Only 3 weeks until the Ability Summit, have you registered?? The Ability Summit is built by—and for—the disability community.💙 Be a part of what's next—register today. https://lnkd.in/gy_ei79N
Microsoft Accessibility
Technology, Information and Internet
Redmond, WA 339 followers
Making accessibility easier for everyone. Responsible Innovation. Built-In Accountability. Collective Impact.
About us
Our goal is to make accessibility easier for everyone. We are committed to driving responsible innovation and advancing shared progress so that accessible, trusted AI benefits everyone.
- Website
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https://microsoft.com/accessibility
External link for Microsoft Accessibility
- Industry
- Technology, Information and Internet
- Company size
- 10,001+ employees
- Headquarters
- Redmond, WA
- Specialties
- Accessible Technology, Accessibility Training, and Inclusive Innovation
Updates
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We're 4 weeks away from coming together to celebrate accessibility, innovation, and inclusion. Have you registered? Join Neil Barnett, Microsoft Chief Accessibility Officer and friends at the Mainstage Opening Session on May 19 from 9:00 AM–10:30 AM PT. They will be showcasing how accessibility‑first, AI‑powered innovation is driving real impact—advancing skills in education, unlocking employment opportunities, boosting productivity, and fueling business transformation for organizations of every size. Register today for the LinkedIn Live event! #AbilitySummit
Microsoft Ability Summit
www.garudax.id
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As shared by Jenny Lay-Flurrie, we’re excited to announce that Neil Barnett has been named Microsoft’s next Chief Accessibility Officer. With more than two decades at Microsoft, Neil has helped advance accessibility across our products, culture, and customer support. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to partnership with the disability community and to building technology that earns trust. We’re excited for what comes next and look forward to sharing more at Microsoft Ability Summit (www.aka.ms/AbilitySummit) on May 19: Congratulations, Neil Barnett! https://lnkd.in/gmjdYcK8
Excited to announce Neil Barnett as Chief Accessibility Officer. Neil has been at Microsoft for 24 years and for the last 12 has been advancing #accessibility. His leadership has strengthened our products, our support systems, and our culture. He built and scaled efforts including Microsoft’s Neurodiversity program and the Disability Answer Desk, which has supported more than two million customers since 2013. Neil brings a rare combination of unwavering advocacy, strong operational and people leadership combined with clarity, conviction, and purpose. As part of this transition, the Microsoft accessibility leadership will report into Neil. This is a tenured, experienced, grounded leadership team committed to advancing accessibility. Including Mary Bellard, Technical Advisor; Alli Hirt, Director Engineering, Jamie Dean, Lead Counsel; Jessica Rafuse, Director of Global Partnerships; and Rylin Rodgers, Director of Global Disability Policy. Together, they will lead the core accessibility team, and partner both in, and outside the company to advance accessibility at Microsoft. On a personal note, I could not be more excited for accessibility at Microsoft. Accessibility is foundational to earning trust and delivering on the promise of AI for everyone. This is the right leadership team to navigate this era, and the opportunities and risks ahead. Can’t wait to see the impact this team creates, together, working in partnership with the disability community at Microsoft and around the world. More to come at Microsoft Ability Summit (www.aka.ms/AbilitySummit) on May 19. See you there. Onwards 🤟
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How do we make AI truly inclusive? That question is at the heart of this episode of On Second Thought. Hiwot Tesfaye from Microsoft’s Office of Responsible AI reflects on how language, culture, and lived experience shape the AI we're developing today. When we design with intention and inclusion in mind, everyone benefits. Thank you, Hiwot, for your leadership and commitment to responsible, inclusive innovation. https://lnkd.in/dny726k7
How do we make AI truly inclusive? | On Second Thought
https://www.youtube.com/
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Ability Summit is back! Join us May 19-20 in Redmond or online. • Explore product demos and trainings to strengthen your accessibility expertise and advance best practices. • Discover how agentic AI empowers people with disabilities and accelerates business transformation. • Learn about evolving global regulatory and legal compliance for accessibility and how you can implement it in your organization. It’s time to advance the next wave of AI with accessibility. Learn more and register: aka.ms/AbilitySummit #AbilitySummit
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We are proud of what’s possible when technology, research, and community come together with urgency and care. Answer ALS is accelerating ALS research – bringing together vast, complex datasets so researchers around the world can collaborate, learn faster, and move closer to meaningful breakthroughs. This work isn’t about technology for technology’s sake. It’s about time. People. And progress that matters. Grateful to the Answer ALS community, researchers, and partners who continue to raise the bar on what responsible, inclusive innovation can enable. #Accessibility #Azure #Nonprofits Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/dRYA7BuG Read the story: https://lnkd.in/dGGJG8nU
Answer ALS speeds progress toward treatments and cures through Microsoft Azure
https://www.youtube.com/
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As AI transforms how we build and experience technology, accessibility must be built in from the start. Designing with and for people with disabilities is essential to building technology that works for everyone. At Microsoft, we embed accessibility throughout our design process so that inclusive thinking shapes our decisions. We prioritize this work earlier in our development cycles through what we call a 'shift‑left' approach. This means quality assurance, testing, and accessibility checks happen sooner, and assistive features and tools are treated as a core requirement rather than a late‑stage addition. This Inside Track post shares how we apply this approach across the AI lifecycle, including in tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gkT_4qEb
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I am thrilled to be stepping into a new role at Microsoft as Head of the Trusted Technology Group. This incredible team brings together Accessibility, Digital Safety, Privacy, Responsible AI, Enterprise Resilience, and Responsible Business Practices. Powerhouse of wisdom, passion, and expertise. The work we do matters. To Microsoft, our stakeholders and customers. And to the people who rely on our technology every day. It’s complex, fast, and sometimes unpredictable – but above all, it’s important. Our mission: empowering Microsoft to build trusted technology in the era of AI. January also marked 10 years as Chief Accessibility Officer and 21 years at Microsoft. In every role, one principle has grounded me: – do the right thing. I am humbled and excited to take on this next challenge, staying true to that north star. Don’t worry, I’ll remain deeply engaged with my beloved #accessibility community, while learning so much more from other passionate communities I’m honoured to lead. Walking into this role with gratitude. For the team, partners, and on personal note, my manager Teresa Hutson, and the many that have supported my journey over the decades. Onwards.
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Ten years ago, #Accessibility at Microsoft started a new chapter that has reshaped how we build, listen, and learn. It started with a blog post (of course!). Quickly became a company-wide effort, grounded by the wisdom and feedback we received from employees, customers, and the disability community. We’ve learned a lot over these past ten years by listening, adapting, and yes, sometimes failing. Thousands of people have played a part. Reflecting back, there are four key learnings which will continue to guide our path which I've popped in the article below. To everyone who has helped shape the last 10 years in any way, big or small – thank you. Our north star remains unchanged: technology must empower everyone. The list is long. Onwards.