{"id":22756,"date":"2026-03-19T09:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T16:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/?p=22756"},"modified":"2026-03-26T09:08:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:08:06","slug":"mapping-the-microsoft-approach-to-accessibility-in-the-world-of-ai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/mapping-the-microsoft-approach-to-accessibility-in-the-world-of-ai\/","title":{"rendered":"Mapping the Microsoft approach to accessibility in the world of AI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than 1 billion people worldwide have a disability, and 83 percent of people will experience a disability during their working age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As AI transforms how we build and experience technology, accessibility has to be built in from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group aside-for-guide has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-content-justification-right is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3f1abf08 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-298f84b7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"132\" height=\"132\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/10\/Engage-with-our-experts_blogs.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20636\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Engage with our experts!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Customers or Microsoft account team representatives from Fortune 500 companies are welcome to <a href=\"mailto:msitstaff@microsoft.com\">request a virtual engagement<\/a> on this topic with experts from our Microsoft Digital team.<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designing with and for people with disabilities isn\u2019t optional\u2014it\u2019s fundamental to building technology that works for everyone and to building trust at scale. And yet today, about96% of websites are still inaccessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Microsoft, we\u2019re committed to creating accessible products and services\u2014designed with and for the disability community\u2014that benefit everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our \u201cshift left\u201d approach to software production\u2014which involves moving quality-assurance, testing, and accessibility checks to earlier in the development lifecycle\u2014means that implementing assistive features and tools is a high priority for Microsoft, rather than a late-stage addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And with the rise in importance of AI tools and products, paying close attention to accessibility standards and building these key capabilities into game-changing tech like Microsoft 365 Copilot is a crucial part of our mission here in Microsoft Digital, the company\u2019s IT organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Laurie-Allen.png\" alt=\"A photo of Allen.\" class=\"wp-image-22760\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Laurie-Allen.png 500w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Laurie-Allen-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Laurie-Allen-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAfter my accident, I became immediately reliant on accessible technology. Because I worked in tech, I could leverage accessibility features and assistive technologies to continue doing my job. It was literally a lifeline for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Laurie Allen, accessibility technology evangelist, Microsoft<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evangelizing for accessibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laurie Allen is one person who knows first-hand the importance of accessibility in enterprise software. A little more than a decade ago, she experienced a spinal cord injury and became a quadriplegic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, Allen works as an accessibility technology evangelist at Microsoft. Every day, she relies on assistive digital technologies to help her be successful in her role\u2014which involves ensuring that our software products are accessible to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAfter my accident, I became immediately reliant on accessible technology,\u201d Allen says. \u201cBecause I worked in tech, I could leverage accessibility features and assistive technologies to continue doing my job. It was literally a lifeline for me during that transitionary phase, because my job was the one thing about my life that didn&#8217;t dramatically change as a result of the accident.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;following graphic&nbsp;shows how&nbsp;widespread&nbsp;disability&nbsp;is around the globe:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a2b8a93b wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-blue-1300-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-0f65291cbf1a3611fd5b5c9ed99c5d5f is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-74d61678 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<p class=\"has-title-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">1 + B<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">16% of the worldwide population has a disability\u2014more than 1 billion people<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-blue-1300-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-686bf8d3d5ccc8b7b11217e83a0a465e is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-74d61678 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<p class=\"has-title-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">1 in 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Identify as neurodivergent<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">53% of Gen Z<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">70% of Gen Alpha<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-blue-1300-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-dcb9917110dbd8cf3892870c0f3248c2 is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-74d61678 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<p class=\"has-title-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">83%<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">will experience a disability (including situational or temporary) while of working age<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-blue-1300-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-fa9a2ec16cdd035ad52479691aaba84e is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-74d61678 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<p class=\"has-title-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">75%<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Most disabilities are non-apparent<strong>\u2014<\/strong>you don&#8217;t know who is affected<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shifting left for inclusivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Microsoft, our accessibility strategy includes such disability categories as mobility, vision, hearing, cognition, and learning\u2014because <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.microsoft.com\/accessibility\/forrester-research-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accessibility empowers everyone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Ankur-Garg.png\" alt=\"A photo of Garg.