Introduction
It's important for all products and devices to be designed with accessibility in mind so that people of all abilities can have an enjoyable, engaging, and productive experience.
People have a wide range of skills and abilities, so how people interact with technology varies greatly. For example, if you have low vision, it can be challenging to navigate a website that isn't accessible. Similarly, following along in a meeting can be challenging if you have a hearing disability or if you don't speak the same language as the person who's presenting.
In addition to accessibility for your users, you need to be mindful of accessibility for app makers, system customizers, and all team members who are building the apps and automation that your end users will eventually consume. When interacting with your customers, you should also take steps to ensure that an accessible experience is available to all.
Microsoft's mission statement is "to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more." When you build with accessibility from the beginning of your own projects, you can also support that mission.
Details about international standards for accessibility are widely available. To get started, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) shares its recommendations on its website. Continue with this module to learn more about accessibility in business applications for users, makers, and stakeholders.
For more about accessibility, see Introduction to disability and accessibility.