Abilities in Motion, an organization focused on providing services, support, and advocacy to help individuals with disabilities live independent and self-determined lives, has hired Christopher Kolb as Assistive Technology and Gaming Manager to run the eSports operations. The AIM Gaming Center features 15 of the latest and greatest gaming stations configured for individual or team play creating a welcoming and inclusive space for gamers of all abilities to join their peers and compete in the competitive eSports arena.
The state-of-the-art eSports and gaming center is approximately 2,300 sq. ft. and is located in AIM’s facility at 755 Hiesters Lane in Reading, Pennsylvania. Team and individual recruitment have already begun and as part of Kolb’s responsibilities, he will help new players join a team or start their own.
“What makes the AIM Gaming Center truly remarkable is our focus on creating a communal space that welcomes people of all abilities and skill levels to enjoy one of the fastest-growing competitive sports. We recognized that a gaming center built around accessibility needs was a great route to build the camaraderie experienced as part of team sports that many in our community may not otherwise have been able to experience,” stated Stephanie Quigley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Abilities In Motion. “We continue to broaden our services and identify new ways to engage our community.”
The AIM Gaming Center offers a higher degree of gaming quality than most people can afford at home, with 15 PC systems featuring AMD Ryzen processors, NVIDIA GeForce 4070 TI SUPER graphics processors, 32 gigabytes of RAM, and much more. The center also has five fully accessible gaming stations to enable any individual regardless of need or capability the ability to immerse themselves in the world of competitive gaming. Members of the community are encouraged to bring in their peripherals from controllers to keyboards and headsets or use the provided devices.
Kolb is focused on building the community aspect of gaming so players can congregate in a dedicated space instead of feeling isolated and confined to their homes. He will manage hours of operation, schedule dedicated gaming time, and host learn-to-play sessions. Kolb is also working on adding a gaming console area featuring PlayStation 5s, Xbox Series Xs, Nintendo Switches, and other popular gaming platforms.
“You don’t have to be athletically inclined to enjoy the world of eSports or competitive gaming where strategic thinking is often more highly valued,” added Kolb. “I’m excited to work with gamers, build the community aspect of gaming, foster a competitive spirit and love of gaming, and facilitate team building with a focus on making it easy and welcoming for anyone interested to enter the world of eSports and start their competitive journey.”
Some of the popular game titles available include Call of Duty Warzone, League of Legends, and Super Smash Brothers. The center will also host Nintendo Switch party games and is developing plans to host weekly tournaments at various times for fighting games, first-person shooters, and sports games. Teams will be able to compete against other teams in the center and around the world.
The AIM Gaming Center is the newest offering from Abilities in Motion. The organization offers a variety of programs and services aimed at facilitating disability inclusivity through community engagement, civic participation, and education. The organization also offers free accessibility evaluations using the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities, based on ADA Standards for Accessible Design, and provides useful information and suggestions.
