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

Today marked a milestone with the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit. Gathering more than 20,000 participants from 164 countries, we came together—albeit virtually—to dive into discussions about the future of AI and accessibility. Microsoft’s dedication to accessibility has been unwavering, built into our business model for over thirty years, dating back to the early accessibility features in Windows 95. Today, that legacy continues as we rapidly innovate, with people with disabilities leading the charge.

Making technology accessible isn’t just beneficial for people with disabilities—it’s a boon for everyone. Microsoft tools are providing evidence of this worldwide. With Copilot for Microsoft 365, workplace productivity is reaching new heights. Monthly, over 10 million users have Edge read the web aloud, and over a million utilize Immersive Reader for easier webpage reading. Partners like Tobii Dynavox and the Special Olympics are extending AI’s reach to people with disabilities around the globe. These points only scratch the surface of the groundbreaking information we shared today.

Let’s take a moment to recap some of the exciting new accessibility products, features, and programs that were announced for 2025.

So, what’s new in 2025? We’ve introduced the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, now exclusively available at the Microsoft Store. We recognize the 429 million players with disabilities worldwide, each with individual needs and playing preferences. Designed primarily for gamers with limited mobility, this adaptable wired joystick integrates effortlessly into existing setups. Developed alongside the Gaming and Disability community, the joystick expands our adaptive accessories range, joining the mouse, pen, adaptive kit, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. Check out Xbox Support for more details.

Every Microsoft hardware item now arrives in packaging that’s both accessible and eco-friendly. Say goodbye to plastic clamshells! To support wider adoption of accessible packaging, today, Microsoft’s Packaging and Content Team launched its Accessible Packaging Design Guide at the Summit. The guide offers practical insights and strategies to create user-friendly packaging, enhancing customer trust.

Throughout the summit, Microsoft teams and their collaborators showcased ongoing efforts to push accessibility boundaries with technology:

Tobii Dynavox is weaving Microsoft Neural Voice, a feature of Azure AI Speech, into its assistive communication solutions. This AI-driven voice technology offers personalized options for users of eye-gaze communication devices, with Neural Voices available in over 50 languages in their apps, TD Talk and TD Phone.

Sign Language users of Microsoft Teams can expect improvements in Sign Language View. Later this year, Teams will automatically recognize sign language users and highlight them as key speakers during meetings. These enhancements are part of our continued dedication to clear, accessible communication.

Copilot is enhancing the workplace experience for neurodiverse individuals. A recent EY study showcased that 76% of neurodiverse employees improved their performance using Copilot, which bolstered their communication, memory recall, and focus. At the Summit, we spotlighted how simple tools like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer are making work more manageable. Four early Copilot adopters from New York shared their journeys with us.

Navigating Narrator is about to get a boost with AI-generated rich image descriptions in the Windows Insider Preview this spring. Meanwhile, Azure AI Foundry is introducing user interface upgrades to lessen cognitive strain.

Through our Accessibility Skilling program, over 5 million learners across the globe have been educated, thanks in part to partners like Teach Access, Computacenter UK, and the City of New York. This training, which is free and virtual, incorporates AI updates and is available for integration into organizational learning systems.

Speech recognition technology sees a significant leap with a 60% improvement. The Speech Accessibility Project from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign spearheaded this breakthrough. The Azure platform team demonstrated how developers could use GitHub Copilot to write accessible code.

The Special Olympics shared how Copilot revolutionizes training for their coaches and athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities preparing for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

At the heart of these advancements are the individuals crafting technology with accessibility in mind. A profile on Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, beautifully reflects how accessible technology empowers leadership and productivity.

Moving forward, Microsoft’s dedication to accessibility, spanning over 30 years, continues to inspire. From the advent of Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 to the foresight of Seeing AI in 2016, our innovations benefit both those they were designed for and in ways we’ve yet to realize. Nowadays, closed captions have become essential for everyone watching videos and making calls.

AI holds the promise of monumental advancements across all sectors of our economy and society. As we push forward, our approach remains grounded and responsible, ensuring technology reaches those who stand to gain most.

For those who participated in our Ability Summit for the first time or have been with us for the fifteenth time, we hope you’ve discovered a new feature or skill that benefits you or your organization. All content will be available to watch post-event.

Let’s keep moving forward, together.