AbleGamers, founded in 2004 by Mark Barlet, has been a beacon of hope and advocacy for elevating disabled voices and improving accessibility within the gaming industry. Over the past two decades, the organization has made significant strides, presenting talks at industry events, raising millions through annual charity events, and serving as a vital resource for both developers and players. AbleGamers' efforts have been pivotal in advancing accessibility, particularly through collaborations like the development of the Xbox Adaptive Controller with Xbox, the Access Controller with PlayStation, and exclusive merchandise partnerships with Bungie. The organization has also acted as a consultant, guiding developers on implementing accessibility options in games. However, while AbleGamers once provided adaptive gaming equipment to disabled individuals, this initiative has been discontinued as the broader accessibility movement has grown.
Despite its public successes, recent reports have surfaced from former employees and members of the accessibility community, alleging a troubling undercurrent of abuse, financial mismanagement, and a lack of oversight by the organization's leadership and board.
Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions
Mark Barlet's mission with AbleGamers was to create a charity that celebrated disabled inclusion in gaming. The organization's website highlights services such as peer counseling, fostering a sense of community for disabled individuals, and providing consulting services. However, behind this facade, sources claim an environment that starkly contrasted these mission goals.
A former employee, who remained anonymous, recounted experiencing concerning behavior from Barlet during their approximately 10-year tenure. The source described instances of sexist and emotionally abusive comments, including being assigned HR duties solely because of her gender despite lacking the necessary credentials. The employee felt uncomfortable and unsupported, particularly after Barlet allegedly made light of serious HR issues and directed inappropriate comments about her physical appearance, especially during a sensitive time postpartum.
The source also witnessed Barlet's aggressive behavior towards others, including racist remarks and inappropriate comments about disabled individuals for marketing purposes. Barlet's conduct reportedly extended to harassing new employees as they grew within the organization, often deflecting criticism by claiming his actions were in jest.
Toxicity Outside the Charity
Barlet's alleged hostile behavior was not confined to AbleGamers. Sources claim he frequently demeaned and insulted other accessibility advocates, seemingly aiming to maintain AbleGamers as the sole resource for accessibility in the industry. At industry events like The Game Accessibility Conference, Barlet reportedly criticized other speakers and advocates, undermining their contributions and threatening their projects.
Financial Mismanagement
Financial concerns have also emerged, with allegations of wasteful spending by Barlet. Despite raising millions in donations, the funds were purportedly used for non-essential expenditures such as first-class tickets, extended hotel stays, and lavish meals for office staff, many of whom worked remotely. A particularly contentious purchase was a van intended for taking AbleGamers services on the road, which proved impractical during the pandemic. Additionally, a Tesla charger was installed at the headquarters, primarily for Barlet's personal use, despite the organization's financial constraints.
Internal discrepancies over salaries further fueled tensions, with allegations of favoritism and inconsistent raises. Senior leaders questioned Barlet's high salary and the apparent lack of fairness in compensation across the organization.
Leadership Failures
The board's handling of these issues has also come under scrutiny. Despite hiring a Certified Public Accountant as CFO who raised alarms about the organization's finances, the board allegedly failed to act on these warnings. Barlet reportedly maintained a tight control over communication with the board, preventing other employees from reaching out directly.
In April 2024, an investigation by ADP, a payroll and HR service, recommended Barlet's immediate termination due to the severity of the allegations. However, the board allegedly ignored these findings. Subsequent EEOC complaints filed by employees in May and June 2024 cited racism, ableism, sexual harassment, misogyny, and leadership's failure to protect employees. The board's internal investigation, conducted by a law firm with ties to AbleGamers, was criticized for its lack of impartiality.
Barlet's removal from the organization in September 2024 was controversial, with employees who spoke out against his behavior reportedly facing retaliation. Despite his departure, former leadership, including Steven Spohn, allegedly used manipulative tactics to discourage former employees from speaking out.
Barlet’s Comments
Following his departure, Barlet and former Director of User Research Cheryl Mitchell founded AccessForge, a consulting group offering accessibility services across various industries. Barlet denies the allegations of workplace abuse and harassment, claiming they were disproven by an independent third-party investigation. He attributes the timing of the allegations to his decision to cut back on the workforce and defends his spending on office meals, extended hotel stays, and first-class flights as necessary for business and aligned with board-approved policies. However, sources and documentation contradict his claims, highlighting a pattern of mismanagement and lack of transparency.
For many in the disabled gaming community, AbleGamers represented a vital advocate for accessibility. Yet, the allegations of internal misconduct and leadership failures have cast a shadow over the organization's mission. The impact on employees, particularly those who saw their dream careers tarnished, underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform within the organization.
