Today marked the exciting conclusion of the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, where over 20,000 participants from 164 different countries gathered virtually to dive deep into the promising world of AI and accessibility. Microsoft’s dedication to accessibility isn’t just a recent endeavor; it’s a journey backed by decades of commitment, originating with early features like those in Windows 95. Today, that trailblazing spirit continues with innovations in hardware and software driven by AI. Leading these advancements, as always, are individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility doesn’t just serve those with disabilities; it has a broader impact, simplifying technology for everyone. This is evident in how people worldwide are engaging with Microsoft’s technologies. Take, for instance, the work-enhancing Copilot for Microsoft 365, used by millions monthly. The Edge browser feature that reads web pages aloud and the Immersive Reader making content more accessible are game-changers for over a million users. Partners such as Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are also leveraging AI to support the global community of people with disabilities. These are just a few key highlights from today’s event!
Want to know what new trends and products were unveiled at the 2025 Ability Summit? Here’s a quick rundown.
What’s new in 2025?
Big announcements included the release of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, now available exclusively through the Microsoft Store. With a staggering 429 million gamers who have disabilities, it’s vital to offer adaptable solutions to meet diverse play styles and preferences. This versatile, wired controller has been made in close collaboration with the Gaming and Disability community, designed to perfectly integrate with existing setups. The joystick expands upon Microsoft’s suite of adaptive gadgets, including the adaptive mouse, pen, kit, and controller. For detailed information, head over to Xbox Support.
Moreover, all Microsoft hardware comes packaged in an environmentally and user-friendly way. Gone are the days of plastic clamshell packaging! At the Summit, the Packaging and Content Team unveiled their Accessible Packaging Design Guide. This guide provides practical advice on creating packaging that not only protects the environment but serves all customers effectively.
In terms of innovation, Microsoft and its partners presented other groundbreaking efforts aimed at increasing accessibility:
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Tobii Dynavox is incorporating Microsoft’s Neural Voice from Azure AI Speech into its communication solutions, offering users of eye-gaze systems more personalized voice options in over 50 languages through their apps TD Talk and TD Phone.
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Microsoft Teams is getting an upgrade. Later this year, it will be advanced enough to spotlight sign language users during meetings, part of our ongoing effort to ensure clear and inclusive communication for all.
- Copilot has been an asset for neurodiverse employees, enhancing their workplace performance by improving communication and focus. At the Summit, we also showed simple tools like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer, illustrating their positive impact through stories from four early adopters in New York.
The Summit also highlighted advancements such as:
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Narrator will soon boast AI-powered image descriptions, arriving this spring for Windows Insider Preview users, thanks to enhancements by Azure AI Foundry to reduce cognitive load.
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Since its launch, over 5 million learners globally have benefited from our Accessibility Skilling program, geared with partners like Teach Access. This virtual training is available for easy integration into organizational learning systems.
- The Speech Accessibility Project, spearheaded by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has made a remarkable improvement—60% enhanced accuracy—for recognizing non-standard speech patterns. The Azure platform team also demonstrated using GitHub Copilot to write accessible code.
Special Olympics emphasized how Copilot has revolutionized training for their coaches and athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in preparation for the Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
The beauty of this advancement lies in the fact that it’s driven by people who inherently understand accessibility, ensuring technology that benefits us all. This sentiment was echoed in a profile of Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, who shared his experiences using accessible tech.
Onward
For more than 30 years, Microsoft’s focus on accessibility has been steadfast, resulting in tools that make life easier and spark innovation. From creating features like Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 to launching Seeing AI in 2016, the ripple effect of these innovations has extended far beyond what we first imagined. Consider how ubiquitous closed captions have become for video content!
AI holds the key to transformative progress in our economy and society, and we’re committed to a responsible approach that maximizes benefits for those who need them most.
Whether this was your first or fifteenth Ability Summit, thank you for being a part of it! We hope you walked away with insights and tools to help your community leverage technology. The session recordings will be made available after the event.
Together, let’s push forward.
Tags: accessibility, AI, AI for Accessibility, Azure, Azure AI Foundry, Microsoft Ability Summit, Microsoft Teams.
