Guides
Get information and tips for using accessibility tools and features in Microsoft products to meet specific needs.
Learn about the accessibility tools and features built into Windows 10 and Office 365, as well as different types of assistive technology products designed for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are colorblind. Some sections of this guide may also be useful to individuals living with different types of disabilities such as learning or mobility issues.
Developing apps for accessibility
Designing your app to work for more people just makes sense. Check out these Microsoft developer resources to help you create apps for everyone.
Accessibility overview
People around the world live with a broad range of disabilities or impairments including limitations in mobility, vision, hearing, learning, cognition, and social and emotional issues. However, you can address most accessibility requirements by following a few Microsoft-approved guidelines.
Read the overview
Developer blog
Designing inclusive software provides better usability and customer satisfaction, as well as a larger market for your apps. Learn what's possible and what others are developing today through these stories about accessible technology products and the people who use them.
Explore the blog
Innovation
Microsoft Soundscape is a research project that uses innovative audio-based technology to enable people with blindness or low vision to build a richer awareness of their surroundings. Unlike step-by-step navigation apps, Soundscape uses 3D audio cues to provide a new way to relate to the environment.
Learn how Soundscape works
Diversity
Meet Joey Chemis, a Data Scientist in Worldwide Operations. He joined Microsoft through our Autism Hiring Program, which helps us fill vital roles such as Software Engineer, Service Engineer, Build Engineer, Lab Engineer, Data Analyst, and Data Scientist.
Learn more about Joey Chemis
Experimentation
How many different ways can you play solitaire? The Sa11ytaire experiment was designed to figure out how a solitaire app could be played with a wide range of input and output methods. You can find the app built to explore this subject at the Microsoft Store.
Read about Sa11ytaire
Partners supporting compatibility
Learn more about providers who develop assistive technology that works with Microsoft products.
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Section 508
Read how the accessibility features of our products help agencies address Section 508 requirements.
EN 301 549
Read how the accessibility features of our products help agencies meet procurement requirements based on the EN 301 549 standard.
WCAG 2.0 AA
Read how the accessibility features of our products help agencies meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standards.