Moving Beyond Physical Barriers

At Microsoft’s Ability Summit 2025, a celebration of innovation is underway. But it’s not just about removing barriers. It’s about building a world where everyone moves forward together. Like my own experiences navigating curbless sidewalks with a stroller, I understand that digital barriers are equally significant. Websites need to accommodate screen readers, captions need to sync in real-time, and AI must understand diverse voices. Azure AI Foundry is a game changer in this realm of digital evolution.

Digital Curb Cuts: A Broader Impact

The call for digital accessibility reflects more than a corporate ethos at Microsoft. Much like curb cuts, digital accessibility doesn’t just benefit those with disabilities; it enhances technology for everyone. Azure AI Foundry, alongside innovations in multimodal AI and Responsible AI (RAI), equips organizations with the tools to craft technology that truly works for all.

Real-world Transformations

Bridging Mental Health Gaps

In Kenya, where access to mental health professionals is scarce, Azure AI-powered chatbots provide essential support. Chat Care offers guidance in both English and Swahili, standing as a lifeline for millions. It exemplifies how AI transcends barriers, offering a voice to those in silence and making support more reachable than ever.

Speech Recognition Revolution

To cater to non-standard speech, the Speech Accessibility Project by Microsoft and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign aims to diversify AI capabilities further. By integrating these AI models into Azure AI Speech, diverse voices are better understood, making virtual interactions more inclusive than ever.

AI at Its Core

With Azure AI Foundry, accessibility is ingrained in every development stage, ensuring usability for all. Collaborations with EY lead to groundbreaking enhancements—grouping notifications, improving cognitive load, and refining keyboard navigation—all to make AI truly accessible.

Enabling Agents of Change

Microsoft’s Computer-Using Agent (CUA) in Azure AI Foundry empowers those with limited mobility by simplifying interaction with digital tools. CUA delivers commands through natural language, reducing dependence on traditional inputs, thus broadening digital accessibility.

A Call to Action

While efforts in accessibility can sometimes seem incremental, the impacts are profound. My advocacy for sidewalks at home bore fruit, reflecting that change can start small but resonate widely. Azure AI Foundry’s work ensures accessibility isn’t a luxury but a standard.

Celebrate with Us

Join us at the Ability Summit 2025 to envision a future free of barriers. With Azure AI, the path toward digital inclusion is wide open, inviting everyone to step forward.

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