Allegations of Abuse by AbleGamers Founder Surface from Ex-Staff, Community

AbleGamers, established in 2004 by Mark Barlet, has been a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to enhancing accessibility in the gaming industry and amplifying disabled voices. Over the past two decades, the organization has made significant strides by delivering talks at industry events, raising millions through annual charity events, and serving as a vital resource for both developers and players. AbleGamers became synonymous with video game accessibility, earning a reputation as a crucial advocate for advancing inclusivity within the gaming community.

The organization's impact is evident through its collaborations with major studios. AbleGamers worked with Xbox to develop the Xbox Adaptive Controller, partnered with PlayStation for the Access Controller, and teamed up with Bungie for exclusive merchandise. Additionally, AbleGamers has acted as a consultant to developers, offering guidance on implementing accessibility features in games. Although the charity once provided adaptive gaming equipment to individuals with disabilities, it has since discontinued this initiative. As the accessibility movement has grown, so has AbleGamers' influence within the industry.

However, recent reports from former employees and members of the accessibility community have shed light on troubling issues within AbleGamers. Allegations of abuse, financial mismanagement, and leadership failures have surfaced, casting a shadow over the organization's mission and operations.

Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions

Mark Barlet's vision for AbleGamers was to foster a charity that celebrated disabled inclusion in gaming. The organization's website highlights services like peer counseling, community building for disabled individuals, and consulting for developers. Yet, behind the scenes, sources allege a stark contrast to these mission-driven goals.

A former employee, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted disturbing experiences over their approximately 10-year tenure. They described Barlet's behavior as sexist and emotionally abusive, with comments such as, "He kept telling me I was HR for the charity because I'm a woman." This employee was the only woman in the charity at the time and was improperly tasked with handling an HR case without the necessary credentials. Barlet's alleged remarks continued to escalate, including racist comments about other employees, aggressive behavior, and inappropriate comments about disabilities, such as, "We need to get the most f\*\*\*ed up disabled person to be on our marketing, the one with real multiple disabilities."

The source also reported sexually explicit remarks made by Barlet, particularly during staff meetings. In one instance, two months postpartum, Barlet made inappropriate comments about the source's physical appearance. The source noted that Barlet would initially befriend new employees but would turn hostile once they spoke out against his behavior.

Toxicity Outside the Charity

Barlet's alleged misconduct extended beyond AbleGamers. He reportedly demeaned and insulted other accessibility advocates, attempting to position AbleGamers as the sole authority on accessibility. At industry events like The Game Accessibility Conference, Barlet allegedly disparaged other speakers and advocates, undermining their contributions. An anonymous advocate reported that Barlet interrupted and spoke over them during a business meeting, asserting dominance in the accessibility space.

Another advocate shared that Barlet demanded ownership of their work, threatening to sabotage their project if they did not comply. These actions suggest a pattern of behavior aimed at maintaining control over the accessibility narrative within the industry.

Financial Mismanagement

As the founder and former Executive Director, Barlet played a significant role in AbleGamers' initiatives and programs. However, questions have arisen about the use of the charity's funds. A former employee alleged that Barlet's spending was wasteful and did not align with the organization's mission. Expenses included first-class flights, hotel stays beyond event dates, and lavish meals for office staff, despite most employees working remotely.

One particularly contentious purchase was a van intended for taking AbleGamers services on the road, which was bought during the pandemic and remained unused. Additionally, a Tesla charger was installed at the headquarters, allegedly for Barlet's personal use, as he was the only one with a Tesla. The board's review of financial records revealed these and other questionable expenditures.

Internal discrepancies in salaries also surfaced, with some employees earning more than their superiors, suggesting favoritism and inconsistent compensation practices. These financial issues caused significant tension within the organization, as senior leaders grappled with budget constraints and questioned the allocation of funds.

Leadership Failures

The board's response to financial concerns and allegations of misconduct has been criticized for its lack of action. A Certified Public Accountant, hired as the Chief Financial Officer, reportedly raised alarms about the organization's finances, but the board failed to address these issues promptly. The CFO left and then returned, indicating ongoing financial troubles.

Employees felt isolated from the board, with Barlet allegedly controlling communication channels. An investigation by ADP, a payroll and HR service, recommended Barlet's immediate termination due to the severity of the allegations, but the board did not act on this advice. Subsequent EEOC complaints filed by employees highlighted issues of racism, ableism, sexual harassment, and misogyny, further illustrating the board's failure to protect its staff.

The internal investigation conducted by a law firm with ties to AbleGamers raised questions about its impartiality. Employees were left in the dark about the investigation's progress and the organization's future direction, exacerbating the uncertainty and frustration within the charity.

Barlet's departure was announced in September 2024, but the board's communication was minimal, and staff were instructed to refer to Barlet's LinkedIn statement. Employees who spoke out against Barlet's behavior were allegedly fired, suggesting retaliation. Even after his departure, former leadership, including Steven Spohn, attempted to discourage employees from speaking out, citing concerns about the charity's reputation.

Barlet's Comments

Following his departure from AbleGamers, Barlet founded AccessForge, an accessibility consulting group targeting various industries. In response to allegations of workplace abuse and harassment, Barlet claimed an independent investigation cleared him of wrongdoing. He suggested these accusations emerged after he was advised to reduce the workforce. Barlet also defended his spending decisions, stating that meals and travel expenses were within the organization's policies and necessary for business purposes.

However, sources dispute Barlet's claims, pointing to the employee handbook's guidelines on expense reimbursement and the lack of transparency in financial decisions. Barlet's refusal to provide documentation to support his assertions further undermines his defense.

For many disabled players, AbleGamers was a beacon of hope and advocacy. Yet, the alleged misconduct and leadership failures have tarnished its reputation and left many questioning the organization's commitment to its mission. The first source, in particular, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of what was once their dream job, stating, "It definitely crushed me. I cried a lot to my family, friends, and therapist because that was my dream job. [Barlet] just burned it to the ground."