Amazing accessibility resources from Microsoft

Robin Christopherson | 26 May 2022

We’re living in an age where digital isn’t just desirable – it’s at the very heart of our work, rest and play. If possible, for people with disabilities, it’s even more important than that. 

Woman in wheelchair smiling and waving while using a laptop

Digital products and services that are also inclusive and accessible open so many opportunities for connection, education and employment – and even survival when, for example, it was the only way of getting groceries on the table for so many disabled or isolating individuals during lock-down. 

Digital that doesn’t afford disabled users the access enjoyed by others, means exclusion, isolation and even desperation. Being blind myself, I know the desperate feelings that inaccessibility brings with it.

For several decades now, Microsoft has been busy building platforms that are inclusive and tools that assist us in creating content that is accessible to all. When digital has never been more important, it’s worth flagging the fantastic features and resources they offer. Massive thanks, Microsoft; thank you for caring about inclusion, and thank you for sharing your expertise.

Accessibility built-in

Microsoft's products have a huge range of accessibility features built-in to cater for all areas of impairment. Find out more on their Accessibility home page, but here's a brief summary.

Vision

Find out about vision-related accessibility tools and features for people who are blind, colourblind, or have low vision - such as hi-contrast and larger text settings, magnification and screen reading solutions.

Hearing

Microsoft products include a range of features for those with a hearing impairment, including closed captioning, mono sound, and live call transcription.

Neurodiversity

Innovative tools for learning - such as dictation and Windows Hello sign-in - can make the digital world more accessible for those who live with dyslexia, seizures, autism, or other cognitive differences.

Learning

Microsoft's tools for people with learning disabilities can help increase focus, concentration, and understanding—and include tools to improve reading and writing skills.

Mobility

A range of mobility accessibility features and products help people living with arthritis, quadriplegia, spinal cord injuries, and other mobility issues to successfully operate technology.

Mental health

Find out about mental health assistive tools for people living with issues such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, depression, or ADHD - features that can help with distraction, reading, and concentration.

Get a deep-dive into the following disability and accessibility considerations:
- hearing
- vision
- cognitive
- mental health
- physical/motor

Discover our on-demand eLearning disability training

Creating accessible deliverables

Microsoft also offer a range of polished, practical resources aimed at people creating documents and other materials - ensuring that, whatever you produce, it's able to be accessible and inclusive.

Content and mediaTwo people designing with multiple colour charts

Including:

Design 

Including:

Do you work on content and designs? Check out our training courses for Content Designers including accessible copywriting, social media and much more. 


Development

Including:

EventsCalendar displaying 'January'

Including:

  • Microsoft's Accessible events guide that provides recommendations and best practices from Microsoft for planning and executing an inclusive event.
  • A range of training videos including inclusive presentation skills, events captioning, tips on offering accessibility accommodations at events and further recommendations for all event staff.
Want to discover more events related to accessibility? Check out our Disability and accessibility-related events calendar that lists free webinars, training, awareness days and other events.


Marketing

Including:

Other accessibility resources

Microsoft have also brought together a range of useful links to the accessibility features and guidelines offered by other prominent platform providers.

Related resources

Microsoft accessibility blog
Disability inclusion playbook
Autism at work playbook (PDF)

Further resources 

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people. If you can afford it, please donate to help us support older and disabled people through technology