Hello AURC Members!
Thank you for supporting the Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC) and spreading the word about the AURC to others with disabilities. Our network of consumers, researchers, developers, and engineers continue to focus on improving and advancing the accessibility and usability of Microsoft products and services through AURC efforts. We thank you for your involvement with our projects and continued support.
Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
The National Disability Employment Awareness Month takes place annually each October. It is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and educate others about the value of including skilled and talented people with disabilities in the workforce. This year’s theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now”
AURC Program Update
Recent AURC accessibility projects include:
Survey feedback from people with physical disabilities or physical differences on their experiences interacting with sensor technology
Interviews to get a better understanding of how individuals with visual impairment use apps and other tools, such as white canes and service animals as they navigate their surroundings and to understand their process of discovery, adoption, and abandonment of apps used for navigational purposes
Interviews carrying out blue sky discussions with people representing various disability communities as part of the inclusive design process
Usability testing of a gaming application by people who rely on screen readers
We are looking forward to getting feedback from members on upcoming projects dealing with:
Speech recognition software
Outlook for Mac
Accessibility of Outlook for individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders
Tell Us About Your AT Journey
Do you use assistive technology (AT)? We are inviting people who use assistive technology to help us better understand the AT user journey. We would also like to learn more about your accessibility and usability needs and interests. If you would like to learn about this study (AURC 63) or participate in this survey, please click here.
Talking Topics
Accessibility Learning Webinar series helps inform customers on Microsoft accessibility features like Narrator, Learning Tools, Xbox Adaptive Controller, Office Simplified Ribbon and much more. Information about upcoming webinars can be accessed here and you can also review videos of Archived Sessions at aka.ms/accessibilitywebinars.
Microsoft Accessibility Megaphone is a quarterly publication of new accessible technology now available to customers. Check out the new accessibility features, Power Point Presenter Coach, Accessible PDF’s Made Easier, and more features released recently: Microsoft Accessibility Features
Microsoft Accessibility Resources
We are happy to share resources to help you learn more about Microsoft Accessibility.
You can always stay connected on Twitter. Our handle is @MSFTEnable and Megan Lawrence @accessgeo.
CHECK OUT our website for you to discover Microsoft’s inclusive culture and Accessibility in Windows, Office, Xbox, and more.
The Microsoft Accessibility Features Sway outlines the accessible projects we have by disability type. Now you can easily discover what kind of technology we have for you and your community.
Inclusive hiring and reducing the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is top of mind for Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Microsoft Chief Accessibility Officer. Don’t miss our inclusive hiring website where you can look for jobs and get connected with our hiring community.
Please remember to let others know about the Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC) at https://accessibilityuserresearchcollective.org/