\" class=\"wp-image-22761\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Ankur-Garg.png 500w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Ankur-Garg-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Ankur-Garg-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe view accessibility as a quality of our software, not simply a feature. Like with security and privacy, we prioritize accessibility to ensure that people can effectively perceive and operate our products and services, delivering an inclusive experience for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Ankur Garg, accessibility program manager, Microsoft Digital<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We begin with the concept of \u201cshift left,\u201d which in this context means incorporating accessibility principles from the project\u2019s outset, instead of waiting until a product is already built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This strategy mirrors our approach in other key trust domains, such as security and privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe view accessibility as a quality of our software, not simply a feature,\u201d says Ankur Garg, an accessibility program manager in Microsoft Digital. \u201cLike with security and privacy, we prioritize accessibility to ensure that people can effectively perceive and operate our products and services, delivering an inclusive experience for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here in Microsoft Digital, that manifests as treating accessibility as a core requirement validated through rigorous internal testing of AI agents and embedding standards and inclusive design early in every tool\u2019s development life cycle. We also use internal AI tools to streamline guidance and testing before expanding those practices across the company. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accessibility challenges in the age of AI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Technology is moving fast, especially with the advent of AI-powered tools. It\u2019s easier than ever for companies and individuals to quickly generate and publish an app, website, or other digital product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means it&#8217;s also easier than ever before to create inaccessible software. It\u2019s important to remember that much of the data that generative AI models have been trained on includes websites and apps that were built without considering accessibility guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Alli-Hirt.png\" alt=\"A photo of Hirt.\" class=\"wp-image-22762\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Alli-Hirt.png 500w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Alli-Hirt-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Alli-Hirt-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe want people with disabilities to be represented and see themselves in the technology we\u2019re producing. We work with our AI models to make sure they have disability data in their training sets, so <em>that the final product will reflect these values.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<cite>Alli Hirt, director of accessibility engineering, Microsoft<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result, we\u2019ve found that many AI code-generation tools and models produce code that by default fail to meet Microsoft\u2019s high standards for accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe want people with disabilities to be represented and see themselves in the technology we\u2019re producing,\u201d says Alli Hirt, a director of accessibility engineering at Microsoft. \u201cWe work with our AI models to make sure they have disability data in their training sets, so that the final product will reflect these values.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we\u2019re developing AI-driven products like Microsoft 365 Copilot, the tool must have comprehensive knowledge of different disabilities and be able to give appropriate, contextual help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLet\u2019s say I tell Copilot, \u2018I have a mobility disability; what software tools can I use?\u2019\u201d Allen says. \u201cCopilot must recognize what a mobility disability is and identify which tools will support me. That\u2019s the data representation we need in our AI models.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allen noted that sensitivity and bias are also big factors when creating these kinds of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCopilot should not respond with, \u2018I\u2019m sorry you have a disability,\u2019\u201d she says. \u201cThat\u2019s the type of bias we\u2019re working to train out of the models.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accessibility as a core commitment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Satya Nadella became Microsoft CEO in 2014, he redirected the core mission of the company. The new vision was simple: To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. And accessibility is a core part of that mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAt Microsoft, accessibility is in our DNA. It&#8217;s who we are as a company.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Laurie Allen, accessibility technology evangelist, Microsoft<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meeting global accessibility standards is our starting point. For example, the hub-and-spoke business model of the Accessibility Team helps ensure that accessibility is everyone\u2019s responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Microsoft Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) group oversees accessibility across the company, helping products align with internationally recognized accessibility standards, such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and EN 301 549. These standards ensure that digital content, websites, and apps produced today are designed with accessibility in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding how products and services align to key accessibility standards and requirements is an important step in providing inclusive and accessible experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAn organization\u2019s accessibility program succeeds when it\u2019s a priority at every level of the organization, starting with senior leadership,\u201d Allen says. \u201cAt Microsoft, accessibility is in our DNA. It&#8217;s who we are as a company.