Microsoft Disability Answer Desk and a Neurodivergent Approach to Accessibility:
I don’t often have good things to say about many corporations, but one seems to be serious about accessibility, while also considering, not every disability is the same. They have been helpful to me many times over the last several years. Did you know that Microsoft has a support line just for people with disabilities? It’s definitely very helpful for people who have disability related limitations with written communication. Most of the reps are also very accommodating to individuals with verbal communication issues, and even brain fog. They seem to understand, patience can be a form of accommodation to people with invisible disabilities.
The “Microsoft Disability Helpline” is open every day, and is only for persons with disabilities, or help with accessibility products. The phone menu is rather simple to navigate, and wait time to speak to a rep, is quite short. What’s the longest you’ve ever waited on hold for a customer service representative? Between the helpline, and Microsoft efforts for accessibility in areas of mental health, invisible disabilities and neurodivergence, they seem to be thinking of the disabled community as a whole.
Their accessibility webpage is very user-friendly, divided into sub-pages by disability and need. Tools for people with mobility, visual and hearing impairments, are only a small part. Among the many disability-specific links, are pages geared toward Invisible Disabilities, Neurodivergence and Mental Health, among other areas. They offer a variety of “tools to enhance focus, attention, reading comprehension, and more”. I really like the picture dictionary function. When I first found how the webpage was divided, I was kind of impressed.
Though I use a different type of voice recognition software for my limb difference disability, Microsoft offers users with the need, the ability to control their computer and dictate using voice commands. They also offer an eye-control features to help users navigate and be more productive. Microsoft’s “immersive reader” helps people with comprehension, focus and even fluency. It also provides customization options to de-clutter, or adjust color and spacing of work areas, to accommodate the individual. In many areas, they seem to understand that accommodations should be tailored to the individuals disabilities.
Obviously, for physical limitations from disability, Microsoft has a lot of tools and accessories available. The Microsoft Adaptive Joystick Button, the Adaptive-D-Pad Button and the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse Tail and Thumb Support are a few of the accessories that Microsoft has put a lot of thought into. They even offer 3D printable device designs and and share what they’ve learned, with accessible training essentials. Of course, they have some great accessories for Xbox gamers.
Aside from a variety of gaming buttons, they offer the Xbox Adaptable Controller, which for someone like me, could be a game changer. Though I was never a big gamer, I definitely enjoyed my therapeutic EA sports NHL hockey, before losing function in my hand.. With the Adaptive Controller, I could easily be back in the game, going top shelf with a bottle-knocking, wicked wrister. That’s a pretty goal that hits the goalie’s water bottle, for those of you who don’t speak for lingo. I was surprised to learn, the Adaptive Controller is only $99.
Microsoft Helpline, assisted me two weeks ago, and they’ll be helping me again next week to complete that request. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but they have been very reliable when I’ve needed assistance. I certainly respect their seemingly, neurodivergent approach to disability accessibility for all. Thanks for thinking of, and finding ways to accommodate our entire community Microsoft. In a world where some companies just terminate their accessibility teams, Microsoft seems to be setting an example that others could earn from.
The Microsoft Disability Helpline number is (800) 936-5900. Reps are available weekdays from 5 AM to 9 PM PST, and 6 AM to 5 PM PST on weekends. For ASL (American Sign Language) videophone support, call 503-427-1234 weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5 PM PST. There’s a lot more to explore at the links below.
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Featured Image courtesy of the Microsoft accessibility website.
