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

Today, we had the pleasure of hosting the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, bringing together a staggering 20,000-plus participants from 164 countries—virtually, of course. This gathering was all about diving into the future of accessibility fueled by AI. Microsoft’s dedication to making tech accessible isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a commitment that’s been woven into our business ethos for over thirty years. We began this journey with accessibility features in Windows 95 and have now integrated new AI-powered hardware and software capabilities. Our pace of innovation is lightning-fast, and our inspiration often comes from people with disabilities who guide us.

Accessibility isn’t just a luxury—it’s a fundamental human right. It not only empowers those with disabilities but also simplifies tech for everyone. Just take a look around and you’ll see its impact. For example, Microsoft 365’s Copilot is revolutionizing workplace productivity. More than 10 million people prefer using Edge to have webpages read aloud, while Immersive Reader supports over a million users in making text more digestible. Partners like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are incorporating AI to assist individuals with disabilities worldwide. And these examples only scratch the surface of what we unpacked today!

Here’s a snapshot of the exciting new products, features, and programs unveiled at the 2025 Ability Summit.

What’s new in 2025?

We introduced the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, now exclusively available at the Microsoft Store. With 429 million players globally who have disabilities, it’s clear that each gamer has their unique style and preferences. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is designed with these diversities in mind, catering particularly to players with limited mobility. It integrates smoothly with existing gaming setups. Developed with input from the Gaming and Disability community, this joystick is a proud addition to our line of adaptive devices, which includes a mouse, pen, and the well-known Xbox Adaptive Controller. Further details are available on Xbox Support.

In a move towards accessibility and sustainability, all our devices now come in new, user-friendly packaging. Gone are the days of cumbersome plastic containers! To extend this initiative, our Packaging and Content Team released the Accessible Packaging Design Guide at today’s Summit. It’s filled with practical advice for crafting inclusive packaging, ensuring everyone feels accommodated and respected.

Beyond Microsoft’s own developments, our partners are also pushing accessibility forward. Tobii Dynavox is stepping up by integrating Microsoft Neural Voice, a game-changing Azure AI Speech capability, into their assistive communication tech. This offers users customizable, AI-driven voices in over 50 languages. Meanwhile, Microsoft Teams is committed to enhancing the experience for users of sign language. By the end of the year, the platform will automatically spotlight sign language users during meetings, demonstrating our progressive vision for communication.

AI reaches Narrator by offering rich image descriptions and the Azure AI Foundry rolled out improvements designed to streamline user experience. On the education front, our Accessibility Skilling program has empowered over five million learners worldwide, thanks to collaborations with Teach Access, Computacenter UK, and The City of New York. The free, digital course material includes cutting-edge information on AI and is open to institutions for integration into their training systems.

The Speech Accessibility Project, spearheaded by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has notably increased speech recognition accuracy for atypical speech patterns by up to 60%. And let’s not forget the role of Copilot as an impactful training tool for Special Olympics coaches and athletes, especially as they prepare for the upcoming World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

All this progress stems from people who consider accessibility from the outset of technology design. This inclusive perspective fosters productivity and efficiency for everyone. Dave Dame, our Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors, exemplifies this in his leadership and serves as a testament to how inclusive technology can empower individuals.

Onward

For over three decades, Microsoft has remained steadfast in our pursuit of accessibility, a goal that enhances usability and sparks innovation. From pioneering efforts like Sticky Keys in Windows 95 to modern marvels like Seeing AI and beyond, our accessibility initiatives often have far-reaching benefits beyond our initial expectations. Just consider how closed captions have become indispensable across media and digital conversations.

AI holds tremendous promise to offer breakthroughs across every sector. At Microsoft, we intend to harness this potential responsibly and equitably, ensuring the latest advancements reach those who stand to gain the most.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time attendee of the Ability Summit, thank you for being part of this journey. We hope you discovered something new and beneficial for yourself, your community, or your organization. You can revisit all the content from today’s event at your leisure.

Let’s continue to make strides together.