Microsoft Sends AbleGamers to the Chicago Abilities Expo

AbleGamers’ Accessibility Arcade to be Showcased at the Largest Consumer Disability Event.

Harpers Ferry, WV –June 13, 2012– The AbleGamers Foundation is proud to demonstrate the AbleGamers’ Accessibility Arcade at Abilities Expo at the Schaumburg Convention Center on June 29 to July 1, 2012. For over 30 years, Abilities Expo (www.abilitiesexpo.com) has succeeded in improving the lives of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and healthcare professionals across the country. The Expo features 3 days of workshops, demonstrations and displays of cutting-edge products and services.

The Accessibility Arcade offers a hands-on showcase of accessible technology that can enable disabled gamers to play mainstream video game systems and titles. It has been featured at numerous events including the Penny Arcade Expo and Microsoft Asia Pacific Development Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“We are delighted to be able to showcase the Accessibility Arcade in Chicago,” said Mark Barlet, President and Co-Founder of the AbleGamers Foundation and 2012 Paul G. Hearne AAPD Leadership Winner. “Thanks to Microsoft for sponsoring our trip to the Windy City, we will be able to show off the latest and greatest assistive technologies the world has to offer to thousands of disabled individuals who might not know they can game.”

“For many people with disabilities, games offer a window to the world,” said Steve Spohn, Editor-In-Chief of AbleGamers and community outreach chair for the foundation. “Video games can bring so much joy to those living with disabilities who may otherwise be locked out of various experiences games can virtually offer. We are ecstatic that Microsoft not only gets our mission, but wholeheartedly supports it by getting us to events like this that help the disabled gaming community.”

AbleGamers will be displaying some of the industry's hottest and most accessible games including Forza, Rayman, Splosion Man and more. The expo is free and open to the public. Stop on by and visit the AbleGamers crew as they demonstrate how anyone can game. There should be no barriers to fun!