Accessibility at Microsoft

Microsoft recognizes the capabilities and contributions of people with disabilities. We have seen the benefits of recruiting and employing people with disabilities, and we recognize that they provide a valuable resource in helping to ensure that Microsoft products meet all of our customer's needs.

Support for Employees

Microsoft understands that accommodating and enabling employees to perform the necessary functions of their jobs ultimately enhances our ability to develop great products and services for everyone. One of the ways we do this is through the Microsoft Accessibility Lab, which provides employees with the opportunity to experience assistive technologies and ergonomic hardware designs firsthand in the lab. This enables us to determine appropriate methods, techniques, and products that can help maintain or improve job performance while increasing comfort. The Accessibility Lab has been very helpful in assisting employees with disabilities to be more productive, comfortable, and injury-free at work.

You can learn more about accessibility efforts within the company from employees themselves. In the Windows of Opportunity video, several employees with disabilities discuss their experiences working at Microsoft and the assistive technology they use to perform their jobs.

Watch Windows of Opportunity video
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Accessibility Within Microsoft Products

Microsoft recognized early that computer technology is an important and powerful tool for people with disabilities. Since 1988 we have been exploring and evolving accessibility solutions that are integrated with our products. This dedication began with the launch of Windows 2.0 and continues today with unique accessibility features in products such as the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Windows Vista. Since our initial involvement with accessibility issues, we have been dedicated to improving the accessibility of our products and creating new and better technologies that everyone can use. We are committed to continuous innovation in this area.

Microsoft supports the development of accessible hardware and software through its Accessible Technology Group. This group works closely with product developers, assistive-technology companies, and disability advocates to ensure that people with disabilities can use software developed by Microsoft and by other companies.