Empowering the AI Era: Microsoft Ability Summit 2025 on Accessibility

Today marked the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, where over 20,000 participants from 164 countries gathered virtually to explore the future of AI and accessibility. For more than three decades, Microsoft has been committed to enhancing accessibility, starting with early features in Windows 95 and progressing to today’s cutting-edge AI-powered hardware and software solutions. We’re innovating at an unprecedented pace, with people with disabilities at the forefront of our efforts.

Recognizing accessibility as a basic right for individuals with disabilities, Microsoft believes that easier technology benefits everyone. This is evident in how users worldwide have embraced our technologies. For instance, Copilot in Microsoft 365 is transforming workplace efficiency, over 10 million people use Edge monthly for its Read Aloud feature, and more than a million have turned to Immersive Reader for simplified webpage reading. Additionally, collaborations with partners like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are spreading AI’s benefits globally. These are just a glimpse of what we revealed today!

Let me run you through the new accessibility products, features, and initiatives announced at the 2025 Ability Summit.

### What’s New in 2025?

We’re excited to announce that the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is now available exclusively at the Microsoft Store. With 429 million players with disabilities worldwide, it’s clear that each gamer has unique needs and preferences. This wired joystick is thoughtfully designed for those with limited mobility, offering versatile integration into existing gaming setups. Developed with insights from the gaming and disability community, the joystick complements our range of adaptive accessories, which includes the mouse, pen, adaptive kit, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. Visit Xbox Support for more info.

Moreover, our products now come in packaging that is both accessible and eco-friendly—no more plastic clamshells! To extend this accessible ethos, Microsoft’s Packaging and Content Team introduced an Accessible Packaging Design Guide at the Summit, providing practical guidelines and best practices for crafting user-friendly packaging.

During the event, Microsoft teams and partners also shared advancements in using technology to boost accessibility:

Tobii Dynavox is integrating Microsoft Neural Voice, a feature of Azure AI Speech, into its assistive communication tools. This AI-driven capability personalizes options for individuals using eye gaze communication devices. Neural Voices support over 50 languages in their apps, TD Talk and TD Phone.

Microsoft Teams is set for a significant upgrade for users relying on Sign Language View. Later this year, Teams will recognize sign language users and prominently display them as speakers, enhancing video communication accessibility.

Copilot continues to empower neurodiverse talents. According to an EY study, Copilot boosted the performance of 76% of neurodiverse employees by refining communication, memory, and focus. Simple features like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer are proving invaluable, as shared by early adopters from New York at the Summit.

Narrator is getting smarter with AI-powered rich image descriptions, anticipated in the Windows Insider Preview this spring. Meanwhile, the Azure AI Foundry announced UI enhancements designed to ease cognitive load.

Our Accessibility Skilling program has reached over 5 million learners globally, with valuable partnerships involving Teach Access, Computacenter UK, and the City of New York. The free online training, including AI insights, is available for integration into organizational learning systems.

Speech recognition technology also saw a leap, with a 60% enhancement in accuracy for non-standard speech. Spearheaded by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Speech Accessibility Project made this progress, and Azure demonstrated how developers can use GitHub Copilot to craft accessible code.

Special Olympics showcased the transformative impact of Copilot as a training partner for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly highlighting its role in preparing for the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

Such progress is made possible by individuals designing technology with accessibility in mind, reflecting a commitment to making workplaces more effective for everyone. This dedication is beautifully illustrated by Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, who describes how accessible technology supports him as a leader.

### Onward

For more than 30 years, Microsoft’s dedication to accessibility has been unwavering, enhancing our tools and accelerating innovation. From Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 to Seeing AI in 2016 and beyond, our advancements have served both intended and unforeseen purposes, such as the now-essential closed captions on videos and calls.

AI holds the promise of revolutionizing sectors across our economy and society, and we pledge to approach these developments responsibly, ensuring that the latest technology reaches those who can benefit most.

Whether you’re here for your first or fifteenth Ability Summit, thank you for joining us. We hope you’ve discovered a new feature or skill that will benefit you, your community, or your organization. Feel free to re-watch any of the content after the event.

Let’s continue to make progress together!