Today, we had the pleasure of hosting the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit. It was an amazing virtual gathering that saw more than 20,000 participants from 164 countries join us to delve into the exciting future of AI and accessibility. For over three decades, Microsoft has been a leader in accessibility innovation, starting way back with Windows 95 and continuing today with cutting-edge AI-driven hardware and software. Our commitment remains unwavering, and we’re moving at an unprecedented pace, with individuals with disabilities leading the charge.
Accessibility isn’t just crucial for those with disabilities; it makes tech more user-friendly for all. This is evident in how Microsoft technologies are being embraced globally. For instance, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is redefining workplace productivity. Meanwhile, over 10 million people engage with Edge’s Read Aloud feature each month, and more than a million utilize Immersive Reader to simplify webpage reading. Collaborations with partners like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are spreading the benefits of AI to people with disabilities worldwide. These examples barely scratch the surface of what we unveiled today!
Here’s a quick roundup of the new accessibility advances revealed at the 2025 Ability Summit.
What’s New in 2025?
We announced that the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is now on sale, available exclusively at the Microsoft Store. With a mind-boggling 429 million gamers with disabilities around the globe, it’s clear that every player has unique preferences for how they want to enjoy their games. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick, a wired controller, is crafted specifically for players with limited mobility. Its flexibility ensures it fits seamlessly into any gaming setup, and it’s designed with invaluable insights from the Gaming and Disability community from the very start. This joystick joins our lineup of adaptive accessories, such as the mouse, pen, adaptive kit, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. For more details, be sure to visit Xbox Support.
All Microsoft products now come in packaging that’s both accessible and sustainable. Say goodbye to those annoying plastic clamshells! To encourage other companies to follow suit, the Packaging and Content Team at Microsoft shared its Accessible Packaging Design Guide today, which is full of practical tips, best practices, and strategies to create accessible packaging and build customer trust.
During the Summit, we explored how Microsoft teams and partners are enhancing accessibility with technology:
- Tobii Dynavox is using Microsoft’s Neural Voice from Azure AI Speech in their assistive communication solutions. This AI feature offers personalized options for those who rely on eye-gaze communication devices, with Neural Voices available in over 50 languages through their apps TD Talk and TD Phone.
- Microsoft Teams is set to enhance the Sign Language View experience. Later this year, it will recognize when someone is signing and will feature them prominently during meetings. These video enhancements are part of our ongoing mission to ensure everyone enjoys clear and accessible communication.
- Copilot is transforming the way neurodiverse talent works. A study by EY discovered that Copilot boosted job performance for 76% of neurodiverse employees by enhancing their communication, memory, and focus. At the Summit, we shared simple but effective new features like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer, spotlighted by early adopters in New York who shared their experiences.
AI is making its way to Narrator. This spring, Windows Insider Preview will showcase AI-powered rich image descriptions through Narrator. Meanwhile, Azure AI Foundry revealed new UI enhancements to lessen cognitive strain.
Over 5 million learners globally have engaged with our Accessibility Skilling program, thanks to partners like Teach Access, Computacenter UK, and the City of New York. This free, virtual training, which covers the latest in AI, is accessible for organizations to incorporate into their learning platforms.
Speech recognition technology has improved by an impressive 60%. This breakthrough, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Speech Accessibility Project, enhances accuracy for non-standard speech. The Azure platform team demonstrated how GitHub Copilot can help developers write accessible code.
Special Olympics showcased how Copilot has been a game-changer for their coaches and athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
This remarkable progress is due, in no small part, to the innovators who prioritize accessibility in technology. This approach benefits everyone, fostering a more productive and efficient work environment. It’s wonderful to see this reflected in the journey of Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, who shares how accessible technology empowers him as a leader.
Onward
For more than 30 years, Microsoft has focused on embedding accessibility into our products. This focus not only makes our tools more user-friendly but also drives innovation globally. From pioneering features like Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 to the innovative Seeing AI in 2016 and beyond, the benefits of accessibility are both expected and pleasantly surprising — like how closed captions have become indispensable for everyone watching videos and participating in calls.
AI holds the potential to usher in significant advancements across various industries and sectors. We’ll continue to approach this responsibly, ensuring cutting-edge technology reaches those who will benefit the most.
Whether this was your first Ability Summit or your fifteenth, we’re thrilled you joined us, and we hope you discovered a new feature, skill, or insight to enrich your life or work. All the event content will be available for viewing post-event.
Let’s forge ahead together.
