Today marked the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, and it was an impressive virtual gathering with over 20,000 participants from 164 countries. The focus was on exploring the future of artificial intelligence and accessibility. Microsoft’s commitment to accessibility isn’t new—it’s been part of their DNA for over 30 years, starting with pioneering features in Windows 95 and moving forward with AI-driven advancements in both hardware and software. With this momentum, individuals with disabilities are not just beneficiaries—they’re at the forefront, driving innovation.
Accessibility isn’t just a convenience; it’s a fundamental right. Making technology accessible doesn’t only help those with disabilities; it improves usability for everyone. This is evident in how global customers engage with Microsoft’s tech. Microsoft 365’s Copilot is revolutionizing workplace productivity. More than 10 million users each month rely on Microsoft’s Edge browser to read web content aloud, while Immersive Reader is transforming the reading experience for over a million people. Partners like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are applying AI to enhance lives worldwide. And these are just a few of today’s highlights!
Let’s delve into the latest announcements from the 2025 Ability Summit.
What’s fresh in 2025?
One of the exciting announcements was the launch of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, now available exclusively at the Microsoft Store. With a global community of over 429 million players who have disabilities, it’s clear each gamer has specific needs and preferences. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is a wired controller crafted especially for gamers with limited mobility, designed for flexibility and integration into existing setups. This product reflects insights from the Gaming and Disability community, which has been instrumental in developing Xbox products. It’s now part of Microsoft’s adaptive accessories lineup, alongside the adaptive mouse, pen, kit, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. For more information, you can visit Xbox Support.
Additionally, Microsoft is ensuring all new hardware ships in accessible and eco-friendly packaging—no more dealing with those frustrating clamshell plastics! At the Summit, the Packaging and Content Team introduced the Accessible Packaging Design Guide—a comprehensive resource offering strategies to create packaging that’s both inclusive and user-friendly.
During the event, Microsoft teams and partners showcased various ways they’re pushing the boundaries of accessibility through technology advancements:
-
Tobii Dynavox is integrating Microsoft Neural Voice into their assistive communication tools. This AI-driven feature, part of Azure AI Speech, offers personalized voice options for individuals relying on eye-gaze technology, now available in over 50 languages within apps like TD Talk and TD Phone.
-
Improvements are coming to Microsoft Teams for users of Sign Language View. By the end of the year, Teams will be able to recognize when someone is using sign language and highlight them as the speaker during meetings, enhancing communication accessibility.
-
Copilot is making strides in supporting neurodiverse talent. An EY study revealed that Copilot improved job performance for 76% of neurodiverse employees by boosting communication, memory, and focus. At the Summit, we highlighted new features like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer that are helping people excel in their jobs. In New York, four early adopters shared their experiences with Copilot.
-
AI enhancements in Narrator include richer image descriptions powered by AI, set to release in the Windows Insider Preview this spring, alongside new UI improvements from Azure AI Foundry aimed at reducing cognitive overload.
-
Our Accessibility Skilling program has reached over 5 million learners worldwide, thanks to partnerships with organizations like Teach Access, Computacenter UK, and the City of New York. This free, virtual training covers the latest in AI and is available for use in various learning management systems.
-
The Speech Accessibility Project, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has achieved a 60% improvement in speech recognition accuracy for non-standard speech, showcasing how developers can use GitHub Copilot to write more accessible code.
- The Special Olympics shared how Copilot has transformed training for coaches and athletes in preparation for the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
These advancements are the result of dedicated people designing technology with accessibility as a priority. It’s gratifying to see this ethos in action, as highlighted by Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, who shared how accessibility has empowered him as a leader.
Onward
Microsoft’s longstanding focus on embedding accessibility into their products spans back over three decades. These efforts make technology more accessible and intuitive for everyone, driving innovation forward. Features that began as accessibility tools, like Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 and the introduction of Seeing AI in 2016, have since become invaluable for a broader audience—just look at how closed captions have become an everyday necessity in videos and calls.
AI’s potential to spark change is immense, promising wide-reaching advances across sectors. Microsoft’s approach remains grounded and responsible, aiming to ensure that technological advancements reach those who would benefit most.
Whether you’re new to the Ability Summit or a seasoned participant, we hope today’s event provided insights and tools that benefit you, your community, or your organization. All the content shared today will be available for post-event viewing.
Let’s continue making strides together.
