Microsoft and Accessibility Technology

1
Microsoft and Accessibility Technology

• Barry Preppernau, Director
• Accessibility Disabilities Group
• Microsoft Corporation
• USA

2

Microsofts Commitmentto Accessibility

• Accessibility features premiered in 1988
• Key accessibility features are now built directly
  into the Windows operating system and major
  programs
• Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA) technology
  provides the infrastructure to enable software
  and hardware manufacturers to support
  accessibility
• Microsoft has actively worked with the US
  government on guidelines for accessibility

3
The Importance of Accessibility to the IT
Industry

• Accessible products are easier for everyone
  regardless of ability, thus increasing
  productivity globally
• The disability community represents a significant
  market, which is growing with the aging
  population
• Enabling people with disabilities will provide an
  influx of motivated and capable individuals to
  help alleviate the IT labor shortage

4
Strong Partnershipsare the Key to Success

• Industry Advocacy Groups Government
  Accessibility
• There is no single solution!
• Research and innovation must be encouraged and
  nurtured
• Corporate accessibility efforts can be boosted by
  governmental support

5
Todays Solutions MustEvolve Into Tomorrow

• Rapid changes in IT demand flexibility to ensure
  the technology barrier does not increase
• Overly strict or conflicting guidelines may have
  the unwanted side-effect of diverting resources
  from innovation
• Education is vital to the success of any solution

6
Best Practices at Work Today

• Able to Work Consortium
• Web Accessibility Initiative (W3C)
• Domestic and international hardware and software
  partnerships
• Enable video
• http//www.microsoft.com/enable