Speaker: Drew Redepenning

Gaming has always been about challenge, creativity, and community—but for many people with disabilities, barriers have kept them from fully joining the game. Empowered Esports explores how adaptive technology, accessible design, and inclusive gaming communities are changing that. This engaging session looks at how esports and gaming are opening new doors for disabled players to compete, connect, and thrive. From adaptive controllers and customizable controls to the rise of disability-led gaming communities, participants will discover how accessibility is transforming the gaming world and creating spaces where everyone can play at their best. Whether you are a gamer, educator, advocate, or simply curious about the future of inclusive technology, this talk will leave you inspired by gaming’s power to build confidence, spark innovation, and bring people together. In the world of empowered esports, accessibility isn’t an add-on—it’s what makes the game stronger.

Join us for our upcoming Community Lecture Night! This will be online only. Please register for the event here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aE5wlRvETeWT1UCyAsKlVg

• When: July 27th from 6:00-7:30 PM
• Where: Zoom AND streaming on YouTube
• Meeting Accessibility:
  • There will be sign language interpreters and closed captioning available on Zoom. 
  • Chat will be disabled on Zoom during the lecture to better serve people using screen readers. Participants will still be able to message the hosts.
  • When it comes time for the Q&A, people may ask by messaging in the chat so the host can read it out loud or by raising their hand on Zoom so the host can call on them to ask by voice or by ASL.
  • For more information, check out our Technical Info page.

If anyone has any other access needs please contact accessmobpittsburgh@gmail.com as soon as possible, but no later than July 22nd.

Speaker Biography:

Drew Redepenning is a Biomedical Engineer, Assistive Technology Practitioner, and Resident Physician who has been involved in the field of assistive technology for over eight years, in both clinical and research capacities, specializing in environmental controls and adaptive video gaming. Drew is currently a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation resident physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where he has worked to expand their adaptive video gaming services and serves as the co-director of the Empowered Esports program. He has contributed to the development of national educational resources (https://www.gamingreadapted.com/) and has presented multiple national educational sessions in the area of adaptive video gaming. He formerly worked as the Lead Assistive Technology Specialist at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minnesota and currently contracts as an Assistive Technology Specialist for Technology for Home.