[games_access] [PR Repost] AbleGamers Launches Fellowship for Aspiring Developers with Disabilities

[Steve Spohn]

Hey all,

Wanted to make sure that all of you saw the outstanding news of AbleGamers
newest initiative. It's an honor and a privilege to partner with some of
the game industry's biggest companies, and with the blessing of the IGDA,
to bring this to life. We'll literally be changing the game industry from
within, and within a decade all of the major game companies will have
in-house game accessibility experts.

AbleGamers Launches Fellowship for Aspiring Developers with Disabilities



Harpers Ferry, WV – August 31, 2015– AbleGamers Charity is thrilled to
announce the AbleGamers Fellowship, which is a brand-new program awarding a
$10,000 scholarship to qualifying third and fourth year students with
disabilities, majoring in a game development based degree, or computer
science or education with a focus on gaming/media from an accredited
college or university with a passion for game accessibility.



Along with scholarship money, AbleGamers Fellows will receive mentoring
from the game accessibility experts at AbleGamers, and paid internships
with the industry’s leading game publishers.



Trion Worlds, which contributed the program’s first $10,000, was delighted
to partner with AbleGamers on this game changing initiative to bring more
inclusivity to the industry from within. Motiga, creators of Gigantic, also
jumped on board immediately, citing a love for helping bring positive
change to the industry, offering paid internships to the outstanding
individuals chosen for the first Fellowship.



“This is just the beginning,” said Mark Barlet, Founder and Executive
Director of the AbleGamers Charity. “As our AbleGamers Fellowship continues
to grow and new partners come on board, we’ll continue to enhance the
program each and every year.”



“We have a couple really big ideas in mind,” continued Barlet. “We just
need to find the right partners.”



"As the International Game Developers Association is focused on creating an
inclusive and diverse game industry, one where those who create games
better reflect those who play them, we wholeheartedly support the
AbleGamers Fellowship," said Kate Edwards, Executive Director, IGDA. "This
is a great way by which the industry can expand its talent by making game
development accessible to anyone who wants to pursue the field."



For the first round of awards, AbleGamers and partners are looking for two
outstanding individuals who are passionate about game design, game
accessibility, and changing the world. For more information on the
scholarship, becoming an AbleGamers Fellowship partner, or to apply, please
visit www.ablegamersfellowship.com
<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=88788807&msgid=1144292&act=UADE&c=369830&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ablegamersfellowship.com>.
 For more information on AbleGamers charity, please visitwww.ablegamers.com
<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=88788807&msgid=1144292&act=UADE&c=369830&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ablegamers.com%2F>
.


*About AbleGamers*

The AbleGamers Charity 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.


###

For more information about this topic, the AbleGamers Charity,
AbleGamers.com, donating, or to schedule an interview with Mark Barlet,
President of The AbleGamers Charity, call (703) 891-9017 ext:101 or email
Steve Spohn at press at AbleGamers.com


-- 
Steve Spohn

*Chief Operations Officer*

AbleGamers Charity
AbleGamers.com <http://www.ablegamers.com/> | Facebook
<http://www.facebook.com/ablegamers> | Twitter
<http://www.twitter.com/ablegamers>

Read the award-winning, critically acclaimed set of game accessibility
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*everyone*: Includification.com
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