On Tuesday, June 24, NTesports Managing Director Nik Turner, in his role as Chair of the Esports Trade Association Education Committee, hosted a vital and thought-provoking LinkedIn Live event titled “Disability and Inclusion in Esports – Breaking Down the Barriers.”
Organised by the Esports Trade Association’s Education Committee, this virtual panel brought together educators, industry advocates, and individuals with lived experience to explore the challenges and opportunities around making esports more inclusive and accessible to all.
The panel featured an incredible lineup of speakers:
* Alexander Nathan, Founder and Manager of Permastunned Gaming, shared insights on creating competitive environments that prioritise accessibility and community for disabled gamers.
* Robbie Woolcock from Prestige Network discussed the importance of British Sign Language (BSL)accessibility in gaming and the growing movement for better support for deaf and hard-of-hearing players.
* Lewis Body-Douglas, Programme Leader at the College of Esports, highlighted the role of education in fostering inclusive practices within academic and competitive esports settings as well as discussing his voluntary work undertaken with SpecialEffect.
Hosted live on LinkedIn and Twitch, the session explored critical themes, including:
Barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing esports opportunities
The role of adaptive technology in levelling the playing field
Representation, community, and the importance of visibility in gaming spaces
The responsibilities of educators, institutions, and industry professionals in creating inclusive pathways
Speaking after the event, Nik Turner said:
“Inclusion isn’t optional – it’s essential. Esports has the power to unite people from all backgrounds, but only if we actively remove the barriers that prevent full participation. This conversation is just the beginning.”
The discussion also celebrated the progress already being made in this area, while challenging attendees to reflect on what more can be done to ensure equity, access, and dignity for all individuals in esports, whether as players, creators, students, or professionals.
As esports continues to grow across education and industry, NTesports remains committed to championing accessibility and advocating for inclusive practices that ensure no one is left behind.
