April 23, 2024

As we commemorate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, it’s important to recognize the tireless efforts of the disability advocates who have championed inclusive digital spaces. Their work underscores the importance of accessibility for all and ensures that everyone can participate in our online world. On Global Accessibility Awareness Day and every day, Microsoft Edge affirms its commitment to making the internet accessible to everyone. Learn more about Microsoft Edge’s accessible browser features in this guide.

The history of Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) was established in 2012. The idea was conceived by Joe Devon, a Los Angeles-based web developer. Devon recognized the need for more discussion on digital accessibility and the importance of raising awareness among developers and website owners. Devon brought his idea to life through a blog post, which sparked widespread dialogue and education about accessibility.

GAAD is observed every year on the third Thursday of May. The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion for people with varied abilities.

Assistive technology for people with low vision

Now that we’ve covered the importance of GAAD, let’s discuss some adaptive tech solutions in Microsoft Edge and how they work. Microsoft Edge allows users with low vision to customize their cursor, a helpful feature for easier navigation. This function allows users to adjust the size and color of the cursor, making it easier to navigate webpages.

In addition to cursor customization, Microsoft Edge offers a host of other features designed to assist users with low vision. For instance, the browser supports screen readers, which convert text into speech and can work with Braille displays to help users understand the content on a webpage.

Assistive listening features

For users with a hearing disability, Microsoft Edge offers assistive listening features. These features include closed captions and descriptive audio for video and images, providing a more complete browsing experience for all users. The browser also supports mono audio, which combines the left and right audio channels into a single channel, making it easier for users with hearing loss in one ear to receive all audio content.

Adaptive tech solutions in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is more than just a web browser; it’s a tool designed to cater to diverse needs. Here are additional accessibility features built into Microsoft Edge:

• Immersive Reader. Microsoft Edge’s Immersive Reader includes a text-to-speech function, allowing users to listen to web content free of distractions. This feature is particularly useful for users with dyslexia or other reading difficulties.
• Read Aloud. Another text-to-speech function in Microsoft Edge, Read Aloud is an AI-powered feature that can read text aloud in a variety of natural-sounding voices, languages, accents, and at different reading paces. This convenient feature allows users to listen to a news article or an important PDF while taking care of other tasks. Read Aloud is also readily available on the Microsoft Edge mobile app.
• Ease of access settings. Accessibility settings like high-contrast themes and magnifier capabilities make browsing easier for users with low vision.
• Keyboard navigation. For users who find it difficult to use a mouse, Microsoft Edge supports keyboard navigation and voice typing. Keyboard navigation allows users to browse the web using only their keyboard, and voice typing lets them input text using their voice.

The future of accessibility for Microsoft Edge

Looking ahead, Microsoft Edge continues to innovate and expand its suite of adaptive tech solutions. The aim is to ensure that the browser remains a tool that caters to the diverse needs of all users, regardless of ability. By doing so, Microsoft Edge is not just a web browser, but a gateway to a shared digital world. Experience the difference with Microsoft Edge today!