"AbleGamers Founder Accused of Fostering Abuse, Say Ex-Employees and Community"

In 2004, AbleGamers was founded as a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the voices of disabled gamers and improving accessibility within the gaming industry. Over nearly two decades, the organization has been a prominent figure at industry events, raised millions through annual charity events, and served as a vital resource for both developers and players. As a result, AbleGamers became synonymous with video game accessibility, gaining recognition as a key advocate for advancing inclusive gaming experiences.

Founded by Mark Barlet, AbleGamers collaborated with major studios like Xbox to develop the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation to create the Access Controller, and partnered with Bungie for exclusive merchandise. Additionally, AbleGamers has acted as a consultant for developers, offering guidance on implementing accessibility options in games. Although the organization previously provided adaptive gaming equipment to disabled individuals, it has since discontinued this initiative. As the accessibility movement has grown, so has AbleGamers' influence and presence in the industry.

However, approximately 20 years after its inception, reports from former employees and members of the accessibility community have surfaced, alleging abuse, financial mismanagement by leadership, and a board that failed to protect its employees.

Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions

Mark Barlet's vision for AbleGamers was to create a charity that championed disabled inclusion in gaming. According to the AbleGamers website, Barlet led the organization to offer services such as peer counseling, foster a sense of community for disabled individuals, and provide consulting services. Yet, behind the scenes, sources report an environment that contradicted these mission goals.

A former employee, who wished to remain anonymous, described Barlet's behavior as concerning a few years into their employment. Over their 10-year tenure with the charity, the source recounted instances of sexist and emotionally abusive comments directed at them. They were told they were the HR representative for the charity solely because they were a woman, despite lacking the necessary credentials. This led to them being involved in an HR case that they believed was illegal. Barlet's alleged remarks and actions created an uncomfortable atmosphere for numerous employees.

The source also experienced what they perceived as aggressive behavior, both towards themselves and others within the company. They reported overhearing racist remarks, witnessing Barlet mock individuals with physical disabilities, and hearing inappropriate comments, including one where Barlet suggested using the "most f\*\*\*ed up disabled person" for marketing. Additionally, the source endured sexually explicit remarks and comments about their appearance, especially during staff meetings or in-person interactions.

Barlet reportedly befriended new employees but allegedly began harassing them as they grew within the organization. When confronted about his behavior, Barlet would deflect, claiming his remarks were jokes. The source noted that his behavior became increasingly hostile every time they spoke out against him.

Toxicity Outside the Charity

Barlet's alleged hostile and inappropriate behavior extended beyond AbleGamers. The source claimed that Barlet consistently belittled or insulted other accessibility advocates. It appeared that Barlet wanted AbleGamers to be the sole resource for accessibility in the industry, and when others gained prominence, he allegedly spoke ill of them or even threatened them.

At industry events like The Game Accessibility Conference, Barlet reportedly criticized almost every speaker, labeling them as "idiots" and undermining their expertise. An anonymous accessibility advocate corroborated Barlet's disruptive behavior at business meetings, where he allegedly interrupted discussions and spoke over others for the entire duration of a 30-minute presentation.

Another accessibility advocate reported that Barlet claimed ownership over the accessibility space, stating, "You are a drop in the pond of accessibility. And I own the pond." Additionally, Barlet allegedly demanded ownership of another advocate's work during a collaboration discussion, threatening to sabotage the project if they refused.

Financial Mismanagement

Barlet's alleged negative impact extended to financial mismanagement. As the founder and former Executive Director of AbleGamers, he helped create new initiatives and programs, raising millions in donations under the guise of benefiting disabled players. However, questions arose about how these funds were spent.

A former AbleGamers employee reported that Barlet's spending caused tension within the company, with funds being allocated for first-class tickets, hotel rooms before or after event dates, and expensive meals for office staff, most of whom worked remotely. The purchase of a van for taking AbleGamers services on the road during the pandemic was cited as a particularly wasteful expenditure, as it couldn't be used effectively due to quarantine and work-from-home orders.

The installation of a Tesla charger at the headquarters, used solely by Barlet, was another point of contention. The independent board began reviewing financial statements and expressed frustration over the charger's cost. Internally, there was also discrepancy regarding salaries, with some employees earning more than those in higher positions, allegedly due to favoritism.

Leadership Failures

Alongside financial mismanagement, the AbleGamers board hired a Certified Public Accountant as Chief Financial Officer, who reportedly raised concerns about the organization's finances for two years. Despite these warnings, the board allegedly failed to act, and the CFO left the organization at the end of last year, though they reportedly returned later.

Both former employees noted that the leadership, particularly the independent board, failed to protect employees and act promptly. The original source claimed that Barlet intentionally kept the board at arm's length, limiting communication to himself and preventing employees from reaching out directly.

In April 2024, a former employee initiated an investigation through ADP, a payroll and HR service, which allegedly recommended the immediate termination of Barlet due to the severity of the allegations. However, the independent board reportedly ignored these findings. An Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint was filed in May 2024, followed by additional complaints from other employees, citing racism, ableism, sexual harassment, misogyny, and leadership's failure to protect employees.

The board began an internal investigation but was criticized for its slow response. On June 15, 2024, a written complaint was submitted, and 10 days later, the board communicated about the organization's transition process without mentioning Barlet's investigation. Staff were only informed on September 25, 2024, that Barlet was stepping down.

Throughout the investigation, staff were instructed to communicate with AbleGamers' legal team but not the board. There was a lack of clarity on project direction, reporting structures, and budget statuses. The internal investigation was conducted by a law firm with direct ties to AbleGamers, raising questions about its impartiality.

Barlet's removal from the organization was controversial. In a LinkedIn statement, he expressed confidence in the next generation of leaders but did not address the allegations directly. The board instructed staff to refer others to Barlet's post and allegedly retaliated against employees who spoke out, with several being let go in November and December 2024.

Even after Barlet's departure, former leadership, including Steven Spohn, reportedly used manipulative language to discourage former employees from speaking to the media, fearing damage to the charity's reputation.

Barlet's Comments

Barlet, along with Cheryl Mitchell, founded AccessForge, an accessibility consulting group that serves various industries beyond gaming. In response to allegations of workplace abuse and harassment, Barlet claimed that an independent third-party investigation found no truth to these claims. He suggested that the allegations arose after he was advised to cut the workforce and that the internal investigation was conducted by a law firm affiliated with AbleGamers, questioning its integrity.

Regarding accusations of harassing members of the disability community, Barlet acknowledged that not everyone liked him but emphasized his 20-year career and numerous interactions. He defended the use of funds for in-office meals as a perk for employees and justified extended hotel stays as necessary for securing significant donations and contracts.

Barlet claimed that first-class flights were in line with AbleGamers' board-approved travel policy and necessary due to his disability. He also stated that employee salaries were based on education, experience, and position, a claim disputed by sources who noted disparities in compensation.

Barlet denied the purchase of a Tesla charger, claiming it was just a plug, a statement contradicted by board members familiar with the device. He also asserted that board members were accessible through Slack, though sources noted that the independent board was not available on the platform.

Throughout his interactions with IGN, Barlet provided no evidence to refute the allegations, only his word, and repeatedly denied requests for documentation or corroborating sources unless interviews were off the record.

For many disabled players, AbleGamers was a beacon of hope and advocacy. However, the allegations of leadership's failures to protect employees and uphold the organization's mission have cast a shadow over its legacy. For the first source, Barlet's behavior shattered what was once a dream career, leaving them deeply affected and disillusioned.