Adaptive Arcade at the Library

***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***

Are you enthusiastic about video games and excited to share that passion with others? Do you feel committed to ensuring your patrons with disabilities can also experience the joy of connecting through video games? Learn how the Deerfield Public Library in Illinois partnered with a prominent gaming accessibility organization to put on an “Adaptive Arcade at the Library” event. Hear from renowned disability advocate Steve Spohn about why gaming accessibility is so important and how partnerships with public libraries can help bridge the divide. Discover some of the latest advancements in assistive technology, including adaptive video game controllers and 3D-printables you can use for library programming and even circulation. Leave with programming tips and tricks for seamlessly highlighting your library’s collection, services, and resources, all while providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone to game.

Recorded live on October 2, 2025.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify the steps involved in creating a successful adaptive video gaming program at their library;
• Demonstrate an understanding of why gaming accessibility is so important and how community and nonprofit partnerships can help public libraries connect adaptive gaming resources to those who need them; and
• Exhibit a basic knowledge of the current adaptive and accessible video gaming equipment and resources available, and how they can be utilized for library collections, programming, and partnerships.

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for public librarians and library staff who are passionate about video games and accessibility, as well as multimedia librarians or specialists, outreach coordinators, programming librarians or coordinators, IT professionals, makerspace professionals, and staff who focus on inclusive and accessible services in the library.

Panelists

Vicki Karlovsky (she/her) serves as inclusion coordinator at the Deerfield (IL) Public Library and has been working in libraries for over thirteen years. In addition to cultivating community partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, she has developed and implemented library programming and service initiatives for seniors and disabled adults. She has a master’s degree in social work and is passionate about bringing libraries and social work together.

 

Steve Spohn (he/him), “Gaming’s Disruptor of Limits,” doesn’t just play games—he rewrites the rules. As director of the Nancy Lieberman Back to Life Center, he’s raised millions to empower players with disabilities, proving that accessibility isn’t just ethical—it’s critical. Through partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and EA, Steve has driven award-winning innovations that make gaming more inclusive for over fifty million disabled players in the U.S. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a progressive and terminal disease, Steve has turned personal challenges into a powerful force for industry-wide change. His work has earned recognition from Forbes, The New York Times, and CNN, along with awards from the Video Game Awards, Game Developers Conference, and beyond. As Steve says, “Accessibility isn’t about doing what’s easy—it’s about doing what’s right. And when you get it right, everyone wins.”

 

Important Registration Information

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Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Contact

This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).