By Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Solutions
Today, as we observe Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), we are reminded of the transformative power of technology in creating a more accessible world. This year, we also celebrate Microsoft's 50th anniversary, a milestone that underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation. An integral component of this milestone is our dedication to supporting accessibility transformation for and with our partners and customers.
The evolution of AI for accessibility
Our dedication to accessibility is a cornerstone of our mission. The evolution of AI for accessibility has empowered us to break barriers faster than ever before, providing accessible technology options for individuals with disabilities and supporting the global neurodiverse community.
As Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared in his 50th Anniversary keynote: “Today, it’s not just about the past 50 years, it’s about the next 50.” He added, “Our future will not be defined by what we have built, but what we empower others to build.” 2025 also marks 30 years of our company-wide accessibility policy at Microsoft.
This is also a great opportunity to recognize and thank our partners for their commitment to embracing innovation and accessibility paths with Microsoft, providing access for their workforce and customers, and encouraging others to achieve the same. We are humbled by and proud of our journey together.
Key moments in our accessibility journey
Over the past year, Microsoft has committed to changing our accessibility journey and joined our partners to evolve accessible technology with Microsoft AI solutions.