Microsoft and Accessibility - A focus on Dyslexia and Learning Styles

Before we start, if you’re reading this in Microsoft Edge, you might want to right-click and select Read Aloud.

You can also copy and paste into Word 2016/Online/Windows app and choose the Read Aloud option. 

Our Mission

At Microsoft we have a mission statement to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. Within this, there are two key words which stand out for me as Microsoft’s accessibility evangelist: person and planet.

We have lived through an era in which “we talked about a computer on every desk and in every home.” So said Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft. Today, we live in a world where access to technology is less of an ambition, more of a reality and even an obligation. For the average person to survive in education, the workplace, or to access social services and utilities, technology is increasingly an absolute necessity. The relationship has changed.

As I think about the audience of people with disabilities who I address, the mission statement becomes much clearer. We need to empower every person including those with disabilities. We need to reach the planet and globalise the solutions we create. If we are to truly succeed in our mission, we must assist everyone accessing technology to do so in a way that suits them and help them to create their personal version of a modern interface.

Today, computers speak, can be spoken to, have artificial intelligence, are cloud connected, and have completely new ways in which we can interact. We increasingly recognise that people learn and consume text in a variety of ways. We live in a world of emoticons, symbols and spoken word. We can ask a digital assistant to give us a definition, a translation or spell a word for us. It’s important to keep up with the latest developments.

 The BDA International conference 12-14th April, Telford

 I will be attending the British Dyslexia Association International Conference in just a few weeks with our Chief Accessibility Officer, Jenny Lay-Flurrie. It’s a great opportunity to meet the driving force behind accessibility at Microsoft, learn about our approach to inclusive design and to find out about the latest developments in Windows 10, Office 365 and our supporting app ecosystem. On Thursday, 12th April, Jenny will run a masterclass entitled "Making Accessibility Matter – the Microsoft Disability Inclusion Journey." 

I’ll also be joined by our UK Dyslexia consultant, Arran Smith, who will share the history of dyslexia tech and his personal journey with Microsoft products.

Features to support dyslexia 

There is no single product that supports people with dyslexia, but the new features built in to mainstream tech are really changing how people find “what works.” We would love to see you in Telford after Easter and to show you the rich array of solutions designed with disability in focus

1.      Immersive Reader

2.      Office Lens

3.      Cortana

4.      Colour filters

5.      Read Aloud

6.      Dictation

7.      Seeing AI

There are still spaces available for both the academic conference and the family day. You can book directly with the conference team via their EventBrite booking page

If you want some further inspiration, you might like our Inclusion in Action story of Andzrej’s journey with dyslexia.

See you in Telford!

Hector Minto

Accessibility Lead, Microsoft EMEA