AbleGamers launches Lab to help gamers with special needs

The AbleGamers Foundation — a charity that aims to improve the quality of life of those with disabilities through video games — opened its first AbleGamers Lab today, a special laboratory designed for gamers with special needs.

The nonprofit charity had previously opened its Accessibility Arcade in Washington D.C. in late 2012, but the AbleGamers Lab takes the idea a step further.

According to the charity's chief operations officer and Outreach Chair Steve Spohn, the Accessibility Arcade gives people a chance to see assistive technology that is already set up as-is in a permanent arcade space. Visitors can try out equipment and get a sense of what's out there.

The AbleGamers Lab, also located in Washington D.C., takes this idea a step further by offering free one-on-one consultations. During these consultations, AbleGamer staff listen to the problems and issues the visitors face, give appropriate feedback on what might work for them and let them try on the different devices that could help them get back into gaming.

Consultation is free but by appointment only. More information about the lab and how to schedule an appointment can be found at AbleGamers.