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Presenting content in a multimodal way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here in Microsoft Digital, we embrace software products that provide our employees with a multimodal approach in presenting content. This means using more than one sense at the same time, like seeing, listening, reading, and speaking. This makes our products accessible to a diverse array of users, including people who learn and work in different ways. It lets our employees customize the way that works best for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSeeing a visually impaired colleague demonstrate how he works\u2014listening to a wiki being read at a speed that I could never follow\u2014showed me exactly why accessibility is needed. It\u2019s not just about being inclusive or compassionate; it&#8217;s a requirement for people to do their jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Eman Shaheen, principal PM lead, Microsoft Digital<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, someone may not have a diagnosed disability, but they might be a better auditory learner than a visual learner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This reflects what Eman Shaheen, a principal PM lead in Microsoft Digital, learned from a team member when observing how he used assistive technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSeeing a visually impaired colleague demonstrate how he works\u2014listening to a wiki being read at a speed I couldn\u2019t even follow\u2014showed exactly why accessibility is needed,\u201d Shaheen says. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about being inclusive or compassionate; it\u2019s a requirement for people to do their jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some examples of multimodal accessibility capabilities offered by Microsoft 365 Copilot that are designed to support diverse user requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Works with screen readers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Generates alt text for images<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Suggests accessible layouts, textual contrast, and consistent structure in documents and slides<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hearing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Provides real-time meeting Q&amp;A<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Produces meeting recaps across multiple languages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Summarizes lengthy or fast-moving chats to aid comprehension<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cognitive and neurodivergent (ADHD, dyslexia, autism, executive function)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Simplifies complex language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Supplies task breakdowns and next-steps guidance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Offers tone assistance to help with understanding communication nuances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mobility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Provides voice-driven productivity tools, such as speech to text creation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Reduces fine\u2011motor effort by automating lists, tables, and drafts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Supports meeting recordings to help compile notes and action items<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speech and communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Drafts and rewrites content for users needing expressive support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Refines tone for clarity and empathy in written communication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Summarizes long content to reduce reading burden<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Organizes notes into structured content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mental health and fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Assists with communication when cognitive energy is low<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Provides adaptive communication assistance to help users express themselves confidently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How we demonstrate our accessibility vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here at Microsoft, we developed a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/tackling-accessibility-how-microsoft-and-servicenow-are-building-more-accessible-and-inclusive-experiences\/\">strategic partnership with ServiceNow<\/a> over the last five years. The two companies work together to accelerate digital transformation for our enterprise and government customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through this partnership, we use the ServiceNow platform for internal helpdesk and ServiceDesk process automation, IT asset management, and integrated risk management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Sherif-Mazhar.png\" alt=\"A photo of Mazhar.\" class=\"wp-image-22773\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Sherif-Mazhar.png 500w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Sherif-Mazhar-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/03\/Sherif-Mazhar-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe biggest shift happened once ServiceNow started feeling the same operational pain we felt. That\u2019s when they began fixing accessibility issues proactively, which changed everything.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Sherif Mazhar, principal product manager, Microsoft Digital<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As part of this process, we uncovered 1,800 accessibility bugs (including 1,200 that were rated as high severity) in the platform\u2014in our first assessment. By contrast, our most recent review found just 24 accessibility-related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe biggest shift happened once ServiceNow started feeling the same operational pain we felt,\u201d says Sherif Mazhar, a principal product manager in Microsoft Digital, who oversees the company\u2019s relationship with ServiceNow. \u201cThat\u2019s when they began fixing accessibility issues proactively, which changed everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next major step for us is ensuring our ServiceNow platform updates aligns to WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards which will require reworking older versions of our products. However, doing this work helps us maintain momentum toward a world of more inclusive enterprise software in all lines of business and for all Microsoft customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#8217;s next in accessibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Digital accessibility work is never done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As new software and hardware are introduced, user needs and accessibility standards change and grow. At Microsoft, we are committed to making accessibility easier for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRight now, we\u2019re making sure every AI agent across Microsoft is tested with assistive technologies\u2014like screen readers and keyboard navigation\u2014to guarantee that the outputs are accessible and compliant,\u201d Garg says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This \u201cshift left\u201d mentality at Microsoft is ultimately about putting people first. It means that no one should have to wait for a late fix to be able to do their work, or simply to belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By embedding accessibility standards into product planning, instead of tacking it on as an afterthought just before (or even after) product launch, we\u2019re helping ensure that these digital experiences will include everyone from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe may compete on products, especially in AI, but accessibility is a shared mission,\u201d Allen says. \u201cWhen the industry collaborates on inclusive technology, everyone wins.