Microsoft Accessible Technology Vendor Program (MATvp) Extends Global Reach

Microsoft Assistive Technology Vendor Program (MATvp) is designed specifically for independent assistive technology vendors (ATVs), and is administered by Microsoft's Accessible Technology Group (ATG).

At the close of the latest "open enrollment" period, the program had grown to 145 members. Members come from 20 countries including: USA, Ireland, Canada, Norway, Italy, Finland, Japan, Israel, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, China, The Netherlands, Australia, UK, France, New Zealand, Korea, and Spain.

The majority of the members are manufacturers of assistive technology products—other types of members include researchers working on AT-oriented technology within a university environment and mainstream software/hardware developers who have designed and built their applications to be accessible. As a result, the 145 members represent more than 300 different types of assistive technology products.

The primary purpose of the program is to decrease the time to market of assistive technology products so that individuals with disabilities/functional limitations can take advantage of the customer benefits of Microsoft's latest operating systems and applications. That can't happen unless Microsoft works closely with manufacturers of assistive technology products.

The program ensures that assistive technology vendors get beta versions of Microsoft's new operating systems and applications so potential compatibility issues can be addressed in advance. In addition, Microsoft works directly with members of the program to prepare new versions of assistive technology products to be announced/launched with Microsoft operating systems and applications.

Learn more about MATvp and how to join