Microsoft Ability Summit 2025: Embracing Accessibility in the Age of AI

Earlier today, we had the privilege of hosting the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit. This year, the event drew over 20,000 virtual attendees hailing from 164 countries. Our discussions centered around the intersection of AI and accessibility. Microsoft has a well-documented history of leaning into accessibility, an ethos that has been embedded in our business model for more than 30 years. It started with early features in Windows 95 and continues today with the latest AI-driven hardware and software innovations. We’re charging ahead faster than ever, with people with disabilities leading the charge.

Accessibility isn’t just important for those with disabilities; it makes technology more approachable for everyone. This philosophy is evident in how users worldwide interact with Microsoft technologies. Our Copilot for Microsoft 365 has redefined workplace productivity. Each month, over 10 million people use Edge’s Read Aloud feature, and more than a million users turn to Immersive Reader for easier web page navigation. Our partners such as Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are harnessing AI to empower people with disabilities across the globe. The highlights of what we shared today were truly inspiring!

Let’s take a closer look at some of the exciting new accessibility products, features, and programs announced at the 2025 Ability Summit.

What’s new in 2025?

One announcement that stood out: the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is now exclusively available at the Microsoft Store. With 429 million gamers worldwide living with disabilities, it’s clear that gaming requires a uniquely personalized approach. This wired controller is tailored for players with limited mobility, allowing them to blend it effortlessly into their current gaming gear. Developed with insights from the Gaming and Disability community right from the start, this joystick complements our range of adaptive accessories, including a mouse, pen, adaptive kit, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. For more information, visit Xbox Support.

Another highlight is our commitment to accessible and sustainable packaging, bidding farewell to plastic clamshells. The Microsoft Packaging and Content Team took the stage at the Summit to launch their Accessible Packaging Design Guide, offering practical tips and strategies for creating inclusive packaging that enhances customer trust.

Our teams and partners showcased several initiatives to further enhance accessibility through technological advancements:

• Tobii Dynavox is integrating Microsoft Neural Voice, part of Azure AI Speech, into their assistive communication tools to provide more personalized options. This AI feature supports over 50 languages and will be part of TD Talk and TD Phone apps.

• Microsoft Teams is set to become even more inclusive for those utilizing sign language. Later this year, Teams will identify sign language users and spotlight them as key speakers, reflecting our commitment to clear, accessible communication.

• Copilot continues to drive success for neurodiverse talent, with a recent EY study indicating a 76% improvement in performance for neurodiverse employees. New, straightforward features like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer were also highlighted.

AI is bringing enhancements to Narrator with rich image descriptions, while the Azure AI Foundry revealed UI improvements aimed at reducing cognitive load. The Accessibility Skilling Program has reached over 5 million learners globally, thanks to partners such as Teach Access and Computacenter UK.

Noteworthy advancements include a 60% boost in speech recognition accuracy, driven by the Speech Accessibility Project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Furthermore, the Azure platform team demonstrated how developers can harness GitHub Copilot to write accessible code.

The Special Olympics shared how Copilot has been transformative for athletes and coaches with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

Such progress is achievable because of those who design technology with accessibility in mind. This ensures not only a more inclusive world but also a more productive workplace. It’s inspiring to see this in Dave Dame, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors, as he shared how accessible technology supports his leadership journey.

Onward

For over three decades, Microsoft’s focus on accessibility has enriched our tools and technologies, stimulating innovation that benefits everyone. From the inception of features like Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 to more recent advances like Seeing AI, these innovations have had impacts far beyond our original intentions. Just consider how closed captions have now become essential for so many video viewers.

AI holds extraordinary potential for societal advancements, and we are committed to deploying it responsibly, ensuring the latest tech reaches those who will benefit the most.

Whether you’re new to the Ability Summit or a seasoned participant, thank you for joining us. We hope you discovered a feature or insight that can aid you or your community in utilizing technology to its fullest. Recordings of the event will be available for viewing.

Let’s drive progress forward together.