Accessibility Just Got Very Exciting

Linda Williams, Ph.D.

Microsoft shared with Invisible Disability Project their latest blog post on the Microsoft Accessibility Blog, introducing the expanded Microsoft Accessibility Website, and the launch of the KNFB Reader for Windows 10. Here's what we find most compelling about Microsoft designing assistive technology: they rely on the lived experiences of real users as feedback for the design itself.

THE QUICK

An Equitable Digital Experience Comes from Knowing the User

Microsoft partnered with the National Federation of the Blind and Sensotec to create an assistive technology with a focus on making digital text and images equitable for people with disabilities. The KNFB Reader for Windows 10, emerged. If seeing or reading text and images is difficult or impossible because of blindness or print disability (visual or cognitive disabilities), this new reader may have significant impact for you. Get the KNFB Reader in your App Store.

Expanded Perspectives on Accessibility

Microsoft takes accessibility seriously. They believe that when technology reflects the diversity of everyone who uses it, there are no limits to what people can achieve. But their new expanded accessibility website is about a lot more. If you're interested in learning more about inclusive hiring at Microsoft, accessibility conformance reports, assistive technology, public policy, developer resources, and how Microsoft designs for human motivations and needs — bookmark this website as a resource and hang out for a while.
 

Collaborations with the Communities They Serve

Microsoft is not designing and revising their technologies in a vacuum. They're interested in hearing from their users, and encourage you to request new products, features and tools, and to share real ideas about how Microsoft's products shape and perform in your life. When you're on their website, check out UserVoice.