Formatted version

Microsoft's Commitment

Research About Accessibility

[image: Photo of researcher looking at cells]

Microsoft conducts and commissions research with a goal to enhance the user experience on computing devices, reduce the cost of writing and maintaining software, and to invent novel computing technologies.

Research and Development Projects Related to Accessibility

Microsoft is dedicated to conducting computer science and software engineering research with goals to enhance the computing experience and invent novel computing technologies.

• Current Microsoft Research and Development Projects aimed at making the computer more accessible, and easier to see, hear, and interact with.

Microsoft Commissioned Research About Accessible Technology

Microsoft commissioned Forrester Research to measure the market for accessible technology in the United States and to better understand how accessible technology is being used.

Findings are represented in the following two reports:

• The Market for Accessible Technology—The Wide Range of Abilities and Its Impact on Computer Use presents findings about individuals who are likely to benefit from the use of accessible technology.

• Accessible Technology in Computing—Examining Awareness, Use, and Future Potential presents findings about the use of computers among individuals with difficulties/impairments.

Among adult computer users in the United States:

• 1 in 4 has a vision difficulty
• 1 in 4 has a dexterity difficulty
• 1 in 5 has a hearing difficulty