MEDIA — The Game On State arcade at 31 W. State St. in Media is filled with nostalgic candy treats and classic video games.
But there’s also something magical and heartfelt that happens when a person walks into Game on State. The arcade store is unique as a welcoming, inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can learn job skills, socialize with friends, perform and work. They also interact with abled gamers over Skeeball, Dance-athon and Ninja Turtles pinball.
Families host birthday parties there, businesses do team-building exercises and individuals make new friends. Thursday and Friday afternoons are especially fun when the back room rocks with a weekly karaoke session for adults with intellectual disabilities. All of these talented individuals are learning job skills and making new friends through ANEWAY (a new way), a unique nonprofit program based at Game on State.
Pedro Otero-Hernandez, 27, Boothwyn, sings karaoke from his wheelchair. He also works at Game on State helping to clean the video games. John O’Malley, 53 of Media, dances at karaoke, but he is also starting a dog-walking business called Walk on State, assisted by his job coach.
Jake Spencer, 39, of Middletown Township channels Justin Timberlake’s vocal and dance moves with his karaoke performances, while honing his skills to be a charming emcee and disc jockey. ANEWAY founder Aimee Rubin opened Game on State in 2021 with the goal of providing jobs, volunteer opportunities and social p.