Enhancing Accessibility with Microsoft and HumanWare

Introduction

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of technology that can unlock opportunities for everyone. Microsoft, in collaboration with HumanWare, is dedicated to creating accessible products that empower individuals with disabilities to be more productive and independent. This tutorial will guide you through the use of HumanWare Braille devices with Microsoft Surface, showcasing how these tools can transform the lives of blind users.

HumanWare and Microsoft Partnership

HumanWare develops products that are accessible to blind people worldwide. Their Braille devices act as screens for the blind, converting visual text into Braille. These devices are now compatible with the Microsoft Designed for Surface program, allowing seamless integration with Microsoft Surface devices.

Braille Displays

HumanWare offers three different Braille displays, which are now compatible with Microsoft Surface. These displays extract text from a visual screen and present it in Braille, enabling blind users to interact with their devices in their preferred medium.

Microsoft’s Commitment to Accessibility

At Microsoft, accessible technology is seen as a fundamental building block that can unlock opportunities in every part of society. The partnership with HumanWare is part of Microsoft’s journey to help everyone across the spectrum of disabilities be more productive.

Testing and Development

Working with blind individuals is crucial for testing and ensuring the functionality of accessible products. This hands-on approach helps Microsoft and HumanWare create reliable and effective tools for blind users.

Practical Applications

HumanWare Braille devices and Microsoft Surface can be used for various tasks, demonstrating the practical applications of these technologies.

Cooking and Entrepreneurship

Blind users can share their passion for cooking through live sessions on the web, using their Microsoft Surface and Braille display to interact with their audience and read comments. This setup allows them to showcase their independence and skills.

Music Promotion

Blind users can assist in releasing and promoting music online. Using Microsoft Word to keep and correct lyrics and Excel to track song rights, the combination of a Braille display and Microsoft Surface enables efficient management of these tasks. 

By Mohammad Zaripour