Microsoft's AI for Accessibilty program: What it is, and why it's important

Image Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft's $25 million AI for Accessibility program positions the company's accessibility mission on the cutting edge.

Microsoft announced AI for Accessibility during its 2018 Build developer conference. This multi-million dollar grant program helps companies harness the power of Microsoft's AI and cloud to enhance human capabilities for the one billion people living with disabilities.

Admittedly, Microsoft and others are partially motivated to promote inclusion to escape legal backlash, avoid negative perception for exclusionary behavior, and enhance revenue by embracing more customers. It would be naïve to assume these factors have no bearing on accessibility efforts.

It's shortsighted, however, to presume those factors are driving Microsoft's inclusive design and hiring practices. I believe Microsoft's accessibility mission is driven by the empathy of its CEO Satya Nadella.

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