Microsoft Ability Summit 2025: Embracing AI for Enhanced Accessibility

Today marked the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, bringing together a staggering 20,000 attendees from 164 different countries. Gathered virtually, we dove deep into the future of AI and accessibility—topics that have long been foundational to Microsoft’s mission. Our dedication to making technology accessible stretches back over three decades, beginning with the earliest accessibility features in Windows 95. Today, we’re pushing the envelope with new hardware and software powered by AI, revolutionizing the pace at which technology grows, all led by the invaluable insights of people with disabilities.

Accessibility isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental human right that makes technology more inclusive and intuitive for everyone. This commitment is evident in how customers around the globe utilize Microsoft products. Take, for instance, Microsoft 365’s Copilot, which is revolutionizing workplace productivity. Every month, over 10 million users rely on Edge’s Read Aloud feature to browse the web, and more than a million people utilize Immersive Reader for easier reading online. Our partners, like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics, are leveraging AI to enhance accessibility worldwide. These are just a few of the highlights we’re thrilled to share from today’s event!

To give you a quick rundown of what’s new, here’s a snapshot from the 2025 Ability Summit.

### What’s New in 2025?

We’re excited to announce the arrival of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, now available exclusively at the Microsoft Store. With over 429 million gamers with disabilities globally, each player deserves a unique and personalized gaming experience. This versatile, wired controller is designed for players with limited mobility, enabling seamless integration into existing gaming setups. It’s a product crafted alongside the Gaming and Disability community, reflecting inclusive development from the get-go. This joystick proudly joins our lineup of adaptive accessories like the Xbox Adaptive Controller and our range of adaptive tech. For more information, check out Xbox Support.

Another significant shift is how all our Microsoft hardware now arrives in packaging that’s both accessible and eco-friendly—no more fiddly plastic clamshells! To empower others in the realm of accessible packaging, we launched the Accessible Packaging Design Guide at the Summit, offering detailed guidelines and strategies to enhance customer experience.

Throughout the Summit, we spotlighted collaborative projects that push accessibility forward:

– Tobii Dynavox is enhancing assistive communication solutions by integrating Microsoft’s Neural Voice through Azure AI Speech. This feature offers personalized voice options for those using eye-tracking communication devices, now available in over 50 languages via TD Talk and TD Phone.

– Microsoft Teams is set to improve communication for individuals using sign language. Later this year, Teams will automatically recognize sign language users and highlight them during meetings, part of our ongoing efforts to deliver accessible communication solutions.

– Copilot is proving to be a game changer for neurodiverse employees. An EY study showed that 76% of such employees found improved work performance thanks to Copilot’s features. At the Summit, we also shared how simple enhancements like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer are aiding productivity.

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Coming soon, AI enhancements will arrive in Narrator, with AI-generated rich image descriptions slated for release in the Windows Insider Preview. Azure AI Foundry is also rolling out UI improvements aimed at easing cognitive burdens for users.

Our Accessibility Skilling program has reached over 5 million learners globally, thanks to our partnerships with organizations like Teach Access and the City of New York. The training, which delves into the latest AI developments, is freely accessible for integration into learning management systems.

Additionally, the Speech Accessibility Project, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has achieved up to a 60% improvement in speech recognition accuracy for non-standard speech through Azure’s platform. Moreover, Special Olympics shared how Copilot has become an invaluable training partner for their coaches and athletes preparing for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

All these advancements owe their success to the visionaries crafting technology with accessibility at its core. It’s about harnessing technology to benefit everyone, fostering a more efficient and productive workspace. An inspiring testimonial came from Dave Dame, our Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors, who discussed how accessible tech bolsters his leadership capabilities.

### Onward

For more than 30 years, Microsoft has been a pioneer in accessibility innovation, enhancing our tools for everyone’s benefit. From early features like Sticky Keys to transformative tools like Seeing AI, the impact of these innovations extends both in expected and surprising ways—just think about how ubiquitous closed captions have become.

AI holds tremendous potential for societal progress and economic transformation. We stay committed to responsibly advancing technology, ensuring it reaches those who will benefit most.

Whether this is your inaugural or fifteenth Ability Summit, we appreciate your participation. We hope you discovered new features or insights that will empower your community or organization. Don’t worry if you missed something; all content will be accessible post-event.

Let’s chart this path forward, together.