Microsoft Ability Summit 2025: Advancing Accessibility in the Age of AI

Today marked an exciting day as we hosted the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit. This year, over 20,000 participants from 164 countries tuned in virtually to explore the future of AI and accessibility. For more than 30 years, Microsoft’s been at the forefront of accessibility innovation, kicking off this journey with features in Windows 95 and continuing to forge new paths with cutting-edge AI-driven hardware and software. Our commitment is unwavering, and it’s people with disabilities who guide our progress.

Accessibility is not a mere feature; it’s a core right. It simplifies technology not just for those with disabilities, but for everyone. The evidence is clear in how people worldwide engage with Microsoft tech. The power of Copilot for Microsoft 365 has transformed workplace productivity. Each month, more than 10 million users leverage Edge’s Read Aloud feature, and over a million take advantage of Immersive Reader for easier web page consumption. Partners like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are extending AI’s reach to people with disabilities globally, showcasing just a fraction of the insights and advancements shared during today’s event.

Want a quick dive into what was unveiled at the 2025 Ability Summit? Here’s what’s new.

In 2025, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick made its debut, now available exclusively through the Microsoft Store. With more than 429 million players with disabilities around the world, each player’s gaming style is unique. This wired controller is uniquely tailored for gamers with limited mobility, offering versatility to seamlessly integrate with existing setups. Development of the joystick was heavily influenced by the Gaming and Disability community, who have played an integral role from day one. It joins our lineup of adaptive tools, which includes the mouse, pen, adaptive kit, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. For detailed information, Xbox Support has you covered.

Every piece of Microsoft hardware arrives in packaging that’s not just accessible but sustainable too—say goodbye to plastic clamshells! Today, the Packaging and Content Team showcased their Accessible Packaging Design Guide at the Summit. This guide is packed with strategies, practical tips, and best practices, all aimed at creating packaging that builds a trusted customer experience.

Throughout the Summit, Microsoft teams and partners showcased their efforts to push accessibility through tech innovations:

– Tobii Dynavox announced the integration of Microsoft Neural Voice, an Azure AI Speech capability, into their assistive communication solutions. This feature supports over 50 languages, offering personalized voice options for users of devices controlled by eye gaze within apps like TD Talk and TD Phone.

– Microsoft Teams is enhancing its Sign Language View. By year’s end, it will automatically recognize sign language users and place them prominently in meetings. It’s another step forward in providing accessible communication for everyone through continuous product development.

– Copilot is empowering neurodiverse talent. An EY study highlighted that Copilot improved performance for 76% of neurodiverse employees by boosting communication, memory, and focus. We shared insights at the Summit on how simple tools like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer are making work more accessible. In New York, four early adopters shared their transformative experiences.

We’re also rolling out rich image descriptions powered by AI to Narrator in Windows Insider Preview this spring, and the Azure AI Foundry team introduced UI tweaks aimed at minimizing cognitive load.

Our Accessibility Skilling program has reached over 5 million learners globally, thanks to partners like Teach Access, Computacenter UK, and the City of New York. The training, which includes the latest AI advancements, is free and ready for use in learning management systems.

A remarkable 60% improvement in speech recognition is part of the Speech Accessibility Project, spearheaded by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Azure’s platform team even demonstrated how GitHub Copilot helps in writing accessible code.

Special Olympics highlighted how Copilot has revolutionized training for their athletes and coaches, especially for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, preparing for the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

These innovations are driven by individuals who design technology with accessibility in mind, ensuring that these advancements benefit all. This principle is beautifully encapsulated by Dave Dame, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors, who shared how accessible technology helps him excel as a leader.

Looking forward, Microsoft’s alliance with accessibility spans three decades. Accessibility isn’t just about ease of use; it’s a catalyst for global innovation. From early breakthroughs like Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 to more recent tools like Seeing AI, our strides continue to reshape technology in ways both anticipated and unforeseen. For instance, consider how closed captions have become indispensable for all forms of video content.

AI promises unprecedented growth across every industry and societal facet, and Microsoft remains steadfast in ensuring these advancements responsibly reach those who need them most.

Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned participant of the Ability Summit, we’re thrilled to have you with us. We hope you’ve discovered a new feature, skill, or insight that can empower you, your community, or your organization. All the content from the event will be available to watch afterward.

Onward together, embracing the future with open arms.