Immediately, we’re proud to rejoice Incapacity Satisfaction Month and reaffirm our dedication to closing the incapacity divide by way of know-how and coverage. Incapacity Satisfaction Month additionally coincides with the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into regulation on July 26, 1990, and is taken into account one of the complete civil rights legal guidelines for individuals with disabilities on the planet.
At Microsoft, we imagine incapacity is a energy, and that empowering individuals with disabilities is crucial for making a extra inclusive and accessible world. We’re dedicated to closing the incapacity divide, which is the hole between the alternatives and outcomes of individuals with and with out disabilities, notably within the areas of schooling, employment, and civic participation. We acknowledge that closing the incapacity divide requires not solely modern know-how, but in addition efficient public coverage that protects the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities and full and equal participation in society.
Entry to civic participation
On this 12 months of elections, over half of the world’s inhabitants is eligible to vote and the disabled vote is highly effective! Within the US, we’re partnering with the American Affiliation of Folks with Disabilities (AAPD), AAPD’s REV UP, and the Middle for Civic Design on the Accessible Voting Information to supply assets and steering for election officers, policymakers, advocates, and voters on the best way to make elections extra accessible and inclusive. The Accessibility Voting Information accommodates particulars on accessible voting in every US state, together with early voting, voting in-person on Election Day, mail voting, and accessible vote-by-mail instruments for individuals with disabilities. The location additionally shares data on accessible voting rights and methods to advocate for voters with disabilities.
Entry to financial fairness
Within the US, we proceed to assist the elimination of Part 14(c) of the Honest Labor Requirements Act, which permits employers to pay staff with disabilities subminimum wages. Over 100,000 staff with disabilities within the US earn lower than minimal wage, generally pennies per hour. Microsoft believes in wage fairness. We pay our workers not less than minimal wage and we anticipate our suppliers to pay their workers not less than minimal wage. We’re endorsing the Transformation to Aggressive Built-in Employment Act, a bipartisan invoice that may finish subminimum wages and supply grants and technical help to assist employers transition to aggressive, built-in employment for staff with disabilities.
To be taught extra about our place, reference our feedback through the Division of Labor’s 2024 Subminimum Wage Listening Periods.
There’s additionally an array of laws, laws and agreements occurring world wide that impression the inclusion and safety of individuals with disabilities, such because the European Accessibility Act (EAA), Company Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and Internet content material and Cellular Functions laws for Title II of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (ADA). At Microsoft, we see accessibility agreements as a chance for the world to be extra inclusive, present readability, and speed up accessibility.
Accountable AI is Accessible AI
Microsoft’s Accountable AI framework contains equity, reliability and security, privateness and safety, transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. By the Accountable AI framework, Microsoft companions with firms world wide who’re offering accessible services and products. Latest partnerships with International Symbols and Cboard are examples of how AI is a part of how we are able to handle the incapacity divide by way of know-how.
International Symbols‘ work on Augmentative and Different Communications (AAC) goals to assist people with extreme speech, language, and literacy challenges customise symbols to facilitate communication. At present, International Symbols is making a device to automate image manufacturing utilizing Steady Diffusion fashions and DALL-E 3 on Azure OpenAI. Their innovation has the potential to carry new potentialities by way of extra culturally related AAC experiences in underrepresented communities world wide.
Our partnerships additionally prolong to know-how that will increase productiveness and ease of entry. As an illustration, the workforce behind Cboard is creating a brand new multi-platform software that leverages Azure OpenAI and is in-built Azure AI Studio to help individuals who use AAC in producing fast, correct responses throughout conversations. Cboard’s AI-powered resolution supplies real-time options to reinforce communication, notably for people who face challenges in verbal communication or processing conversational cues. AI coupled with partnerships with organizations like Cboard and International Symbols are mandatory as we attempt to bridge the incapacity divide collectively.
As we rejoice the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Act and Incapacity Satisfaction Month, we’re reminded of the progress that has been made world wide since that summer time of 1990 when the ADA was first handed. We’re grateful to our companions within the incapacity motion for welcoming us to their occasions and fascinating in vital conversations. This month and each month, we rejoice the expertise, ingenuity, and dedication of the worldwide incapacity neighborhood for accelerating accessibility.
When you have questions or suggestions on Accessibility at Microsoft, tell us on the Incapacity Reply Desk or check out the brand new Bing AI-powered Ask Microsoft Accessibility device. And to be taught extra about incapacity inclusion and making a extra inclusive office, try the Strengthening Groups: Foster Incapacity Inclusion studying path on LinkedIn Studying – obtainable without spending a dime till August 22, 2024.