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Microsoft Ability Summit 2022

Increasing our focus on inclusive technology

In recent years, tied to Microsoft’s mission of empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more, teams from across Microsoft have launched several products and features to make technology more inclusive and accessible. Today, as part of the 12th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, we celebrate a new and expanded Inclusive Tech Lab, powerful new software features, and are unveiling Microsoft adaptive accessories designed to give people with disabilities greater access to technology.

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Inclusive Tech Lab

Three people sitting inside the Inclusive Tech Lab, holding gaming controllers
The Inclusive Tech Lab was created as an embassy for people with disabilities.

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Two people standing inside the Inclusive Tech Lab; holding devices and smiling
The Inclusive Tech Lab was designed to demonstrate what is possible when you intentionally and proactively include people with disabilities in the product-making process.

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Four people sitting inside the Inclusive Tech Lab at desks; having a conversation and looking at a large screen
Intentionally and proactively including people with disabilities in the product-making process demonstrates what's possible.

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Person sitting inside the Inclusive Tech Lab; smiling at the camera
The new Inclusive Tech Lab is a design incubator where Microsoft and disability communities can ideate and evaluate product design and direction.

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Person outside in front of the Inclusive Tech Lab; smiling
Created as an embassy for people with disabilities, the Inclusive Tech Lab is a design incubator where Microsoft and disability communities can ideate and evaluate product design and direction.

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Devices

Someone using a new Microsoft adaptive accessory
Microsoft adaptive accessories empower people and are designed in partnership with the disability community.

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Someone using a new Microsoft adaptive accessory
Each person can create their ideal setup, increase productivity and use their favorite apps more effectively.

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Several new Microsoft adaptive accessories
Each accessory is designed in partnership with the disability community to empower people who may have difficulty using a traditional mouse and keyboard.

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Several new Microsoft adaptive accessories, with two being used by someone
The new Microsoft adaptive accessories provide a highly adaptable, easy-to-use system.

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Windows 11

Someone using the voice access feature in Windows 11 to enable a command on an open webpage on their screen
Voice access is a new experience that enables everyone, including people with mobility disabilities, to control their PC and author text using their voice.  

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Narrator screen of natural voices available in Windows 11
Developed based on customer feedback, we are bringing three new natural voices to Narrator to provide delightful reading experiences for people who are blind. 

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User enabling live captions in Windows 11 on an open webpage on their screen
Live captions can transcribe any form of audio content on Windows 11 from places like the web and Teams, and can even transcribe your microphone audio.

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User selecting a natural voice in Narrator in Windows 11; options show Aria and Jenny
Developed based on customer feedback, we are bringing three new natural voices to Narrator to provide delightful reading experiences for people who are blind. 

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Someone using the Focus feature in Windows 11 to set a "do not disturb" timer for 30 minutes
With new Focus features built into Windows 11, you can turn on do not disturb with a simple toggle on or off. We’ve even created focus sessions so you can set timers for focus.

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Microsoft Edge

Someone using Editor in Microsoft Edge for a LinkedIn post
Editor in Microsoft Edge helps you be more productive online, empowering everyone to write more confidently with clarity and efficiency as they complete work and personal tasks.

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Someone using the text prediction feature in Editor in Microsoft Edge for a LinkedIn post
The text prediction feature in Editor in Microsoft Edge helps improve everyone’s writing skills, whether you’re dyslexic or dysgraphic, writing in a second language, or correcting basic grammar or spelling errors.

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Someone using Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge
Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge easily removes distractions from the web, so you can focus on the task of reading. It’s especially helpful for people with ADHD, color blindness or those who find some websites overwhelming.

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Gaming

Filter capability highlighted in Xbox Store, with RPG search applied, showing 5 different games and highlighting Shadowrun: Dragonfall.
The Accessibility Feature Tags were developed specifically to make it easier for players to find games that have one or more of 20 accessibility features.

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Filter capability highlighted in Xbox Store, with adjustable difficulty and On-Demand Tutorials tag under GamePlay category selected,  and both tags applied.  
The 20 accessibility features include Custom Volume Controls, No Quick Time Events or Subtitle Options. 

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Filter capability highlighted in Xbox Store, with adjustable difficulty tag under GamePlay category in focus.  Zero tags applied.  
Developed specifically to make it easier for players to find games, there are 20 Accessibility Feature Tags.

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Filter capability highlighted in Xbox Store, with adjustable difficulty tag under GamePlay category selected, On-Demand Tutorials in focus.  One tag, Adjustable Difficulty, applied.  
Accessibility features such as Custom Volume Controls, No Quick Time Events or Subtitle Options were developed specifically to make it easier for players to find games.

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Xbox Accessibility Guidelines V3.0 landing page with introduction and overview of XAG components. Key updates of motion settings and Mental Health Best Practices highlighted with Green outline. 
The Xbox Accessibility Guidelines is a free resource for game creators, and a new update will include the addition of best practices on mental health, motion sickness and clarity on text sizing.

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Gaming Developer Accessibility Resource Hub landing page shown in light mode with accessibility guidance, documentation, courses and trainings, conferences, testing tools and developer tools 
The new Gaming Developer Accessibility Resource Hub provides a single place for developers to start their accessibility journey.

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Gaming Developer Accessibility Resource Hub landing page shown in dark mode with accessibility guidance, documentation, courses and trainings, conferences, testing tools and developer tools 
A wealth of resources is available at the Gaming Developer Accessibility Resource Hub, including testing tools, developer resources, conferences talks and guidelines.

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Several blocky characters stand outside a school entrance in Minecraft: Education Edition’s BuildAbility, a new accessibility themed world made in collaboration with the Peel District School Board in Ontario, Canada. 
BuildAbility in Minecraft: Education Edition is a new accessibility themed world made in collaboration with the Peel District School Board in Ontario, Canada.

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