AbleGamers Foundation to open first permanent 'Accessibility Arcade'
The AbleGamers Foundation will be opening its first permanent arcade installation designed for people with disabilities on Wednesday, October 10, at the Washington D.C. public library's main MLK branch. While the arcade concept has been shown off previously as a limited-time installation, this will new version will be a permanent addition to the library.
"We're looking forward to welcoming new and experienced gamers with disabilities of all ages to the library for a unique experience," said DC Public Library Adaptive Services Division chief Venetia Demson in a press release available after the break. "When properly used, video games can be an important learning tool for literacy, spatial reasoning and curriculum support as well as a wonderful social experience."
Information regarding the specific games and/or assistive technologies that will be available at the arcade was not provided, though anyone interested in the arcade (or the accessible gaming movement as a whole) is encouraged to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for noon local time that Wednesday.
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The AbleGamers Foundation Unveils First Permanent Accessibility Arcade
Opens The AbleGamers Foundation's Accessibility Arcade at the Washington DC Public Library.
Harpers Ferry, WV –October 1, 2012– The AbleGamers Foundation is proud to announce the first permanently stationed AbleGamers' Accessibility Arcade at Washington DC public library main MLK Branch. Opening ceremony will be held on the 10th of October -- national disability month. The mayor's office will be on-hand at the milestone occasion to cut the ribbon for the library's newest display.
"We have been dreaming about this day ever since the first showing of the accessibility arcade at a small conference in Boston four years ago," said Mark Barlet, President and Founder of the AbleGamers Foundation. "Today, we are taking the first step forward on a very long and rewarding road to bring accessible games to everyone across America. Game accessibility is not an idea, it's a movement. Together, we can enrich the lives of those with disabilities by the joy and social fun of gaming to anyone who wants to join in."
"This is really one of the finest days in the history of the organization," said Steve Spohn, Editor-In-Chief of the AbleGamers Foundation. "This is a tremendous victory for disabled gamers everywhere. But moreover, it's a victory for everyone who has ever worked with, contributed to, and especially donated to the foundation. We would like to thank each and every one who has helped and will continue to help the disabled gamer community. "
"Our partnership with the AbleGamers Foundation brings the freedom, fun, and independent of video gaming to DC residents with disabilities," said Venetia Demson, Chief of DC Public Library's Adaptive Services Division. "We're looking forward to welcoming new and experienced gamers with disabilities of all ages to the library for a unique experience. When properly used, video games can be an important learning tool for literacy, spatial reasoning and curriculum support as well as a wonderful social experience."
The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the DC public library @ 12 noon, October 10, 2012. We encourage everyone who is interested in finding out more information on assistive technology, gamers with disabilities, and the AbleGamers foundation to attend the event and meet the AbleGamers crew.
About The AbleGamers Foundation
The AbleGamers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that runs AbleGamers.com, which provides news and reviews on the accessibility of mainstream video game titles, as well as consultation on assistive technology. As an alternative to Serious Gaming, mainstream video games supply many disabled individuals and veterans with rehabilitation as well as social stimulation in situations where they may be otherwise shut out of society's idea of normal everyday life.
