With the announcement of availability of Kinect for Windows on Feb 1st, I thought it would be a great time to share some of the great possibilities that exist for the world of assistive technology. Here is a link to a project focused on the opportunity...

I am always facinated by cool science fair projects like this that take ordinary stuff and put it together to make it extraordinary! This kid uses the acceleromer in a wii-remote to control a joystick (in this case for a wheelchair) but think of the other...

Recently Microsoft released Version 3 of our Accessibility Guide for Educators. To download the guide visit http://www.microsoft.com/enable/education/default.aspx . A brief description of the Guide for Educators: This guide from Microsoft provides...

Check this out! This is the coolest Nintendo Wii Hack I have seen yet. The link has a video demo of how headtracking is used for a virtual reality interaction with the Wii. Think of all of the games that could be possible for a person with a mobility...

I have been informed that in a recent Windows Update for Windows XP there has been an accessibility related fix. Apparently there was a bug with sticky keys where sticky keys did not work when you had locked your computer. (eg. you could not log back...

Check out Vocal Joystick. This is pretty darn cool and comes to us from the folks at University of Washington. Watch the video to see how it works. Read more about the Vocal Joystick.

Belkin has introduced the N52te keyboard for gamers. But is this really a super cool alternative input device in gamers clothing? The features include 15 programmable keys with 3 keymap states, backlit display, programmable 8 way thumb pad, and the ability...

I was sent an email mail about the registration process for Twitter.by someone who uses a screenreader to use the computer. It turns out Twitter uses a standard visual CAPTCHA during registration. Unfortunately they seem to not offer any other type of...

A recent Seattle Times article highlights some of Microsoft's Assistive Technology vendor program members. I think all of these companies are super cool and on the right track technology wise. I think the mobile platform is one area where AT can help...

Rob Chambers from the Windows Speech team is creating a comprehensive list of all of the commands that Windows Speech Regognition is listening for. He has a few sections left to document but for the ones already on his blog click the link below. Rob...

Dave Williams from one of our partner companies, Dolphin Computer Access, has a Blog where he is counting down to the release of Smart Hal. Smart Hal is a screenreader for Windows Mobile based Smartphones. In his most recent post he talks about why Dolphin...

Have you seen Twitter ? I just started with it yesterday but can already tell i'm going to be addicted. You can go to my Twitter page and add yourself as a friend if you want updates from CSUN ( Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference )...

First, Joanie from the Carroll Center replied to my post about contacts here at Microsoft. It looks like we are on the same page when it comes to the need for more transparency around technology. I would also argue that this need goes for the so called...

On Tuesday Windows Vista finally shipped to consumers. For a list of compatible Assistive Technology products go to the Microsoft AT search tool ( http://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/search.aspx ) and select Windows Vista in the "Compatibe With" field...

Peter Korn of Sun and Joanmarie from the Carroll Center for the Blind have recently written about having access to developers (or the lack thereof). They both refer to the following quote... "I cannot tell you how many times I’ve come across an accessibility...

For those of you who might be attending CES this year. I will be working in the Microsoft CES booth Jan 8th - 11th, demoing Vista's Accessibility features and the new "Ease of Access Center" as well as some new hardware/software offerings we have designed...

The copyright office has extended exemptions that allow the cracking of copyright features to allow the use of screenreaders with e-books. Read the full article from TechDirt

Recently members of the Microsoft Accessibility team were interviewed by Dr. Bill Crounse as a part of his House Calls for Healthcare Professionals series of on-demand audio programming. Healthcare Professionals Webcast Channel 10 Accessibility...

Kelly Ford, a tester for the IE team, has posted some great information about IE7 and the compatibility with a number of Assistive Technologies including JAWS, Window-Eyes, Zoomtext and several Dolphin products. Visit the IE Blog for his entire summary...

Last week I was interviewed by Jeremy Curry from GW Micro for the monthly 'On the Move' radio show that he hosts. It is being broadcast later today. You can find more information at AOL Ability . Or go directly to the Chicago Lighthouse website . Jeremy...

November is open enrollment for companies to apply for membership into the Assistive Technology Vendor Program. For more information about requirements or to request an application, please visit the Microsoft Accessibility Website .