Seattle Children’s is one of Gamers Outreach’s biggest supporters, as they’re one of the few hospitals that might have every iteration in their fleet of well over 60 GO Karts and counting. Last year, we had the great opportunity to visit Seattle Children’s, have some playtime with the kids, and create great content. This year, we had the very fortunate opportunity to visit Seattle Children’s Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center (ABC) for the first time.

We’re all about the kids here at Gamers Outreach, but the reality is video games are for everyone. Our visit to ABC highlighted the learning center staff's attention to detail and expertise, and it showed how unique and important these learning settings can be when you have a staff that truly cares about gaming for both entertainment and a sense of normalcy.

The Motto: R.I.S.E.

ABC offers lifelong learning for people 18 and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The center offers in-person classes, community outings, and virtual meeting options for people of all abilities and interests. The facility’s motto is RISE: Respect everyone; Include everyone; Support others; and Enjoy time together.

"Their (Gamers Outreach) visit provided a firsthand look at how gaming creates opportunities for social connection, skill development, recreation, and community engagement," said Kimika Green, Director of the Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center.

The tour gave us a glimpse of many amazing activities at ABC. The center features both a quiet and recreation lounge where participants can spend time before and between classes. Classes include reading and storytelling, music, cooking, art, and obviously our favorite – gaming and play.

GO Karts aren’t just for kids

The game room had everything from older game consoles to older GO Karts to jigsaw puzzles to board games, and basically anything that’ll keep people feeling anything but bored. The members of our marketing team who visited all agreed they could spend hours in there and not know how much time passed.

Through two classes, we played everything from Mario Kart World to Super Smash Bros. to Madden NFL football, and we even enjoyed watching someone playing Quantum Break on an Xbox One using an adaptive controller. It’s not something we see often, especially since Quantum Break is an M-Rated game, but again – this is a facility for adults.

"A highlight of the center is its robust gaming and adaptive gaming classes, which utilize a variety of gaming technologies and accessible equipment to create engaging experiences for individuals with diverse interests, abilities, and support needs," Kimika said. "Their investment is helping create opportunities for adults with IDD to build friendships, develop skills, foster independence, and experience the joy that gaming can bring. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to harness the power of play, connection, and community."

Support Gamers Outreach

Looking to help Gamers Outreach, but conventions and big events aren't your thing? No problem. There are many ways to support the foundation’s mission of bringing video games to kids in hospitals worldwide.

Monthly Giving

One of the best ways to support us is by joining The GRID, Gamers Outreach’s monthly giving program. Monthly donors go a long way in supporting our programs and everything in between. From upkeep to logistics, our Monthly Giving program members make a real difference.

Donating as little as $10 a month unlocks exclusive perks like invitations to quarterly calls with our staff to discuss the latest with the foundation, early access to Gamers For Giving, and other benefits.

Follow Gamers Outreach, and spread the word

Donating isn’t the only way you can support Gamers Outreach. 

Following and sharing the blog or even our social pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube, and joining our Discord server will keep you more than updated on how you can help us make an impact in both healthcare and gaming!