There are more than 1 billion people with disabilities in the world. Yet only a small percentage have access to existing and available technologies that can empower them to achieve more. When technology reflects the diversity of all those who use it, there is no limit to what individuals can achieve.

For educators, diversity demands that they provide inclusive, accessible learning environments that inspire confidence and encourage independence. Accessible technologies help students with disabilities unlock their full potential by addressing the diversity of needs. When a creative twist is applied to even the simplest of tools in a remote learning environment, the results can be life-changing.

Microsoft has many tools available, from simple to robust, to help students in multiple aspects of learning. Inclusive education tools give more learners personalized access to their curriculum, optimize teacher time, and improve learning outcomes. Schools that foster student independence and empower students to grow their potential quickly build reputations as positive places that promote equity and inclusion.

We’re developing a series of events exploring how schools can leverage Microsoft tools to create inclusive learning environments that enable and celebrate diversity, make communication accessible for all, and foster emotional learning and student well-being.

Making communication accessible for every student

In this session we will explore how certain Microsoft tools and features can be leveraged to create accessible communication for all students. Solutions such as PowerPoint Live, the Closed Captions feature in Teams and Stream, or the Translator App in tools like One Note, utilize AI to broaden the communication spectrum and empower students with various disabilities to learn at the same pace as their peers. Here are some of the questions which will be answered during the event:

What are the benefits of using PowerPoint Live in a learning context?
How do captions in Microsoft Stream help students?
What are some of the main benefits of using captions in Microsoft Teams?
What are some situations where the Translator App can be used as a stand-alone app?
How can the Translator App be used together with other tools?

Using Microsoft Tools to Make Communication Accessible