Microsoft wins the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) yesterday announced that it will honour Microsoft with the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award  for its role in creating more accessible products and improving the accessibility of their already-popular products. AFB mentioned the following reason for giving this award to Microsoft.

Microsoft is being honored for its significant strides in developing inclusive technologies to empower people with disabilities. Examples include the launch of the Seeing AI app, which narrates the world for people who are blind or have sight loss. Eye Control on Windows 10 is a new input that allows individuals with severe mobility issues, such as those that stem from Lou Gehrig’s disease, to communicate and use a computer with only the movement of their eyes. Many of the enhancements in Office 365 include accessibility improvements, such as optical character recognition in Office Lens, which inputs content directly into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. For entertainment, Xbox One updates, like Copilot and the Accessibility API, make the system even more accessible to people with disabilities.

“This year’s recipients capture the spirit of Helen Keller’s belief in the power of effecting social change,” said Kirk Adams, AFB president and CEO. “All of the awardees are making a dramatic difference in the lives of people with disabilities, and we are thrilled to recognize their accomplishments.”

Great work, Microsoft!