Robert Sinclair, Director of Accessibility, Microsoft Accessibility Business Unit

Biography

As Director of Accessibility leading Microsoft's Accessibility Business Unit (ABU), Robert Sinclair is responsible for the company's worldwide accessibility strategy to develop software and devices that make it easier for people to see, hear and use their computers. Sinclair joined Microsoft in 1997 and has focused on accessibility since 1998. A native of Irving, Texas, Sinclair earned bachelor and master degrees in computer science from New Mexico State University, where he focused on software usability and user-centered design.

More About Sinclair

Sinclair is one of the chief architects of Microsoft User Interface (UI) Automation, Microsoft's innovative accessibility model. He also has 15 patents pending, most for advances in accessible technology. While Sinclair's team focuses on helping Microsoft and partner companies create technology that empowers individuals with disabilities and other difficulties, the benefits of those solutions are not limited to those who experience physical or cognitive impairments—and neither is his vision for accessible technology.

"Today, people are required to adapt themselves to their computers, so using technology means knowing how the machine expects us to give it information and how we can get information from the machine," Sinclair says. "It's an artificial barrier that prevents us from making the best use of technology. I want to create a system that adapts to the individual, so that it becomes much easier and more natural for people to interact with technology. By addressing the needs of people with a wide range of disabilities, we also create a system that is more functional for everyone."

Sinclair joined Microsoft in 1997 as a developer support engineer in the Premier Support Group, where he provided technical and business support for some of the company's largest customers. In 1998, he transitioned to the Accessibility Business Unit (ABU) (formerly the Accessible Technology Group) as a program manager. Over the next five years, he held a variety of roles in ABU, eventually becoming group manager in charge of development, testing, and program management. A talented nature and wildlife photographer, Sinclair left ABU in 2004 to join Microsoft's digital photography group, a job that allowed him to combine his personal love of photography with his professional passion for technology. A year later, an opportunity arose to return to ABU as director.

A native of Irving, Texas, Sinclair earned bachelor and master degrees in computer science from New Mexico State University, where he focused on software usability and user-centered design. While still in graduate school, he founded a successful software consulting company that helped businesses synchronize their workflow and technology. Later, he worked in a variety of roles in the software industry, including graphic design, development, testing, documentation, training, and public relations.

Sinclair describes himself as a "practical dreamer," someone who likes to think big, set aggressive goals, and develop a plan to achieve them. He gets his biggest thrill from solving difficult problems. Described as sincere, humorous, smart, and visionary, Sinclair has an energetic and positive leadership style.

"I've really been pursuing the same goals throughout my career," he says. "Making technology easier for people to use is something I've always been extremely passionate about, ever since I began writing software."