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0392459 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Key-takeaways-badge.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19493\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:75px;height:75px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Key-takeaways-badge.png 190w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Key-takeaways-badge-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-xl-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-24);margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-24)\">Key takeaways<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some tips to keep in mind as you consider your own accessibility strategy in a world of increasingly AI-driven technology:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Start with leadership. <\/strong>Championing accessibility from the C-suite signals that this is a top organizational priority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Raise awareness with training.<\/strong> Set up employee learning opportunities regarding accessibility in AI tools and encourage everyone to take part.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Design with inclusivity in mind from day one (\u201cshift left\u201d). <\/strong>Incorporate accessibility from the beginning of the software creation process to make sure it isn\u2019t lost in the shuffle of trying to ship a product on time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Think inclusively.<\/strong> Run usability tests with people with lived experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Treat accessibility as an ongoing practice. Digital accessibility<\/strong><strong> <\/strong>work is never finished; document strategies and share your team\u2019s learnings to keep improving iteratively as an organization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0392459 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Try-it-out-badge.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19492\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:75px;height:75px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Try-it-out-badge.png 190w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Try-it-out-badge-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-xl-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-24);margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-24)\">Try it out<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/accessibility?OCID=InsideTrack_Product_10815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get started with accessibility using Microsoft tools and solutions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0392459 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Related-links-badge.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19491\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:75px;height:75px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Related-links-badge.png 190w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Related-links-badge-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-xl-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-24);margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-24)\">Related links<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/accessibility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn how Microsoft is raising the bar for accessibility and building a more accessible future for all<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/askma.microsoft.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Try the Ask Microsoft Accessibility AI tool<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/tackling-accessibility-how-microsoft-and-servicenow-are-building-more-accessible-and-inclusive-experiences\/\">Read how Microsoft and ServiceNow are building more accessible and inclusive experience. <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/WCAG21\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read the Web content accessibility guidelines.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/inclusive.microsoft.design\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore the Microsoft Inclusive Design hub.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en\/customers\/story\/23957-pacers-sports-and-entertainment-azure-ai-foundry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See how the Indiana Pacers use Azure AI Foundry to create the first live arena captioning service.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/techcommunity.microsoft.com\/blog\/microsoft365insiderblog\/behind-the-scenes-with-accessibility-group-product-manager-clint-covington\/4214547\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Go behind the scenes with a Microsoft accessibility product manager.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0392459 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Wed-like-to-hear-from-you-badge.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19490\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:75px;height:75px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Wed-like-to-hear-from-you-badge.png 190w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2025\/07\/Wed-like-to-hear-from-you-badge-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-xl-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-24);margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-24)\">We&#8217;d like to hear from you!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\" class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:msitstaff@microsoft.com\">Want more information? Email us and include a link to this story and we\u2019ll get back to you.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>More than 1 billion people worldwide have a disability, and 83 percent of people will experience a disability during their working age. As AI transforms how we build and experience technology, accessibility has to be built in from the start. Engage with our experts! Customers or Microsoft account team representatives from Fortune 500 companies are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":222,"featured_media":22758,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_hide_featured_on_single":false,"_show_featured_caption_on_single":true,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[71,882],"tags":[180,199,868,597,850,827],"coauthors":[887],"class_list":["post-22756","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-it-strategy","tag-accessibility","tag-ai","tag-ai-deployment-and-adoption","tag-employee-experience","tag-end-user-services-and-support","tag-microsoft-365-copilot","m-blog-post"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized 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