AI Agent & Copilot Podcast: How Microsoft Copilot Assists with Accessibility, Creates Inclusive Opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Overview: Imagine facing daily challenges with technology due to cognitive disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, or brain injuries. Now, with the help of AI technologies, overwhelming tasks can be simplified, which is not only helpful but "empowering and motivating to individuals with those disabilities."
• Use case: For individuals with ADHD, for example, Copilot can transform a messy list into a clean, formatted table, simplify long documents into structured summaries with clear headings, and guide users step-by-step through setting up master records. As a result, Copilot is enhancing productivity through accessibility.
• Idea generation: Shawn references the "blank canvas syndrome," which refers to the overwhelming feeling of starting a blank email or PowerPoint - something that can be even more challenging for individuals with learning disabilities, speech delays, or language barriers. However, Copilot can assist by helping find the right words and tone, making the process empowering for everyone, especially those with disabilities.
• Communication assistance: Copilot assists individuals who struggle with communicating in a non-native language by drafting polished emails and summarizing fast-moving chats, which is especially helpful for those who are visually impaired or have difficulty keeping up. Additionally, Copilot in Word can rewrite document sections to ensure clarity and inclusivity.
• Promoting agility: When discussing accessibility, it's important to go beyond alternate text and closed captions to ensure full ability and navigability. Copilot enhances accessibility by auto-tagging headlines and lists in Word for better screen reader flow, ensuring proper alt text and recommending better slide layouts in PowerPoint, flagging missing accessibility features in SharePoint, and reducing fine motor demands for users with mobility challenges.
• Encouraging neurodivergent users: Assisting neurodivergent users involves breaking big tasks into smaller steps, which can be a major barrier for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other cognitive differences, explains Shawn. Copilot can create organized to-do lists from brainstorming sessions, generate next steps after meetings, and suggest bullet points in Word and Outlook to improve clarity.
• Final thoughts: In closing, Shawn shares a few final thoughts:
  • Accessibility is for all users
  • Accessibility is not charity; it's innovation that benefits the entire world
  • When we build with accessibility in mind, it builds a better future for all