“…The growth of technology is, by definition, accessibility,” says AbleGamers Executive Director Jordan Kough.

And for 21 years, nonprofit AbleGamers has been working towards making video gaming accessible to all.

Their objectives stretch far beyond making sure everyone has fun. Although that’s a valid consideration!

On their website, AbleGamers’ stated mission is to “enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.”

Their programs are achieving these objectives in some exciting ways.

Multifaceted innovation

Among their initiatives is the Able Player One program, where adaptive gaming specialists meet with players with disabilities, determine their accessibility needs and deliver–free of charge–gear that allows them to start, and continue, gaming. (And the specialists will stay in contact with the gamer, to be sure the items they supply are working for that person’s specific needs.)

In addition, AbleGamers have, so far, trained more than 1,000 video game developers in accessibility. Their APX program offers 22 different patterns for accessible experiences.

“The coolest parts about this is that we see all different types of people in our space, that want to get trained on this to use it in different parts and ways,” Jordan says.

Also, through their Player Panel program, AbleGamers have assembled the world’s largest panel of gamers with disabilities, to advise the gaming industry.

They even have an in-house Engineering Research Team, which prototypes and creates new devices when current technology fails to meet an individual’s accessibility needs.

Looking towards the future

But perhaps one of their most exciting recent initiatives is their first international Esports Tournament for players with disabilities!

Scheduled for March 7, 2026, in Milan, this hybrid competition will welcome players to compete both in-person and remotely. (Registrations are currently open, with more information available through their socials, @ablegamers.)

Jordan shared the story of AbleGamers, offered a closer look at their programs and talked about his vision for the future.

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• How Jordan first became inspired to use his creative talents to advocate for a better future;

• The story of AbleGamers;

• A closer look at their AblePlayer One program and how it works;

• Their APX training for video game designers;

• An exploration of one of their 22 patterns for accessibility;

• Their scholarship APX program for smaller developers;

• Their engineering program, and how they work with partners;

• One of Jordan’s most creatively fulfilling experiences with AbleGamers in the past year;

• Their new adaptive Esports exhibition at the Paralympics;

• How best to support them;

• A closer look at future accessibility needs in our lifetimes;

• Their Virtual Awareness Day about adaptive e-sports, coming up on March 20th;

• Where Jordan would like to see AbleGamers grow, in the next five years.