My recent blog, Top Seven Microsoft 365 Features To Modernize Traditional Work Habits, sparked a further conversation with a colleague about Microsoft accessibility and inclusion while we were finalizing some of the languages in the Teams transcription section. Now, I am pleased to expand on some of the accessibility and inclusion features included in several of the Microsoft products.
Let us start with a breakdown of what exactly we mean when we say accessibility and inclusion.
Accessibility refers to the degree to which a product, service, environment, or information is available and usable by individuals with disabilities. It involves designing and implementing solutions that eliminate barriers to participation and ensure equal access to opportunities, resources, and information. Accessibility can include physical modifications, such as wheelchair ramps and Braille signage, as well as digital solutions, such as closed captioning and screen reader compatibility.
Inclusion, on the other hand, refers to the practice of actively involving and valuing individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences in all aspects of society. It involves creating a sense of belonging, respect, and fairness for all individuals, regardless of their differences. Inclusion can be achieved by creating policies, programs, and practices that accommodate diverse needs, preferences, and abilities.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what accessibility and inclusion mean, we can see how Microsoft fits into this puzzle.
Microsoft is committed to creating technology that is accessible and inclusive to everyone, regardless of their ability or disability. The company recognizes that technology can be a powerful tool to help people with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives and has implemented a variety of features to make its products more accessible to people with disabilities. In this blog, we will explore some of the accessibility and inclusivity features of Microsoft products.
The following is a sample of what is offered and not an exhaustive list.
Windows Accessibility Features
Windows 10 comes with a variety of accessibility features built-in, including the following:
- Narrator: A screen reader that reads aloud on-screen content and actions for users who are blind or have low vision.
- Magnifier: A tool that magnifies the screen for users with low vision.
- High Contrast: A feature that changes the color scheme of the screen for users with low vision.
- Speech Recognition: A tool that allows users to control their computer using voice commands.
- Closed Captioning: A feature that displays captions for video and audio content.
- On-Screen Keyboard: A virtual keyboard that is controlled with a mouse, touch screen, or other pointing device.
- Eye Control: A feature that allows users to control their computer using eye movements.
- Text-to-Speech: A tool that converts written text into spoken words.
Microsoft Office Accessibility Features
Microsoft Office also has a variety of accessibility features built-in, including:
- Accessibility Checker: A tool that checks documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for accessibility issues and offers suggestions for fixing them.
- Alt Text: A feature that allows users to add alternative text descriptions to images and other visual content.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: A list of keyboard shortcuts used to navigate and control Office applications.
- Dictation: A tool that allows users to dictate text into Office applications.
- Read Aloud: A feature that reads aloud text in a document.
Microsoft Teams Accessibility Features
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that includes the following accessibility features:
- Live Captions: A feature that provides real-time captions during meetings.
- High Contrast Mode: A feature that changes the color scheme of the interface for users with low vision.
- Screen Reader Support: A feature that allows screen readers to navigate and read content in Teams.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: A list of keyboard shortcuts that can be used to navigate and control Teams.
Microsoft Edge Accessibility Features
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser for Windows 10 and includes:
- Immersive Reader: A feature that removes distractions from web pages and provides a simplified view of the content.
- Read Aloud: A feature that reads aloud text on web pages.
- High Contrast Mode: A feature that changes the color scheme of the browser for users with low vision.
- Screen Reader Support: A feature that allows screen readers to navigate and read content in Edge.
Accessibility and inclusion are closely related, as accessibility is a critical component of inclusion. By making services and environments accessible, we create an inclusive environment where everyone has equal access and opportunities to participate fully. By embracing inclusion, we promote a culture that values and celebrates diversity and ensures that everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Microsoft’s accessibility and inclusivity initiatives are reflected in the wide variety of features built into its products. Whether it’s Windows, Office, Teams, or Edge, Microsoft has made sure that its products are accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability or disability.
Contact Us
Accessibility and inclusion should be a concern for every organization, regardless of size. Contact Withum’s Digital and Technology Transformation Team today to get a deeper dive into many of Microsoft’s offerings.
