Microsoft brings accessibility to the forefront with new initiative

Technology-giant Microsoft has announced that it will be introducing accessible platforms to its products and services by increasing disability hiring campaigns and investing in software that will help improve graduation rates among college students with disabilities in science, engineering, technology, engineering and math.

“This new initiative will bring together each part of Microsoft’s company with an emphasis on three objectives: Spurring the growth of accessible engineering across our sector and the market; utilizing this particular technology to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to join the workforce, and developing a workplace that’s more inclusive for individuals with disabilities, “wrote Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, at a recent blog article regarding the five-year strategy to tackle the disability divide.

This move indicates a much stronger commitment than in year's past, by improving accessibility in products and services including Microsoft 365 and Microsoft-owned LinkedIn and GitHub in addition to a new funding for assistive technology.

Additionally, Smith suggested that Microsoft enlarge its inclusive hiring applications to reach more nations and individuals with a wider selection of disabilities. The business will use its suppliers to make a “culture of access” and associate with other companies and nonprofits to help alleviate the route to employment for individuals with disabilities,” he explained.

“Individuals with disabilities represent a few of the world’s biggest untapped ability pools. However, all of us must behave with a bolder vision to enable disabled ability to attain greater,” Smith wrote.

Learn more about Microsoft’s Accessibility commitment here.

Sources: itechbrand.com, Microsoft