Established in 2004, AbleGamers emerged as a nonprofit committed to amplifying disabled voices and advancing gaming accessibility. For nearly two decades, the organization has delivered presentations at industry events, generated millions through annual charity fundraisers, and served as a go-to resource for developers and players. Over time, AbleGamers became synonymous with game accessibility, recognized by journalists, developers, and the public as pioneers in inclusive design.
Founded by Mark Barlet, the nonprofit collaborated with major studios—partnering with Xbox on the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation on the Access Controller, and Bungie for limited-edition merchandise. Beyond hardware, AbleGamers offered developer consultations to integrate accessibility features. While the organization once distributed adaptive gaming gear directly to disabled players, it later discontinued this program. As accessibility gained industry traction, AbleGamers' influence expanded correspondingly.
Yet two decades after its launch, former staff and accessibility advocates have come forward with allegations of workplace abuse, financial impropriety, and systemic leadership failures.
A Mission Undermined by Hostility
Barlet founded AbleGamers to champion disability inclusion in gaming. Per its website, the nonprofit provided peer counseling, community-building, and industry consulting. But insiders describe a workplace culture starkly at odds with these values.
A decade-long employee (who requested anonymity) recounted escalating misconduct beginning years into their tenure. They allege Barlet repeatedly made sexist remarks, including insisting they handle HR duties solely because of their gender.
"He'd joke that I was HR because I'm the only woman here," the source said, recalling how Barlet later assigned them an HR case despite lacking qualifications. "Other staff grew uncomfortable when he kept referencing it while calling me 'the group's woman.'"
The employee described witnessing racist comments, mediating Barlet's verbal conflicts with colleagues, and hearing him declare: "We need the most f***ed up disabled person for marketing—someone with real multiple disabilities." They allege Barlet accompanied this with mocking gestures toward people with physical disabilities.
During one staff meeting, the source—two months postpartum—claims Barlet remarked publicly about their "jugs getting so big" before pantomiming grabbing their chest days later while quipping about his sexuality. Confrontations about this behavior allegedly provoked hostility rather than accountability.
Industry-Wide Antagonism
Barlet's alleged toxicity reportedly extended beyond AbleGamers. Multiple sources describe him belittling competing accessibility advocates, seemingly threatened by their growing influence.
"At conferences, he'd insult nearly every speaker," the employee noted, recounting Barlet dismissing a prominent Xbox accessibility lead as "only here because of her dad."
Three other advocates independently corroborated similar encounters. One recalled Barlet shouting "shut up!" during their presentation; another received the message: "You're a drop in my accessibility pond." A third alleges Barlet demanded rights to their work under threat of sabotaging the project.
Financial Irregularities
Internal financial documents reveal concerning spending patterns:
- Leadership reportedly flew first-class while urging staff budget cuts
- A $30,000 van purchased during COVID remained unused
- A Tesla charger installed at headquarters exclusively benefited Barlet
- Discrepancies showed junior staff outearning directors with Barlet controlling salaries
"Revenues were declining while expenses spiraled," a source explained, describing lavish office meals for primarily remote teams and extended hotel stays for leadership.
Leadership Collapse
Despite a 2023 CFO warning of "terrible" financial issues, the board delayed action until 2024 when:
1. HR firm ADP recommended Barlet's immediate termination after investigation
2. Multiple EEOC complaints cited racism, ableism, and sexual harassment
3. The board's internal probe—conducted by lawyers linked to Barlet—faced scrutiny
After Barlet's September 2024 resignation (with severance), several complainants were allegedly terminated. The board never publicly addressed the scandals, instead directing inquiries to Barlet's optimistic LinkedIn post.
Barlet's Response
The founder denied all allegations, claiming:
- Investigations cleared him of wrongdoing
- First-class travel accommodated his disability
- Office meals were modest "perks" (comparable to fast food)
- The Tesla charger was merely a plug, not a full unit
- All board members were accessible via Slack
However, he declined to provide documentation, offering only off-record verification. Meanwhile, former staff mourn the organization's compromised ideals.
"This was my dream job," the primary source said. "[Barlet] burned it to the ground."
