Accessibility Day 98: Education and Commitment

February 19, 1998 was Accessibility Day at Microsoft headquarters, a daylong conference for Microsoft staff and technology accessibility experts representing government, industry and disability advocacy groups. Its purpose was to raise awareness among Microsoft employees that accessibility must be a fundamental part of software design. In a speech at the conference, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates reaffirmed the company's commitment to accessibility and encouraged accessibility measures within the PC industry as a whole.

Following are links to more information about Accessibility Day:

Bill Gates outlines Microsoft's continued commitment to product accessibility during Accessibility Day 98, an all-day event at Microsoft headquarters. Gates told an audience of Microsoft staff and accessibility experts representing government, industry, and disability advocacy groups that usability by individuals with disabilities must be factored in during entire product development process.

In his speech, Gates announced Microsoft's mission & accessibility strategy to help Microsoft meet its goals for accessible computing.

Dave Capozzi of the U.S. Access Board outlined federal laws concerning access to technology. He said that "it is becoming clear to product developers and manufacturers that providing access to technology is 'the smart thing to do'."