Microsoft is dedicated to creating accessible products and services for people with disabilities. The tech giant uses a “one size fits one” approach to ensure that its products can be customized to fit the specific needs of each user. They work closely with the disability community to understand their needs and co-create innovative solutions.

Microsoft’s Pledge for Accessibility: Innovating for the Disabled

Microsoft, a global tech giant, is committed to creating products and services that cater to people with disabilities. Their mission is to bridge the disability divide by designing accessible solutions.

What’s New: Inclusive Tech Lab

Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab is a space dedicated to learning from the disability community. The facility is designed for people with disabilities, not just about them. The mantra,

“Nothing about us without us”

, guides the design of their accessible products.

Major Updates: Co-Creation of Innovative Solutions

Microsoft actively involves people with disabilities, organizations, and therapists to understand their needs and challenges. Through Inclusive Design Sprints, Microsoft Hackathons, and Microsoft Garage, they co-create innovative solutions. These Hackathons generate a variety of ideas and prototypes, which are then tested and improved by the wider community.

What’s Important to Know: One Size Fits One Approach

Microsoft designs with a “one size fits one” approach, creating adaptable products that can be customized by each individual user. The company heard from users with disabilities that they don’t want to feel singled out by using assistive devices. As a result, Microsoft created accessible accessories with the same sleek, stylish, and deliberate design choices as their other devices.

The Evolution of Accessible Products at Microsoft

One of the key products in Microsoft’s accessible portfolio is the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Launched in 2018, it enables customers with limited mobility to enjoy gaming on Xbox and Surface devices. The controller can be customized with external switches, mounts, and joysticks, allowing even those who have difficulty using their hands to play their favorite games.

“Creating products for our community is my passion. I am committed to ensuring we have technology that enables us to achieve more at work, in school and in our daily lives.”

These words from Dave Dame, Senior Director of Product Accessibility at Microsoft, perfectly encapsulate the company’s commitment to accessibility.

Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab is a space to learn from the disability community and design solutions together.

The company guides designers and engineers to intentionally include people with disabilities in the creation of products and services.

Microsoft collaborates with people with disabilities, organizations, and therapists across various sectors to understand their needs and challenges.

Microsoft’s Hackathons generate a variety of ideas and prototypes to address barriers to access that people face in different contexts.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller, launched in 2018, allows customers with limited mobility to customize their controller setup and enjoy gaming on Xbox and Surface devices.

From the Windows Blog

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