Summer 2019 AURC Newsletter

Welcome!
Thank you for your continued participation in the Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC). Our network of consumers, researchers, developers, and engineers focus on improving and advancing the accessibility and usability of Microsoft products and services.

Microsoft Visits Shepherd Center
Microsoft team members visited Shepherd Center in late March. Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions. Researchers from Shepherd Center’s Crawford Research Institute manage all of the AURC projects.

During their visit, Microsoft team members learned about how assistive technology professionals are using Eye Gaze to help people with quadriplegia be more independent. They also witnessed how therapists are integrating gaming technology via the Xbox adaptive controller into their everyday clinical practice. This was a successful visit that we hope will continue to create more collaboration.

AURC Program Update
Recent AURC accessibility projects include:

  • Xbox usability testing on the updated features of Minecraft for gamers with low vision or blindness

  • Feedback on the use of built-in high contrast features while web browsing for low-vision users

  • Accessibility testing of an internal management program by people with a variety of disabilities

  • Accessibility testing of informational and educational videos on Microsoft Office products

We are looking forward to getting feedback from members on upcoming projects dealing with:

  • AI and mobility

  • Apps used for navigation

Results from “Share Your Opinions”
In last edition of the AURC Newsletter, members answered questions about their current user needs and perceptions as it relates to accessibility, usability, and technology. A lot of great feedback was captured. Just over 200 participants completed this questionnaire in the short time period the survey was open. Most participants, 67.4%, perceived Microsoft products as accessible or very accessible and many reported Microsoft products help them in their ability to function independently.

Many of you have noticed the progress that Microsoft has made in accessibility and usability (e.g., Narrator, Office) and you are looking forward to Microsoft’s continued efforts to the accessibility of improve products and services. We are pleased to announce the start of our new year of partnership with Microsoft to make just that happen. So, stay tuned! We will be looking for your feedback on new projects.

Thank you again to all who participated in this survey. Data from this questionnaire is a way Microsoft is including people with disabilities in their design and development processes and making informed decisions about accessibility and usability.

Talking Topics

  • New! In response to customer requests for product training, the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk team has recently started an Accessibility Learning Webinar series to help inform customers on Microsoft accessibility features like Narrator, Learning Tools, Xbox Adaptive Controller, Office Simplified Ribbon and much more. Learn more about the upcoming webinars and review the recorded videos under Archived Sessions at aka.ms/accessibilitywebinars.

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/