Today marked the vibrant gathering of the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, where an impressive crowd exceeding 20,000 people from 164 different countries united online. Our mission? To delve into the future of AI and accessibility. Microsoft’s commitment to this cause is deeply rooted, going back over thirty years, to when accessibility features were first introduced in Windows 95. Today, innovations powered by AI continue this tradition, taking us forward faster than ever. And it’s inspiring to see individuals with disabilities driving these advancements.
Accessibility for people with disabilities is not just a necessity—it’s a right. And what’s exciting is how it simplifies technology for everyone. This is evident in how Microsoft technologies are utilized globally. Programs like Copilot for Microsoft 365 are redefining workplace efficiency. Did you know over 10 million people use Edge monthly for its Read Aloud feature? Or that over a million users turn to Immersive Reader to simplify webpage reading? Plus, partners like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are leveraging AI to make a global impact. And these are just a few examples of the innovations showcased today!
Let’s take a quick look at the exciting new accessibility products, features, and programs revealed at the 2025 Ability Summit.
What’s new in 2025?
We’re thrilled to announce that the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is now available exclusively at the Microsoft Store. With an estimated 429 million players with disabilities worldwide, we understand the need for diverse gaming preferences. This wired controller, mainly designed for users with limited mobility, offers flexibility for seamless integration into existing gaming setups. Built from the ground up with insights from the Gaming and Disability community, it joins our expanding lineup of adaptive accessories like the mouse, pen, adaptive kit, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. More details await you at Xbox Support.
And it’s not just the hardware getting a makeover—our packaging is too! We’ve eliminated those pesky plastic clamshells, favoring accessible and sustainable designs. Today, the Microsoft Packaging and Content Team unveiled the Accessible Packaging Design Guide at the Summit, sharing practical guidelines to create inclusive packaging and foster a trusted customer experience.
During the Summit, Microsoft teams and collaborators highlighted how they are pushing the boundaries of accessibility through technology:
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Tobii Dynavox is now integrating Microsoft Neural Voice into eye gaze-enabled assistive communication solutions. This AI-powered feature offers personalized options across 50 languages within apps such as TD Talk and TD Phone.
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Microsoft Teams is gearing up to better accommodate users who rely on sign language. By year’s end, Teams will automatically spotlight sign language users in meetings, enhancing communication clarity and accessibility for everyone.
- Copilot is proving to be a powerhouse for neurodiverse talent. According to a recent EY study, Copilot boosted performance for 76% of neurodiverse employees by enhancing communication, memory recall, and focus. New features like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer are revolutionizing how tasks are completed. Listen to four early adopters in New York as they share their stories with Copilot.
AI is also enhancing Narrator in Windows with rich image descriptions, available soon in the Windows Insider Preview. Plus, Azure AI Foundry is rolling out new UI updates to decrease cognitive strain.
Over 5 million learners globally have joined our Accessibility Skilling program, thanks to partners like Teach Access, Computacenter UK, and the City of New York. This free virtual training, featuring the latest in AI, is available for organizations to incorporate into their learning systems.
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Speech Accessibility Project led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has enhanced speech recognition accuracy by up to 60% for non-standard speech. Azure platform developers demonstrated using GitHub Copilot to create accessible code.
The Special Olympics revealed how Copilot has transformed training for their coaches and athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
All these achievements are the result of designing technology with accessibility in mind. Such innovations not only contribute to a more productive workplace but significantly enhance life quality for everyone. It’s especially inspiring when seen through the journey of Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, who shared how accessible technology supports his leadership role.
Onward
For over three decades, Microsoft has prioritized accessibility across our products. These innovations ease the use of our tools for everyone, propelling global innovation. From introducing Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 to the remarkable Seeing AI in 2016, our advancements have exceeded even our expectations. Just think how closed captions have become essential for everyone watching videos and calls.
AI holds the promise to revolutionize every sector of our society and economy. We pledge to continue our responsible and thoughtful approach in delivering these innovations to those who will benefit the most.
Whether this is your first or fifteenth Ability Summit, we thank you for being a part of it. We hope you discovered a feature, skill, or insight that will help you, your community, or your organization maximize technology. Don’t worry if you missed anything— all content will be accessible for viewing post-event.
Let’s stride forward together, making technology work for everyone.
Tags: accessibility, AI, AI for Accessibility, Azure, Azure AI Foundry, Microsoft Ability Summit, Microsoft Teams, Xbox
