Windows 11: Microsoft Aims to Put Accessibility First
Computing should be for everyone, and Microsoft is leaning into this idea, as shown by a recently published blog post called, “Making Windows 11 the most inclusively designed(Opens in a new window) version of Windows yet.” The post offers a defined set of principles for inclusive design(Opens in a new window).
Windows 11 product managers have done even more. Instead of coming out with an accessibility feature and then testing it on users with disabilities, they're now bringing in those users from the start. The company has even created a suite of adaptive input hardware, shown below.
Below, we highlight just some of the accessibility options available to Windows 11 users. The assistive features fall into four broad categories: Vision, Hearing, Mobility, and Neurodiversity. For specific needs, Microsoft maintains a Disability Answer Desk(Opens in a new window), and it’s subjected its accessibility tools to the DHS’s Trusted Tester(Opens in a new window) Conformance tests along with using its own usability testing. Finally, the company hosts an annual Ability Summit(Opens in a new window) to highlight devices, software, and its Inclusive Tech Lab.
Microsoft's accessibility leader Jeff Petty writes that the company aims to bridge the “accessibility divide”(Opens in a new window) by making computer usage not only possible, but also "delightful" for people with disabilities. And it’s worth noting that many of these features can benefit everyone. Who wouldn’t appreciate being able to have text read to them? Or to speak rather than type? Larger screen items and text? Or removing distractions for better concentration? And temporary accessibility needs can arise for anyone. For example, you might sprain a hand and be unable to
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