Microsoft surveys the Market for Assistive Technology and Accessibility

In 2003, Microsoft Corporation commissioned Forrester Research to conduct a study to measure the potential market of people in the United States who are most likely to benefit from the use of accessible technology for computers. "The Wide Range of Abilities and Its Impact On Computer Technology" is the result, which is now available on the company's site (below).

This is also the report that formed the basis of the keynote address from Madelyn Bryant McIntire from Microsoft US at the RNIB Techshare last year.

Microsoft defines 'accessible technology' as that which enables individuals to adjust their computers to meet their visual, hearing, dexterity, cognitive, and speech needs. It includes both accessibility options built into products as well as specialty hardware and software products (assistive technology products) that help individuals interact with a computer.

The goals of the study were to identify the range of physical and cognitive abilities among working-age adults and current computer users in the United States, the types of difficulties and impairments that limit the scope of activities and their degree of severity, and the number of people who could potentially benefit from using accessible technology.

This report contains a summary of the study and presents its findings about individuals who are likely to benefit from the use of accessible technology. It also includes findings about working-age adults and computer users and presents data about the aging population in the US and its impact on computer use. It concludes with statements about how these findings affect the information technology (IT) industry.

Associated Link: The Wide Range of Abilities and Its Impact On Computer Technology

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