AbleGamers recently announced ‘Player Panels’, which will help disabled gamers take the lead on gaming accessibility testing and research. The charity is partnering with developers and researchers alike “to ensure game accessibility is at the forefront of game development.”

What Does AbleGamers Do?

The AbleGamers Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit charity “that aims to improve the overall quality of life for those with disabilities through the power of video games.”

Mark Barlet founded the Charity in 2004. They make specialized gaming rigs, modded controllers, and assistive technology created uniquely for each disabled gamer they work with. This way, they make it possible for people with a wide range of disabilities to play games.

Specialists use technologies such as mouth controllers, eye gaze, and customized modded controllers.  Their goal is to “find a way for people to play video games no matter their disability… we’re using the latest, bleeding-edge technology to bridge the gap between ability and desire.”

AbleGamers also offer grants for disabled gamers whose medical bills make it harder to buy games and equipment. They’re also in the process of opening gaming centers for people with disabilities.

Player Panels

‘Player Panels’ is the next step for AbleGamers– helping change the way developers themselves think about accessibility. The program is “a platform for the voices of gamers with disabilities who need these in-game features.”

The charity is looking to put together a team of players with firsthand experience in gaming accessibility. In partnership with the University of York, panels will be paired with game companies and researchers as accessibility testers. The companies working with AbleGamers ensure proper compensation will be available to all involved.

AbleGamers explained the need for a program like this:“Every year we have countless calls for help from universities, game companies, and other organizations, asking us to provide the names and contact information of people with disabilities. Sometimes, it’s about testing games; other times it is about seeing if a new way of doing things helps make things more inclusive. We felt it was crucial to create a program that would protect players while enabling a database of accessibility testers to be created who WANT to be involved and contacted. We’re aiming to make the largest group of people who want to help shape the future of game accessibility ever created.”

If you’re a gamer with disabilities who’s interested in signing up, you can fill out the application here. If you’d like to support AbleGamers, go here to find out the different ways you can donate!