Accessibility should shape your cloud and AI strategy in Microsoft 365

Cloud migration presents an opportunity to transform business operations and make tools and systems more accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, both temporary and permanent. As companies move to the cloud, they are not only adopting a new technology, they also get an opportunity to build a more inclusive workplace. Microsoft 365, enhanced with the powerful AI features in its various Copilots, offers a range of accessibility options that can ensure that no employee is left behind.

With the right strategies, businesses can leverage these tools to create an environment where all team members can grow. The AI-driven capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot can automate repetitive tasks, provide real-time assistance, and ensure that content is accessible from the start. This proactive approach does not only enhance productivity but also enables a culture of inclusivity and innovation.

By adding accessibility to your cloud strategy, you can improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Accessible tools make it easier for employees with disabilities to perform their tasks effectively, thereby unlocking their full potential and allowing them to contribute to the overall success of your organization.

Incorporating Accessibility into Cloud Initiatives

When businesses move to the cloud, it's super important to make sure that everything is accessible for everyone. Microsoft 365’s built-in tools help make the entire cloud journey accessible for all employees. Adding AI on top of that makes it even more attractive. I have listed a few things to help you get started:

• Prioritize Accessibility: Establish specific accessibility objectives for your cloud initiatives. For example, promote features such as the Accessibility Checker to generate accessible content in Microsoft 365, and activate tools like Live Captions in Teams to enhance inclusivity in meetings.

• Educate Employees on Accessibility Tools: Ensure that employees are trained to utilize accessibility features such as Copilot’s meeting summaries, Teams live captions, and Immersive Reader. By being familiar with these tools, they can assist colleagues who require them, even if they don't need the tools themselves.

• Utilize Copilot for Creating Accessible Content: Copilots intelligent writing and editing features assists in creating more accessible documents. It can streamline language, modify document layouts for better readability, and enhance consistency, benefiting all employees including those with cognitive disabilities.

• Meeting Summaries and Action Items: Microsoft 365 Copilot and Teams Premium provides users with meeting summaries and a lists of action items after, or during, the meeting. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals who require additional time to assimilate information and appreciate having an organized follow-up.

• An assistant in meetings: Having access to Copilot during Teams meetings is a game-changer for colleagues with hearing impairments, are non-native speakers, or those who aren’t familiar with the industry terminology. They can chat with their assistant in real-time to ensure they catch every detail, get explanations for acronyms they are unaware of, and identify who made each point without having to interrupt the meeting.

Make Microsoft 365 work for everyone

The accessibility features in Microsoft 365, enhanced by AI, are revolutionizing the workplace by promoting inclusivity and empowering all employees to achieve their best. By integrating accessibility into your cloud strategy, you are not just checking off a compliance box, you are fostering a culture that values and leverages diverse talents. This approach not only enhances productivity but also drives innovation and collaboration throughout the workforce.

Imagine a work environment where every team member, regardless of their abilities, can contribute fully and confidently. This is the future we can build with the proactive use of accessibility tools. By prioritizing accessibility, you are ensuring that your organization is not only more inclusive but also more competitive and resilient in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

So, as you embark on your cloud journey, remember to make accessibility a cornerstone of your strategy. The benefits are vast. Make Microsoft 365 work for everyone, and watch your business thrive as a result.

Let's build a future where everyone has the chance to excel, together.

About the author: Patrik Wennberg is a Senior Microsoft 365 Strategist and has more than 25 years in the IT industry. Patrik has witnessed many shifts in focus and has under most of the last decade has deepened its competence within, above all, Microsoft 365- the platform. In his areas of technology, Microsoft 365 and Viva, he works actively with advice and training for their customers. It is important for Patrik to put people at the center of each project in order to optimize understanding and efficiency.