Microsoft TechTalk with Catherine Naughton: How technology is shaping the future of accessibility скачать в хорошем качестве

Microsoft TechTalk with Catherine Naughton: How technology is shaping the future of accessibility

In our latest TechTalk, Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer, Jenny Lay-Flurrie, sat down with Catherine Naughton, Executive Director of the European Disability Forum (EDF), to discuss the significance of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and its impact on digital accessibility across the European Union. The conversation took place on the heels of the European Accessibility Summit, co-hosted with the European Disability Forum, which brought together policymakers, industry, and the disability community to support the effective implementation of the EAA and discuss accessible innovation across Europe. The EAA, adopted in 2019 and now enforceable across all 27 EU member states, marks a pivotal moment for accessibility legislation in Europe. For the first time, the EAA sets harmonized requirements for accessibility in goods and services, aiming to ensure that people with disabilities can access products and services on equal terms. As Catherine Naughton explained, this legislation is not only a milestone for the disability community, estimated at around 80 million people, or 15% of the EU population, but also a catalyst for broader societal benefit. Many accessibility features, such as captions or accessible interfaces, are now widely used by people who may not identify as having a disability, demonstrating the universal value of inclusive design. “It’s a gift to the whole of society,” she said. “Many people use accessible products and services that wouldn’t consider themselves people with disabilities.” The conversation highlighted how the EAA is helping to drive innovation and opportunity for businesses. By establishing clear and consistent standards, the EAA enables companies to scale accessible solutions across the EU. Catherine pointed out that many everyday technologies, from remote controls to typewriters, originated as accessibility solutions before becoming mainstream. The EAA is expected to further accelerate this trend by making accessibility a driver of competitiveness, not just compliance. Jenny Lay-Flurrie emphasized Microsoft’s long-term commitment to accessibility and its active support of the EAA since its introduction. “Accessibility is a journey that we have been committed to for over 30 years. We view accessibility as a fundamental right, core to Microsoft’s mission to empower every person. It serves a crucially important function, making technology accessible and easier to use for everyone,” she said. However, implementing the EAA is not without challenges. With diverse languages, technologies, and enforcement agencies across member states, harmonization remains a complex task. The EDF has advocated for the creation of a European Agency for Accessibility to support knowledge sharing, standard development, and coordinated implementation. Such an agency could help ensure that both consumers and businesses can rely on a consistent approach to accessibility across the region. The discussion also explored the role of artificial intelligence in accessibility. AI-powered tools, such as automated captioning and smart home controls, offer significant benefits for people with disabilities by increasing independence and reducing everyday barriers. However, there are also risks, including potential bias in AI-driven decision-making and unequal access to AI solutions. The EDF has been actively involved in shaping the EU’s AI Act to ensure that accessibility and fundamental rights are prioritized and embedded from the start as AI technologies evolve and scale across society. Partnerships are critical to advancing accessibility in the technology space. The longstanding collaboration between Microsoft and the EDF exemplifies how industry and civil society can work together to shape policy, co-create solutions, and ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are heard and reflected in real-world innovation. As Catherine emphasized, meaningful progress depends on ongoing dialogue with the disability community and consistent commitment from policymakers, industry, and civil society. Because accessibility is a shared responsibility, strong partnerships can ensure Europe builds a more inclusive digital future—one where accessibility becomes the norm.