In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), Microsoft hosted a Fireside Chat, expanding on conversations about the future of accessibility, the power of AI, and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive world.
🌍 Why Accessibility Is a Core Priority
“Accessibility isn’t just a set of features — it’s a fundamental part of how we build technology.”
— Jesse Washington, National Director of AI, Collaboration, and Security, U.S. Health & Life Sciences
With over 1.3 billion people worldwide living with a disability, and 70% of those disabilities being non-apparent, inclusive design is more important than ever. As we enter the AI era, tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot are unlocking new possibilities — but only if we build them responsibly and inclusively.
“For many of us, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, it makes things possible.”
🔥 What to Expect from the Fireside Chat
Join Microsoft accessibility leaders and advocates as they share personal stories, insights, and innovations that are reshaping the future of work and technology.
🎤 Featured Topics
- Hidden Gems in Microsoft Products: lesser-known accessibility features
- How is GenAI is helping neurodivergent individuals thrive?
- Shattering Misconceptions: the biggest barrier isn’t the disability itself — it’s the assumptions others make:
- Representation Drives Innovation: How hiring people with disabilities strengthened Microsoft’s products and culture
- Your Role in Inclusion: how we can create more inclusive environments
🧰 Resources to Empower You
Whether you're a developer, educator, business leader, or ally, Microsoft offers tools to help you lead with inclusion:
🌐 External Resources
- We partnered with EY to conduct a study to measure the impact of Copilot on employees who are disabled or neurodivergent: GenAIfor accessibility: more human, not less
- Accessibility in adoption guides: Adoption guides – Microsoft Adoption
- Day in the life scenarios of copilot for accessibility: Accessibility – Microsoft Adoption
- Video series of how Microsoft employees with disabilities use Copilot: This is my Copilot
🌐 External Resources (Microsoft only)
- Learn about accessibility aka.ms/MCAPSaccessibilityToolkit
- Request an accessibility SME aka.ms/askGCAP
✅ Don’t Miss This Moment
💬 Be part of the movement to make technology — and the world — more accessible for everyone.
🚨 This isn’t just another webinar — it’s a call to action. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something meaningful.
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