Today marked the milestone of our 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, with a global blend of over 20,000 attendees from 164 countries diving into the vital conversation around the future of AI and accessibility. For more than three decades, Microsoft has woven accessibility into the fabric of its business model, tracing back to the first accessibility features in Windows 95, and continuing to innovate with AI-driven hardware and software. We’re advancing at an unparalleled pace, with individuals with disabilities spearheading this progress.
Accessibility isn’t just a helpful feature; it’s a fundamental human right. It also enhances the technological experience for everyone. This is clearly visible in the way our customers worldwide utilize Microsoft technologies. Take Copilot for Microsoft 365, which has redefined productivity in the workplace, or Edge’s Read Aloud feature, assisting over 10 million users monthly to navigate the web more comfortably. More than 1 million people are turning to Immersive Reader for easier webpage reading, while partners such as Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are deploying AI to support individuals with disabilities. These are merely a few of the exciting highlights we shared today!
Here’s a quick rundown of the fresh accessibility products, features, and programs we unveiled at the 2025 Ability Summit.
What’s new in 2025?
We are thrilled to announce that the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is now officially available at the Microsoft Store. Considering that more than 429 million players worldwide live with disabilities, it’s essential to acknowledge that every gamer has distinct needs and preferences. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is a simple yet flexible wired controller, tailored to meet the varying requirements of players with limited mobility, seamlessly fitting into their gaming setups. This innovation was developed with insights from the Gaming and Disability community right from the concept stage. It complements our suite of adaptive accessories like the mouse, pen, adaptive kit, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. For deeper insights, check out Xbox Support.
Moreover, our Microsoft hardware features packaging that’s as accessible as it is environmentally friendly. Gone are the days of plastic clamshell packaging! To assist others aiming for accessible packaging solutions, the Microsoft Packaging and Content Team launched the Accessible Packaging Design Guide during the Summit, packed with practical advice and strategies for creating an inclusive packaging experience.
During the Summit, Microsoft teams and partners showcased initiatives aimed at propelling accessibility forward through technology:
- Tobii Dynavox is harnessing the power of Microsoft Neural Voice, part of Azure AI Speech, integrating it into their assistive communication solutions. This sophisticated AI feature provides personalized voice options for users of eye-gaze assistive devices, with Neural Voices available in over 50 languages on their apps, TD Talk and TD Phone.
- Microsoft Teams is set to enhance its support for Sign Language View, improving the visibility of sign language users during meetings by prominently featuring them. These video adjustments are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure clear and accessible communication for all.
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Copilot is empowering neurodiverse talent, as highlighted by a recent EY study, showing that 76% of neurodiverse employees reported improved workplace performance, aided by features enhancing communication, memory, and focus. At the Summit, we highlighted how new tools like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer are making work more accessible. Meet some early adopters of Copilot in New York who shared their experiences.
- AI advancements are also coming to Narrator, with AI-driven rich image descriptions launching in Windows Insider Preview this spring. Additionally, Azure AI Foundry revealed UI enhancements designed to alleviate cognitive load.
- Our Accessibility Skilling program has seen over 5 million learners participate globally, thanks to partners like Teach Access, Computacenter UK, and the City of New York. This training, offered for free and accessible online, includes the latest AI insights and is adaptable for use in organizational learning systems.
- Speech recognition has seen up to a 60% improvement. The Speech Accessibility Project, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, achieved a breakthrough in accuracy for non-standard speech, with the Azure platform team demonstrating how developers can use GitHub Copilot for writing accessible code.
- Special Olympics shared how Copilot is transforming training for their coaches and athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they geared up for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
Such incredible strides are possible thanks to the dedicated individuals crafting technology with accessibility at the forefront. This results in innovations that make workplaces everywhere more productive and efficient. This ethos is beautifully captured in the profile of Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, who shared how accessible technology fuels his leadership journey.
Onward
For over 30 years, accessibility has been a cornerstone of Microsoft’s product development. Enhancing accessibility not only makes our technology easier for all users but also sparks broader innovation. From pioneering features like Sticky Keys and voice recognition in Windows 95 to breakthroughs like Seeing AI, the impact of these innovations transcends their initial goals, offering unexpected benefits such as making closed captions essential for everyone during video watching and calls.
AI holds the potential to revolutionize every sector of our economy and society. We remain committed to a grounded and responsible approach as we strive to deliver the most cutting-edge technology to those who can benefit most.
Whether you’re joining us for your first or your fifteenth Ability Summit, thank you for participating. We hope you discovered new features, skills, or insights to empower yourself, your community, or your organization through technology. All event content will remain available for post-event viewing.
Let’s continue progressing together.
