Not too long ago, we wrote about accessibility in communication and technology. How its important that everyone can access the world wide web without issue.

Today, we would like to dive into the world of gaming, able gaming that is. Uccello Designs is all about helping to make peoples lives easier. That’s why we wanted to share more about this great foundation and their work towards an equal and accessible past time for all.

Meet AbleGamers:

Founded in 2005 by a Mr. Mark Barlet after his close friend was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). After seeing how it took away her ability to interact and connect through video games (which she loves). Mark created the charity ”AbleGamers”. It’s purpose: ensure that no one with a disability would ever be without answers on how to conquer disabilities and continue to enjoy one of the worlds most popular past times.

Gaming in General

In todays world, gaming is everywhere. On consoles, computers and our phones. Whether you have time to kill, are bored or have specifically set time aside to play as Link in Zelda, you have the option to play, anywhere!

Despite its stunning popularity today, ‘video games‘ weren’t always so mainstream. In fact, when they where first launched in the 70’s, the gaming industry was quite a small niche market that was trying to grow. It had a small-yet-devoted community that began to grow and this included both able and disabled gamers.

”It’s such as great equalizer because we are in the game.”

-Mark Barlet

ABLEGAMERS:

There are 33 million people with disabilities that play games. Gamers are everywhere and what’s great is that social interaction it gives you.

Regardless of what games you play, within each there are a number of communities that may play or work together to complete the end goal or the mission. It is because of these ambiguous communities of made up avatars that actually break down barriers of perception about people with disabilities.

Gaming allows everyone to be able to paint themselves and build themselves in what ever way they wish to be seen. This helps everyone leave disability at the door and get to know the person and not their disability.

What is it AbleGamers does?

AbleGamers helps to design assistive tech so that all can equally play the games they want to play without issue. As a lead in their industry they are able to reach out to the big players in the gaming world to explain why they should be caring about people with disabilities.

Their main focus is trying to change a culture. ”We want every developer to heed our call and add accessibility to the 9th degree.” – Steve Spohn, Editor in Chief of AbleGamers

They want to be able to teach developers and products how to make their content accessible and work on making it a part of their culture. This way when the next big game is at the table and ready to go into production, there are questions like ”What about accessibility?” that come naturally and are then catered to.

Want to learn more about what AbleGamers is up to and where they are heading next? Click on over to their website now for more